Redheads Studio Return of the Living Red

Redheads Studio Return of the Living Red is a richly flavored Australian red that breathes new life into nearly forgotten Portuguese grape varieties. Sourced from old, scattered plantings that once fueled Australia’s fortified wine heyday, this bottling is a soulful, characterful alternative to mainstream Shiraz and Cabernet. It’s a tribute to the heritage vines that survived government‑backed replanting schemes, and to the winemakers who saw their potential as a distinctive, modern table wine.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Return of the Living Red shows a deep, dark ruby hue with inky reflexes at the core and a vibrant rim. The nose is immediately generous, with dark red and black fruits—think black cherry, blackberry, and ripe plum—layered over earthy tones and sweet baking spice. Notes of violets and delicate floral lift unfold into cocoa, anise, and clove, giving the wine a complex and alluring aromatic profile. On the palate, it is full-bodied and intense, with dense, ripe fruit at the core balanced by a fresh line of acidity. Strong yet refined tannins give structure without feeling harsh, supporting flavors of dark berries, redcurrant, and a touch of savory earth. As it opens, white pepper and exotic spice notes emerge, carrying the wine through to a long, flavorful finish. Enjoy it now with hearty food, or cellar it for another 5–7 years to allow the tannins to further integrate and the spice and tertiary notes to deepen.

Production
Return of the Living Red is crafted from traditional Portuguese grape varieties—such as Touriga and its kin—grown in South Australia, where warm days and cool nights help develop both ripeness and aromatic complexity. These are among the last remnants of old Portuguese plantings once used for fortified wines, now carefully sourced and hand‑selected by the Redheads team. In the winery, the focus is on small‑batch, hands‑on vinification: gentle extraction to capture color and flavor without harshness, followed by maturation in carefully chosen barrels to polish the tannins and enhance the wine’s natural spice and cocoa notes while preserving its vibrant fruit.

Food & Serving
This is very much a food wine, built to stand up to rich, savory dishes. It pairs beautifully with a hearty steak and mushroom pie, slow‑braised beef brisket, lamb shanks, or other long‑cooked meats. For vegetarians, try it alongside richly roasted vegetables, lentil bakes, or a parmesan‑topped vegetable lasagne. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F); if the wine is young or just opened, a short 30–60 minute decant will help soften the tannins and bring out its floral and spice nuances.

Producer
Redheads Studio is a boutique, free‑spirited winery based in Tanunda in South Australia’s Barossa Valley, one of the country’s most renowned wine regions. Founded as a creative playground for talented young winemakers, Redheads built its reputation on rescuing top‑quality fruit from larger brands and turning it into small‑lot, personality‑driven wines. The cellar has become known both locally and internationally for its irreverent labels, bold blends, and willingness to champion lesser‑known varieties. Their philosophy—“a free‑thinking movement that liberates the best grapes from premium labels to make wines with soul, character and personality”—is embodied perfectly in Return of the Living Red.

We deliver within 2 - 6 business days. You can choose whether it should be to a parcel shop or home delivery. Free delivery to both parcel shops and your front door. Our store partners primarily use GLS, DPD, UPS and DHL for deliveries. We cover deliveries to the majority of countries in Europe.