Heartland Wines, Sposa e Sposa 2021

It takes a bit of Australian bloody-mindedness to put Lagrein and Dolcetto in the same bottle. Back in Italy, the two grapes would never meet, coming as they do from different parts of the country. In South Australia, though, rules are looser and the experiment pays off. Lagrein's dark, brooding fruit is lifted by Dolcetto's brightness, giving blackberry, plum and spice with a savoury twist. Matured in old oak, the wine has shape and texture without losing freshness. An unlikely pairing, but one that makes plenty of sense in the glass.

A versatile red for roast lamb, rich pasta sauces or chargrilled vegetables, where fruit and savoury grip find a natural match.

Heartland Wines give us a glimpse into the heart of Langhorne Creek, a lesser-heralded corner of South Australia. It's a project of Ben Glaetzer's, a man driven by the belief in this region's undervalued potential, and Nick Keukenmeester. Their focus is on robust, honest reds - think Shiraz with lashings of dark fruit and savoury spice, or rich Cabernet Sauvignon brimming with structure. You'll even find quirky Italian varieties like Lagrein, adding a twist to the story. Expect wines with power, presence, and a certain rustic charm that keeps them grounded.