Don’t be fooled by the Spanish label, this is Aussie through and through. But don’t ignore the demand to grab it by the horns. Matt and John sourced the grapes from their mates Matthew and Jono’s vineyard in Ebenezer, up in the north of Barossa Valley. This 100% Grenache has captured the drama of the bullfight, with a flourish of strawberry, a snort of Turkish Delight, a stampede of cherry and a full-on charge of spicy raspberry. But leave the cows in peace when it comes to a food match, and turn to paella, cassoulet or a herby Basque-style stew.

Set up by Essex boy Matt Gant and South Australian John Retsas (the latter taking sole ownership of the company in June 2021), First Drop is part winery and part frivolous merrymaking in a ginormous warehouse abandoned by Penfolds. The brand crafts grapes grown by their friends into fun-loving and easy-going wines with remarkable distinction and texture. They also do this without using animal products in the fining process, making the entire range vegan friendly.

"This has attractive orange-peel and raspberry aromas with some dried flowers, too. The palate has a very polished, soft bed of tannin, holding raspberry and red-plum flavours. Very easy feel with lacy, fine tannins. A single parcel in the north of the Barossa Valley. Drink now. Screw cap."
91 Points, James Suckling

"A treat for lovers of fruit… A wine for pleasure…"
Jancis Robinson’s Purple Pages