Freeman Rondinella and Corvina 'Secco' Altura Vineyard 2018

The flagship wine of Freeman Vineyards, Secco is a unique Italian-inspired red blend crafted from Australia's only commercial plantings of Corvina and Rondinella. Grown in the elevated Hilltops region of New South Wales, this distinctive wine pays homage to the great wines of Italy's Veneto region, drawing inspiration from both Amarone and Ripasso styles while expressing a uniquely Australian sense of place.

Founded by Dr Brian Freeman, former Head of Wine Science at Charles Sturt University, Freeman Vineyards has built a reputation for pioneering Italian grape varieties in Australia and producing wines defined by texture, balance and food-friendliness.

Tasting Notes

Deep garnet red in colour, Freeman Secco opens with inviting aromas of spiced red berries, dark cherries and wild blackberry layered with earthy cacao, dried herbs and savoury umami notes. The palate is medium-bodied and beautifully composed, revealing concentrated berry fruit, subtle spice and a finely woven tannin structure. While initially elegant and approachable, the wine gradually unfolds with remarkable depth and complexity, finishing long, savoury and persistent.

Winemaking

True to Northern Italian tradition, a portion of the Corvina and Rondinella grapes are carefully dried before fermentation using a solar-powered fruit dehydrator, concentrating flavour and texture. These partially dried grapes are then blended with freshly harvested fruit during fermentation, creating additional richness and complexity.

The wine is matured separately in seasoned oak barrels for two years, allowing gentle development without excessive oak influence. Following bottling, Secco spends a further two years ageing before release, ensuring harmony, balance and exceptional drinkability upon arrival.

Food Pairing

Secco's savoury complexity and balanced structure make it a natural match for:

Slow-cooked lamb
Osso buco
Beef short ribs
Game meats
Mushroom risotto
Aged hard cheeses
Chargrilled vegetables