Frederick Stevenson Montepulciano 2024 from Eden Valley is a plush, savoury Italian‑variety red grown on poor limestone soils at around 380 metres, bringing cool‑climate lift to all that dark fruit. This Frederick Stevenson Montepulciano 2024 rolls out blackberry, spiced plum compote, mulberry and blackberry leaf with alpine herbs and a peppery saucisson note that gives it a distinctly northern‑Italian feel in a Barossa guise.

The palate is full and generous up front with plums and cherries, flowing into a sweet core of blackberry that is quickly checked by fresh acidity and a subtle cooling herbal edge. Tight, grainy tannins run right through, really pulling the wine into focus as the acid line tails off and the fruit and spice fan out. It is serious yet totally drinkable, ideal for lovers of structured Mediterranean reds.

Food‑wise, think ragu‑laden pappardelle, lamb shoulder with herbs, grilled sausages, osso buco or a rich baked eggplant and tomato dish, where that dark fruit, acid and tannin combo really lock in. It also works a treat with aged pecorino or other hard, nutty cheeses after dinner.