Wines Barossa Valley Rockford - Moppa Springs Grenache Mataro Shiraz - 2021

Rockford’s Cuvée Moppa Springs 2021 hails from the renowned Barossa Valley in South Australia. This red wine showcases the region’s classic approach to blends, here likely comprising Grenache, Mataro (the local moniker for Mourvèdre), and Shiraz, though the exact proportions may vary from vintage to vintage. The 2021 vintage was shaped by moderate temperatures, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and evenly, typically resulting in wines balancing vibrant fruit, freshness and refined tannins. Rockford is celebrated for a traditional style of vinification, often using old basket presses and minimal intervention techniques that focus on expressing the unique character of Barossa fruit. The Moppa Springs blend is known for approachability in its youth but also for the potential to develop complexity over several years in the bottle.

Barossa Valley is one of Australia’s most storied and distinctive wine regions. The climate here is Mediterranean, marked by warm, sunny days and cool nights, which help preserve acidity in the grapes despite generous ripening. Soils are diverse, with deep red clays and schists lending richness and texture to the wines, while sandy topsoils contribute finesse and fragrance. Historically, the Barossa has been home to generations of winemakers, many of whom have cultivated vines for over a century, creating a deep-rooted winemaking culture that values both innovation and tradition.

The expressive, generous fruitiness and gentle spice of this Barossa blend makes it versatile at the table. Pairings with robust meats such as grilled lamb cutlets, slow-cooked beef brisket or game birds are particularly apt. For a local touch, try it with a classic Australian meat pie or a plate of charred kangaroo steak. Vegetarian dishes that rely on earthy flavours—think roasted aubergine with lentils or a rich mushroom ragù—are also excellent choices.

For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine for around 30 minutes to let it open up, and serve at a temperature of 16-18°C. This will highlight both its juicy fruit character and its underlying savoury complexity.