Il Cattivo Adelaide Hills Tempranillo 2023

Product Description

Il Cattivo Adelaide Hills Tempranillo 2023 is a fresh, medium-weight Australian red wine showcasing the character of the Spanish Tempranillo grape in South Australia's Adelaide Hills. It offers aromas of red cherry and spicy herbs, followed by juicy red fruit flavours, earthy notes and hints of black olive and pepper. Bright, lively acidity and slightly chalky tannins give the wine structure, while its lighter, elegant finish makes it an appealing choice for those who enjoy fresh, savoury red wines.

Winery Information

Il Cattivo is an Australian wine producer based in Port Elliot on South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula. Its name translates from Italian as "The Naughty One", reflecting the brand's 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 Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale.

The producer's philosophy centres on creating expressive wines with character. Il Cattivo encourages a playful approach to winemaking and describes its methods as relying on minimal filtration and short maceration times for its red wines.

Region and Vintage

The 2023 Tempranillo comes from Adelaide Hills in South Australia. Known for its cooler growing conditions, the region provides an environment for producing red wines with fresh acidity, lively fruit character and balanced structure.

Tempranillo is a Spanish red grape variety that can produce wines with red and dark fruit flavours, savoury notes and structured tannins. In this Adelaide Hills release, the variety is expressed in a fresh, medium-weight style, with bright acidity and a relatively light, elegant finish.

Winemaking Style

The 2023 Il Cattivo Tempranillo is presented in a fresh, medium-weight style. Its fruit character is supported by bright acidity and slightly chalky tannins, giving the wine structure without making it feel overly heavy.

The producer's general philosophy includes minimal filtration and short maceration times for its red wines. However, the specific fermentation method, maceration period, oak use and maturation details for this 2023 Tempranillo have not been independently confirmed.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Dark red core with black-shaded edges and a deep red hue.

• Aroma: Red cherry and spicy herbs, followed by earthy graphite, black olive and pepper notes.

• Palate: Fresh and medium-weight, with juicy red cherry flavours layered over dried herbs, black olive and earthy characters.

• Finish: Bright, tart-like acidity and slightly chalky tannins lead to a light, elegant finish.

Key Characteristics

• 2023 Adelaide Hills Tempranillo

• South Australia

• Made from the Tempranillo grape variety

• Fresh, medium-weight red wine

• Red cherry and spicy herb aromas

• Black olive, graphite and earthy notes

• Bright acidity

• Slightly chalky tannins

• Light and elegant finish

• Alcohol: 12.5%

• Closure: Stelvin screwcap

Food Pairing Recommendations

The fresh acidity, red-fruit character and savoury notes of this Tempranillo make it a versatile option for food pairing.

Try it with:

• Grilled lamb: The wine's acidity and savoury character complement grilled lamb and herb-based seasoning.

• Beef dishes: Its fruit flavours and tannins work well with grilled or roasted beef.

• Spanish-style tapas: Pair it with chorizo, olives, grilled vegetables and other savoury small plates.

• Pasta dishes: Tomato-based pasta and dishes with herbs complement the wine's cherry and savoury notes.

• Roasted vegetables: Roasted capsicum, mushrooms and Mediterranean vegetables make suitable partners for its earthy character.

Accolades & Awards

88 points – Winespider Evaluation

The 2023 Il Cattivo Adelaide Hills Tempranillo received 88 points in a Winespider evaluation, tasted on 16 January 2026. The assessment highlighted its balance, fresh acidity, fruit character and slightly chalky tannins.

Vintage Note

*Vintage may vary. Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is displayed, however variations can occur.