2020 Wildman Piggy Pop Pet Nat made with Nero d’Avola and 50% Mataro 50%. The 2020 vintage presented us with low crops as a result of disruptive weather during flowering, and our Nero vineyard was 50% down on crop yield. To make up for this we had to find another red variety that would complement the Nero and provide the Mediterranean freshness and bright acidity that we need. After much searching, we found a neighbouring block of Mataro (aka Mourvèdre) which provided the fresh acid we were after with an additional punch of spicy fruit weight. We’re very happy with how it has married with the Nero.

Both varieties were hand-harvested on 6th March in the cool of dawn to retain freshness. The fruit was transferred directly to the Lodestone winery in the neighbouring Adelaide Hills. We fermented with 25% whole-bunches for a few hours before pressing the juice off skins. We wanted to achieve an even lighter colour this year, making it a rosé with a hazy blood orange hue. The intense fruit allowed us to carry out a short skin maceration time whilst achieving great intensity in the final wine — that’s the secret behind the Piggy! The wine was bottled with 12 g/L residual sugar and completed its fermentation in the bottle over winter, becoming fully dry and resulting in a final pressure of 2.5 to 3-bar, producing a gentle foam.  Wild yeast, no adds, no filtration, no fining, zero sulphur = 100% natural goodness.

Hazy blood orange pink with foaming jewel-like bubbles, the aromas explode out of the glass with a riot of red currant, pomegranate and spice. The palate is fresh and juicy with a snap, crackle and pop of Nero acidity on the finish to keep it mouthwatering. Pizza friendly. Serve cold, no need to shake before opening. – Wildman Wines