Delinquente 'Screaming Betty' Vermentino 2022 (750 ml)

Bold and bright, a distinct passionfruit, tropical vibe presents up front, a continued development in the angle we’re taking the Vermentino. Structural and herbaceous – lemon thyme grassiness holds fort on the palate with a subdued citrus, stonefruit push providing a counterpoint in the background. Classic Vermentino on the finish – briney, seaspray savouriness again turned up a little – lots of flavour, lovely acidity, old world in feel - a unique interpretation of Vermentino in this country.

Wild fermented in stainless steel, the wine also spent 4 weeks on fine lees, stirred twice weekly, giving it a beautiful, textural edge not often found in Australian Vermentino’s. The cooler vintage conditions meant that acids remained high, even as sugar levels increased and flavours developed, meaning we have a little higher ABV than previous years, but also more depth of flavour, whilst not compromising freshness and drinkability.

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Delinquente makes small batch, minimal intervention wines from Southern Italian grape varieties grown in the Riverland, South Australia.

We were born and raised in the Riverland, surrounded by vineyards and the mighty Murray River. Delinquente is our attempt at making the best wine we can from the place we grew up. Organically grown, minimal intervention, honest, hand-made wines that not only are great fun to drink, but represent the sun, the red dirt and uniquely Australian terroir of the Riverland.

The Riverland can be very hot and very dry, particularly through the vines growing season. For that reason, we’ve chosen to work with Southern Italian grape varieties – varieties that are suited to the climate, need less water and are naturally drought resistant, are late ripening and retain natural acidity. In this way, they are more environmentally sustainable, and allow us to make wines with lower alcohol levels but heaps of freshness and flavour.

Delinquente is “delinquent” in Italian, which speaks to our desire to always buck the trend, break rules and do things our way. To that end, all of the incredible artwork for Delinquente, from the labels, to cartons, tees and even gifs, are created by our good friend Jason Koen, AKA “Ankles”. Delinquente is his passion project, evident in the intensity of his hand drawn labels which pop from across the room, and the deeply important and personal themes that they speak of.

Sometimes you’ve got to heed the call of the wild child within.

Sometimes you’ve got to go home with a bunch of grapes who’re ugly as sin.

Tech Sheet