The 2025 Ravensworth Single Clone Sangiovese VCR23 is a distinctive Canberra District expression made from VCR23, a Sangiovese clone originating in Emilia-Romagna and selected for its ability to perform in cooler climates. Compared with the red-fruited MAT7 clone, VCR23 brings darker fruit, more spice and greater structure. The wine shows dark cherry, blackberry and plum alongside violet, dried herbs, pepper and subtle earthy notes, with a savoury mineral character adding further complexity.
On the palate, it is medium-bodied and finely structured, with vibrant acidity, firm yet polished tannins and layers of dark cherry, blackberry and ripe plum. Peppery spice, dried herbs and subtle earthy notes develop through the mid-palate, giving the wine a more savoury and structured profile than the brighter-fruited MAT7. Whole berries were fermented in a 1,250-litre concrete pyramid, spending six weeks on skins before a further 12 months of maturation in the same vessel. The absence of oak allows the clone, fruit and mineral character to remain at the centre of the wine. The finish is dry, savoury and persistent, with lingering dark fruit, spice and mineral notes.
Ben’s Recommendation:
At Wine More Cellars, this is an excellent choice for Sangiovese drinkers looking for a more structured Australian expression with darker fruit, savoury complexity and distinctive clonal character. It is enjoyable now but has enough acidity, tannin and depth to develop further with bottle age. Best enjoyed over the next 5–8 years. Pair with wild mushroom and truffle pasta, slow-braised beef cheek, pork and fennel ragu, roast lamb with rosemary, or eggplant parmigiana with fresh basil.
