2023 Billy Button ‘The Renegade’ Refosco

Refosco is a relatively rare variety in Australia that originates from Friuli in North East Italy. It is naturally very high in the compound rotundone, which is responsible for the pepper character in red wines. It is a high acid, late ripening variety that tends to produce lighter bodied wines with lovely perfume.

Say 'ref-osk-oh'

Production Notes

Batches were destemmed direct to open tubs and inoculated with selected yeast. The ferments were gently plunged twice daily and pressed out after sugar dryness. Parcels were filled to Flexcube and matured on lees for 8 months prior to blending, crossflow filtration and bottling in January 2024.

Tasting notes

Bright cherry, entwined with aromatic violets, spring herbs and a dense spiciness that alludes to this variety’s telltale characteristics. Medium bodied, with fine tannins.  A highly drinkable wine!

Technical details

Vineyards:         Greenacres Vineyard, Merriang South

Region:             Alpine Valleys

Alcohol:            12.5%

Volume Made:  105 dozen

Winemaker:      Glenn James and Jo Marsh

Reviews

SILVER medal at the Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show

"Kinda edgy, kinda peppery and savoury and definitely a wine you would call upon when tackling a charcuterie board. Refrosco brings a definite individual style to the glass. It gets the gastric juices working overtime with a structure built around a strong tannic presence, supported by briar, earth, bramble and undergrowth and lifted by spice and wild herbs." Awarded 93 points, Halliday Wine Companion, Jeni Port - Published 07 August 2024