Montepulciano Roko il Vagabondo 2023, Delinquente Wine Co

The wine opens with a deep, inky hue and a nose that’s all savory charm—think black olives, cured meats, and a splash of balsamic, layered over brambly blackberry and cherry. It’s a wine that greets you with both grit and grace, inviting you into a landscape of earthy richness balanced by wild, vibrant fruit.

On the palate, it’s juicy yet structured, with mouthwatering acidity and a gentle grip of tannins. Flavors of tart plum, dark berries, and a hint of dried herbs unfold with a savory, almost umami-like depth. The finish is bright and snappy, with just enough edge to make you reach for another sip—or a salty snack. It’s rustic, raw, and totally alive.

The grapes for this wine come from the Bassham Family Organic vineyard in South Australia’s Riverland region. The terroir is defined by hot, arid summers, abundant sunshine, and cooling river breezes. The soils are predominantly red sandy loam over limestone—well-draining and low in fertility—encouraging deep roots and low-yielding vines that produce concentrated, vibrant fruit. Organically grown.

Pair this wine with bold, flavorful dishes—think wood-fired pizza with spicy sausage, grilled eggplant with tahini, or a smoky lamb shawarma. Its savory edge and juicy acidity also shine alongside charcuterie, marinated olives, or even a handful of salt and vinegar chips. This is a versatile red built for unfussy, flavorful eating and good company.

About the Winery

Delinquente Wine Company was born from a desire to do things differently. Founded by Con-Greg Grigoriou in the Riverland region of South Australia, the winery is a bold, rebellious response to the area’s reputation for bulk wine production. Greg, whose family has deep roots in the region's viticulture, wanted to flip the script—showing that Riverland could be a place for vibrant, natural wines made with integrity and soul.

Inspired by the Italian varietals that thrive in Riverland’s hot, dry climate, Delinquente works with organically grown grapes like Nero d’Avola, Vermentino, Montepulciano, and Bianco d’Alessano. These grapes, well-suited to the extremes of the region, allow for minimal intervention in the cellar. Everything is wild-fermented, unfined, unfiltered, and bottled with only minimal sulfur—if any. The result is wine that’s raw, expressive, and full of character, just like the label art that graces every bottle: tattoo-style illustrations of fictional misfits, each one a nod to the winery’s renegade spirit.

Delinquente’s ethos is simple—grow good fruit, treat it gently, and have fun with it. The wines are made to be drunk young, shared widely, and celebrated often. They reflect a sense of place, but also a state of mind: one that values sustainability, creativity, and a little bit of mischief. In a world of polished perfection, Delinquente is proudly imperfect—and proud to be different.