RIOT

RIOT is a keg- and canned-wine producer that has turned the alternative packaging paradigm on its head. Kegs are easy to stack and transport; cans are convenient, recyclable and lightweight. Yet seldom have these packaging formats been equated with quality. Until now. Maker and co-owner Tom O’Donnell grew up in McLaren Vale and sees grenache as the region’s greatest asset. He sources grenache, shiraz, chardonnay and muscat for his various expressions widely, selecting parcels according to fruit quality. Fermentations are often wild and the judicious inclusion of stems is cuvée dependent. Handling takes place in tank, eggs and concrete. The attention to detail transcends negative stereotypes and the quality of the wine stacks up in an every day, swiggable sort of way. Just as designed. -NED GOODWIN MW