Battle of Bosworth was an early leader in organic viticulture, converting their McLaren Vale vineyards to organic in the mid-80s, long before it was fashionable.
Their latest range ‘ The Outliers’ continues their focus on sustainable production, alternative varietals and winemaking techniques to craft wines that authentically reflect the terroir of the Willunga sub-region of McLaren Vale.
The independent, 100% family-owned wine business backs up these values with Australian Certified Organic and Sustainable Winegrowing Australia certifications.
‘The Outliers’ range focuses on wines outside the ‘norm’, each characterised by innovative vinification techniques or the use of alternative varietals.
If you like wines that gently stretch the rules of convention, The Outliers range is one to explore.
The Puritan – Redefining Shiraz
The genesis for the Outlier range, The Puritan eschews traditional Shiraz vinification techniques. Crafted without any time in oak and free from added preservatives, it’s a young, fresh revelation that sets the benchmark for purity. Preservative-free, vegan-friendly.
Tasting Notes: Brilliant colour; spicy red and blue fruits leaping out of the glass, a vibrant wine. Fresh red and blue fruits on the palate are wrapped in a lively, medium-bodied structure.
Serving Suggestions: Drink whenever you want–Puritan is designed to drink young and fresh. Twist off the cap, pour and enjoy. If it is hot, enjoy it lightly chilled with a pizza.
Availability: The 2023 Puritan is now available online HERE
The Dissident – Skin Contact Field Blend
The Dissident is the newest ‘Outlier’ wine, a skin contact white field blend in an ode to natural winemaking. A blend of Sauv Blanc and Chardonnay with a dash of Muscat à Petit Grains unfiltered and unfined. Dissident captivates with its unapologetic character and authentic expression of the vineyard.
Tasting Notes: On the nose, citrus lemongrass and spice, and on the palate, river stones and citrus with soft tannins. Fermenting these three white varieties together on their skins and bottling them without filtering or fining makes for a gentle red-like white – especially on the palate.
Serving Suggestion: Drink it gently chilled to allow its character to shine, served with a plate of sushi.
Availability: 2023 Dissident is available now HERE
The Expat – McLaren Vale’s Pinot Noir Revelation
The Expat is a rare beast, 100% McLaren Vale Pinot Noir. Taking inspiration from Beaujolais styles, portion of whole bunches are covered with conventionally crushed fruit to add a component of carbonic maceration, creating a vibrant and fresh interpretation of this classic variety.
Tasting Notes: With a classic Pinot colour, the nose is bright and pretty, with light red fruits, and these characters translate directly onto the palate. Battle of Bosworth Pinots have a delicious perfume to them – a result of both nature and nurture. Expat finishes nice and tight, with a lovely length.
Serving Suggestion: The gentle silky tannins in Expat can more than handle 30 minutes in the fridge if the weather is warm. This wine goes very well with cheeses, chicken dishes and charcuterie.
Availability: 2023 Expat Pinot Noir is available now HERE.
The Exile – Portugal’s Touriga Nacional finds a home in ‘the vale’.
Exile is not just a wine; it’s a journey. Touriga Nacional is traditionally used in Portugal to make fantastic, fortified wines. Still, it is just as much at home in McLaren Vale’s Mediterranean climate. When you pick Touriga early, it makes a floral yet savoury, mid-weight wine reflecting both its traditional and its adopted home.
Tasting Notes: The Exile is bright purple with blackcurrant, spice, and pepper on the nose. It has a soft, generous palate but finishes nice and brightly with lovely length and persistence.
Serving Suggestion: Enjoy with lunch and chill if it’s a hot day. Great with Portuguese chicken with cucumber, fennel and avocado salad.
Availability: 2023 The Exile is available now HERE.
The Heretic – A Multicultural Alternative Blend
Heretic is a celebration of diversity, a super blend of ‘alternative’ Mediterranean varietals, including Touriga Nacional (Portugal), French Mourvèdre, and Graciano from Spain. They bring Iberian flavours and savoury goodness to the wine, with a dash of that McLaren Vale classic, Shiraz.
Tasting Notes: A wine for all seasons, ‘Heretic’ has a cherry blossom nose with dark fruits on the soft, savoury palate. It finishes nicely, is tight and focused, and has a lovely gravelly grainy structure and length.
Awards:
- Gold Medal (96 pts) 2023 Melbourne Wine Awards
- Gold Medal (96 Pts) 2023 Australia Alternative Varieties Wine Show
- Trophy (Best Red Blend) 2023 Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show
Availability: 2023 Heretic is available now HERE