Il Cattivo McLaren Vale Grenache 2023 - 1 Bottles

Il Cattivo McLaren Vale Grenache 2023 is an expressive South Australian red wine showcasing the vibrant fruit and savoury character of McLaren Vale Grenache. Made from handpicked grapes sourced from vines over 40 years old, this medium-bodied wine brings together redcurrant, raspberry and cherry flavours with notes of fennel, dried herbs and savoury spice. Bright acidity and fine, dry tannins give the palate freshness and structure, creating an elegant yet characterful red for relaxed meals and food-focused occasions.

Winery Information

Il Cattivo is an Australian wine producer based in Port Elliot on South Australias Fleurieu Peninsula. Its name translates from Italian as The Naughty One, reflecting the brands playful personality and unconventional approach to winemaking.

Inspired by its Italian heritage, Il Cattivo explores alternative grape varieties and regional expressions. Its small vineyard in Port Elliot specialises in Fiano and Montepulciano, while its vineyard relationships extend into regions such as McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills.

The producers philosophy centres on making expressive wines with personality. Il Cattivo embraces a playful approach to winemaking, with minimal filtration and short maceration periods among the techniques it uses for its red wines.

Region and Vintage

The 2023 Grenache comes from McLaren Vale in South Australia, a region recognised for producing expressive Grenache with vibrant red-fruit flavours and savoury complexity.

The fruit for this release is associated with Blewitt Springs, a subregion known for its Grenache vineyards. The 2023 wine was made using fruit handpicked from vines more than 40 years old, bringing together the regional character of McLaren Vale with the freshness and structure of mature-vine Grenache.

Winemaking Style

The 2023 Il Cattivo Grenache was made using handpicked fruit, with approximately 20 whole bunches included in the fermentation. The wine was lightly filtered, allowing it to retain its fresh fruit character and expressive personality.

The winemaking approach highlights the varietys natural aromatics, red-fruit flavours and savoury elements rather than relying on heavy extraction or excessive oak influence. The result is a medium-bodied wine with bright acidity, fine dry tannins and a fresh, persistent finish.

Tasting Notes

Appearance Bright crimson red.

Aroma Redcurrant, raspberry and red cherry, complemented by fennel, dried herbs and savoury spice.

Palate Medium-bodied and vibrant, with juicy red fruit and morello cherry flavours. Cool herbal notes add savoury complexity.

Finish Fresh and persistent, with fine, dry tannins, bright acidity and a gentle earthy character.

• Key Characteristics
• 2023 McLaren Vale Grenache
• South Australia
• Made from handpicked grapes sourced from vines over 40 years old
• Approximately 20 whole-bunch inclusion
• Lightly filtered
• Medium-bodied and vibrant
• Redcurrant, raspberry and red cherry flavours
• Fennel, dried herbs and savoury spice
• Bright acidity and fine, dry tannins

Food Pairing Recommendations

The fresh red-fruit flavours, savoury herbs and fine tannins of this Grenache make it a versatile partner for a range of dishes.

Try it with

Roasted lamb The wines red-fruit character and savoury notes complement the flavour of roasted lamb.

Grilled pork Its freshness and acidity work well with grilled pork and herb-based seasoning.

Mediterranean dishes Tomato-based pasta, roasted vegetables and Mediterranean-style meals complement its fruit and herbal character.

Eggplant dishes Roasted or baked eggplant dishes offer a natural match for the wines savoury profile.

Mildly spiced food Aromatic spices and herbs can bring out the wines fresh fruit and savoury character.

Accolades amp Awards

94 points Vino Masters

The 2023 Il Cattivo McLaren Vale Grenache received a 94-point score from Vino Masters. The review highlighted its red cherry, fennel and savoury herbal character, along with its fresh acidity and fine tannins.