2022 Billy Button Rosso, Alpine Valley King Valley

A blend of shiraz, tempranillo and refosco made with punchy, early drinking in mind. Certainly packs a lot of fruit flavour into a small pricepoint. Cherry, plum, raspberry and heady spice in the vein of red licorice and anise run fast across the tongue, dispensing a fruit fuelled energy matched by lively acidity. So much to like here.

89 points Jeni Port winecompanion.com.au

Billy Button Rosso from Victoria’s Alpine and King Valleys is a bright and expressive cool climate red that showcases Jo Marsh’s talent for creating wines that are both playful and precise. Jo is one of Australia’s most creative winemakers, known for her love of Italian varieties and her ability to translate the energy of the mountains into every bottle. The Rosso is her take on an Italian inspired blend, typically featuring grapes such as Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Barbera and Lagrein. Each variety adds its own layer of character, from cherry brightness to savoury spice and soft tannin, resulting in a wine that is full of charm, balance and vitality.

The fruit is sourced from high altitude vineyards in the Alpine and King Valleys, where cool nights and sunny days create the perfect conditions for slow ripening and lively natural acidity. Grapes are harvested by hand and fermented gently in small batches to retain freshness and perfume. A short period of ageing in seasoned French oak rounds out the texture while keeping the focus on pure fruit and bright aromatics.

In the glass, Billy Button Rosso shines a vibrant ruby red. The nose offers red cherries, raspberries and cranberries intertwined with rose petals, dried herbs and a gentle earthy spice. The palate is medium bodied, juicy and smooth, with flavours of ripe red fruit, hints of anise and savoury undertones. Fine tannins and crisp acidity bring balance and length to a silky finish. It is a red that feels effortlessly drinkable yet refined, brimming with mountain freshness.

This wine is made for sharing and pairs beautifully with wood fired pizza, tomato and basil pasta, charcuterie or grilled lamb skewers. It also shines slightly chilled on a warm afternoon. Best enjoyed in its youthful vibrancy within five years of release, it is a wonderful example of how Jo Marsh captures the Alpine Valleys’ natural brightness and spirit.