October 17, 2025
From the rich red Cambrian soils of Heathcote comes the 2024 Ancient Soils, one of De Bortoli’s most distinctive red blends. Crafted from Tempranillo and Touriga, two Mediterranean varieties that flourish in Heathcote’s warm days and cool nights, the wine captures the region’s essence with depth and elegance. Brilliant crimson-purple in colour, Ancient Soils is deeply scented with dark fruits, spice, and violets, offering supple, integrated tannins and a plummy, textural finish that’s every bit as expressive as its origin.
Since its release, Ancient Soils has continued to impress, celebrating the unique character of Heathcote and De Bortoli’s commitment to quality craftsmanship. Since its release, the wine achieved two major trophies and five gold medals, including the Best Red Blend Trophy at both the 2025 Brisbane and Sydney Wine Shows. Its success continued with gold medals at the Brisbane, Cowra, Heathcote, Rutherglen, and Sydney Wine Shows, along with a Gold Medal at the prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards in London, one of the world’s most respected international competitions.
While sourced from Heathcote’s mineral-rich soils, Ancient Soils is crafted at De Bortoli’s Rutherglen winery, where winemakers Kate Webber and Jai Harrop have brought the wine’s bold, textural profile to life. Their thoughtful approach, combined with Heathcote’s unique climate and geology, has resulted in a wine that continues to impress both nationally and abroad.
With one vintage already amassing significant acclaim, Ancient Soils stands as a proud celebration of land, legacy and innovation, a wine that embodies the spirit of Heathcote and the vision of De Bortoli’s regional winemaking team.
Region: Heathcote
Winemaker: Yarra Winemaking Team
Vineyard: Heathcote Ridge and Rathjen vineyards located in northern Heathcote
Season: 2022 was a slightly cooler growing season than normal producing Tempranillo and Touriga with perfume and concentration
Tasting Note: Deep red hue with a vibrant purple edge. Deeply scented dark fruits, spice and violets. Supple and integrated tannins, textural, plummy and very delicious.
Winemaking: Each variety is vinified in both open top and closed fermenters. Warm fermentation over 14 days. 6 months in 500 litre French oak puncheons (5% new).
Wine Analysis: Alc/Vol: 14.5%, pH: 3.64, TA: 6.2g/L.
Cellaring: This wine will continue to develop beautifully over the next 4-6 years if stored in a cool dark place.
Additional Information: Suitable for Vegan
Sign up for offers, wine insights, food and more
