A Cult Barossa Rosé from One of Australia's Most Iconic Producers — 25 Years of Alicante Bouchet

My Wine Man on Rockford

Rockford is one of the Barossa Valley's most cult and revered producers — a small, traditional winery founded by Robert O'Callaghan in 1984 that has built a devoted following for its handcrafted, old-vine, low-intervention wines. Rockford has been making this Alicante Bouchet Rosé for more than 25 years, and it remains one of the most distinctive and characterful rosés in Australia. Alicante is genetically linked to the hardy pioneer variety of Grenache, and is well-adapted to the warm Mediterranean climate of the Barossa. Because the flesh of this distinctive variety is bright red, there's no need for the skins and juice to sit together to extract colour and flavour before pressing — one of a handful of varieties in the world that exhibits this characteristic. The exception to the rule.

Tasting Notes

Brilliant deep pink in the glass. Aromatic and lifted on the nose — wild strawberry, watermelon, redcurrant, and a subtle spice lift. This unique grape ripens with full flavour at low sugar levels, producing an aromatic, easy-drinking, full-flavoured, low-alcohol wine. The palate is textural and dry, with savoury Barossa weight and a clean, persistent finish.

Style & Drinking Window

Medium-bodied with bright red fruit, savoury Barossa character and a dry, satisfying finish. Drink now to 2026. Serve well chilled at 8–10°C.

Food Pairing

A textural, savoury Aussie rosé deserves a proper Aussie roast. We love it with Australian Lamb Leg Butterflied Roast with Rosemary and Garlic from My Meat Man — slow-roasted on the BBQ until the rosemary and garlic crust is dark and fragrant, the herb-driven lamb is a magnificent match for Rockford's bright red fruit, savoury Barossa weight and dry, food-friendly finish. A Barossa wine, an Aussie roast — a pairing made for the long lunch table.

Why This Is a Smart Buy

At HK$288, this is a 25-year track record of cult Barossa rosé from one of Australia's most revered traditional producers — a wine that is genuinely unlike anything else in the rosé category. Rockford is one of those wineries that real wine lovers seek out; the Alicante Bouchet Rosé is one of the most characterful and distinctive rosés in the country.

Looking for a Different Style?

• 2019 Teusner Salsa Rosé — Another cult Barossa rosé — textural, spice-driven and 91 points James Halliday.
• 2019 The Ned Rosé — A fresh, fruit-driven Marlborough Pinot Noir rosé — lighter and more aromatic.
• 2023 Château d'Esclans Whispering Angel Rosé — The benchmark pale Provence rosé — for a more classical, elegant style.