Break Free Wines, ‘Deux Rebelles’ Rosé, 2022, Mount Barker (GI)

'One-Liner'
A wonderfully unconventional Australian rosé with pomegranate, watermelon and charred citrus – dry, vibrant and lightly grippy, with far more texture than its pale pink colour suggests.

Tasting Note
Pale and slightly hazy in the glass, opening with pomegranate, watermelon and red berries alongside pink grapefruit, scorched mandarin and a subtle botanical lift. The palate is dry and energetic, with crisp acidity cutting through a gently creamy texture, while delicate skin-derived grip and a twist of white pepper bring savoury definition. Bright, characterful and quietly complex, it finishes with lingering citrus, tart red fruit and a pleasantly pithy freshness.

Country: Australia
Region: Western Australia
Sub-Region: Mount Barker GI
Grape(s): Shiraz – co-fermented with skins from Gewürztraminer, Viognier and Riesling
ABV: 13%
Friendly: Vegan, Vegetarian, Sustainable, Natural

Awards & Critics' Scores
91 Points – QWine Reviews
90 Points / 17 out of 20 – Andrew Graham, Australian Wine and Drinks Review

The Story
Break Free was created by Trudy Stacy as a more playful and experimental counterpart to Clandestine Vineyards, placing colour, aroma and texture ahead of convention. Deux Rebelles begins with single-vineyard Shiraz from Mount Barker, but takes an unusual turn through several fermentations in stainless steel and seasoned oak, including co-ferments with the skins of Gewürztraminer, Viognier and Riesling from Frankland River. Wild yeasts, minimal sulphur and bottling without fining or filtration preserve its lightly cloudy appearance and distinctly tactile character – a rosé with the freshness to refresh, but enough grip and savoury depth to command a place at the table.

Perfect With... (click me for the recipe)
- Meat/fish: Prawn linguine with chilli and tomato
- Vegetarian: Roast aubergine with spiced tomatoes and whipped feta
- Vegan: Salt-and-pepper tofu with charred tenderstem and lime