The 2022 Ruggabellus Sallio is a masterclass in a bottle for anyone keen to explore the fascinating world of skin contact white wines. Crafted by Abel Gibson, one of Australias most respected producers of amber wines, this blend of Riesling, Muscat, and Semillon strikes the perfect balance between complexity and pure drinkability.

The 2022 offering a beautifully judged blend of Riesling (52%), Muscat (40%), and Semillon (8%). These grapes hail from incredibly old vines, with some believed to date back to the 1850slending a rich heritage to this benchmark Barossan wine.

This vintage is particularly special, made up of three different years: 46% from 2019, 30% from 2021, and 24% from 2022, with a notably higher portion of Muscat. And you can taste it. The wine is bursting with aromatic intensity, delivering a beautiful balance between succulent fruit and savoury, nutty complexity. The few days of skin contact give it that signature texture without weighing it down, making it both refreshing and deeply interesting.

Expect layers of bright citrus, green apple, a hint of curry powder, and spicy ginger, all carried on a wave of crisp acidity. Its complex but oh-so-drinkable, with a powdery, almost tactile mouthfeel that keeps you coming back for more. Mike Bennie awarded it a glowing 96 points, calling it “succulent, refreshing, spicy,” and genuinely world-class in its style.

Sallio is the perfect companion for those looking to dive into the world of orange wines or just wanting a fresh, textural white that delivers on all fronts. Extremely limited – get in quick, this won’t last long.

96 points
“So if you want to look at the most considered and best orange wines in the country, well, here you go…This is outstanding in its idiom. Succulent, refreshing. Spicy. Savoury. Nuts and ginger and curry powder and green apple. Refreshing and textural, indeed, powdery in its feel with juiciness and crispness too. Bright fruit, so much savouriness. It feels so well balanced in its elements yet doesnt shy away from its skin contact largess and nutty, dusty elements too. Superb, with drinkability high, interest through the roof. Just so damn good. Youd put this up against the world greats of the oeuvre and not feel shy. I love drinking it.”
– Mike Bennie (The Wine Front)