MC1R: Rouge
⏳ wine.drinking_window
Typically best enjoyed 3–8 years from vintage release.
🍽️ wine.food_pairings
Grilled ribeye steak, slow-cooked lamb shanks, aged Cheddar cheese
✨ wine.spec_sheet
Named after the Melanocortin 1 receptor—the scientific term for the gene that determines red hair—MC1R: Rouge is a playful yet deeply serious nod to the RedHeads winery's rebellious identity. Crafted in South Australia, this blend typically marries the structure and dark fruit profile of Cabernet Sauvignon with the plush, spicy richness of Shiraz. The grapes are sourced from select independent growers across premium South Australian regions, where warm days and cooling gulf breezes allow the fruit to develop intense concentration while retaining balanced acidity. Fermented in small batches and aged in a combination of French and American oak, the wine delivers a complex profile of blackcurrant, plum, subtle eucalyptus, and sweet baking spices, wrapped in velvety tannins. It stands as a testament to the winery's mission of rescuing exceptional parcels of fruit to create wines with distinct personality and narrative flair.
🍾 wine.about_producer
Established in 2002 in McLaren Vale by Tony Laithwaite as a collaborative studio for rebellious winemakers, RedHeads has since evolved into a state-of-the-art, eco-friendly winery located in the Barossa Valley, South Australia. Operating from its custom-built, solar-powered facility in Nuriootpa since 2019, the winery is dedicated to rescuing small, premium parcels of grapes from independent growers to craft expressive, small-batch wines. RedHeads is celebrated for its highly characterful, narrative-driven labels, producing acclaimed reds and whites such as the Dogs of the Barossa Shiraz, Whip-Hand Cabernet Sauvignon, and Esule, which showcase the diverse terroirs of South Australia with minimal intervention and maximum personality. Address: 258 Moppa Road South, 5355 Nuriootpa, South Australia, Australia Website: https://redheadswine.com.au