2026 Brash Higgins RIPPLE Nero/Shiraz
WINEMAKER: Brash Higgins
REGION: McLaren Vale, S.A.
VARIETY: Nero D'Avola, Shiraz
VITICULTURE: Minimal Intervention
There’s a story behind this wine, our first foray into wet carbonics.
A fellow winemaker, Tom Colman, pulled me aside after a long consumer tasting in Sydney and said, “Brash, you should pick some whole bunch Nero d’Avola and flood it with direct pressed Shiraz juice and let it ferment”. I was intrigued and it haunted me. Why was I the one to which he chose to speak these mysterious words?
Two years later in 2020 we gave it a go. This wine, the 2026, is made from grapes grown on our Omensetter Vnyd. Freshly picked, whole bunch Nero d’Avola grapes were engulfed with direct pressed Shiraz. All the Shiraz juice covers the Nero grapes and their stems, submerging the clusters completely. The idea is that the sugar in the Nero berries, starved of oxygen, will ferment inside their little berry bodies and create a fresh raspberry flavour profile. My trusty pal, Q Wine from Queensland, who worked harvest with me in 2020, said it smelled like Ripple ice cream, which is boysenberry vanilla swirl, and we were off!
“Translucent candy apple hue with a nose redolent of Summer raspberries, black cherries and fresh, sweet mint. Some Dr.Pepper and chinotto vibes there, too. On the palate, bright and juicy with more red fruits, refreshing acidity and noticeable, yet integrated tannins. Nice with a light chill or drinking year round. 100% Organic grapes.” Brad Hickey, Vinitor, Sept 19, 2026