Billy Button 'The Renegade' Refosco 2022
Primary flavours

Blackberry Jam

Dark Plum

Dried Herbs

Pepper

Spice
Details
Refosco is native to the region of Friuli, brought across to Australia by Italian migrants and now in the careful hands of Jo Marsh at Billy Button. The wine is medium-bodied, with plenty of pepper, stewed fruit and spice.
Billy Button is located in the picturesque region of the Alpine Valleys, and aside from having the word valley in its name, has the crown for being the highest region in Australia. The cellar door is located in the exceptionally beautiful town of Bright, and although it was named after a British statesman, it should have been named after the incredibly bright skies found here. The town is located at the valley of Mount Buffalo, so is an ideal stop when visiting the slopes for skiing or staying at the local camping grounds. The winery is the creation of Jo Marsh and her husband Glenn James, who have the lofty ambition of making a wine from any grape variety that has existed (we kid, but seriously they produce a lot of wines) and representing Alpine Valleys and its surrounding regions with pride. The wines are named after the Billy Button, a native flower which is found in the region, and are well made and worth the price of admission. They also make a handful of wines under their Shy Susan and Clay Pot labels, which are equally worth seeking out.
Billy Button is located in the picturesque region of the Alpine Valleys, and aside from having the word valley in its name, has the crown for being the highest region in Australia. The cellar door is located in the exceptionally beautiful town of Bright, and although it was named after a British statesman, it should have been named after the incredibly bright skies found here. The town is located at the valley of Mount Buffalo, so is an ideal stop when visiting the slopes for skiing or staying at the local camping grounds. The winery is the creation of Jo Marsh and her husband Glenn James, who have the lofty ambition of making a wine from any grape variety that has existed (we kid, but seriously they produce a lot of wines) and representing Alpine Valleys and its surrounding regions with pride. The wines are named after the Billy Button, a native flower which is found in the region, and are well made and worth the price of admission. They also make a handful of wines under their Shy Susan and Clay Pot labels, which are equally worth seeking out.
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Taste Profile
This wine’s tasting notes.
Sweetness
nonesomelots
Body
lightmediumfull
Fruitiness
lowmediumhigh
Tannins
lowmediumhigh
Acidity
lowmediumhigh
Oak
nonesomelots
Alcohol
low
(under 12%)medium
(12-14%)high
(14%+)
Taste Summary
This wine’s tasting notes are leaning towards medium bodied, low sweetness, with medium acidity, some fruitiness, medium tannins, high alcohol and no oak.
Specs
Region
Alpine Valleys
country
Australia
Grape type
Refosco
Wine Maker
Billy Button Wines
Alcohol
14%
Vintage
2022
Cellar period
1-3 years
Closure
Screw Cap
Production method
Vegan
Temperature
Room Temperature 15°C-18°C
State
VIC
collection
Pairing guide
Distinctive and bold, 'The Renegade' Refosco bursts with dark berry fruit, spice, and a savoury edge, all balanced by lively acidity. This makes it a brilliant partner for rich, rustic fare. Pair it with slow-braised lamb shanks, venison stew, or chargrilled beef steaks to bring out its depth. Its natural freshness also makes it fantastic with hearty pastas—think wild mushroom tagliatelle or a rich lasagne. For something a little different, try it alongside charcuterie, aged cheeses, or wood-fired pizza with spicy sausage. It’s a food lover’s red that thrives with robust, flavour-packed dishes.
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Food

BBQ

Cured Meat

Red Meat
Tastes

Meaty

Earthy
Moods

Contemplative

Mood for something different
Seasons

Autumn

Cooler Months
Recipe Matches
Wine region

Alpine Valleys, Australia
In north-east Victoria, neighbouring Beechworth and King Valley regions is scenic Alpine Valley. It is quite the tourist destination with year-round resort activities at Mt Hotham, Mt Buffalo and Falls Creek. The main varieties here are Prosecco, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the cooler lofty areas, while Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon perform in the warmer lower elevations. Vineyard elevations here range between 155m-320m, but the highest point in the region is 1972m above sea level for scale!
Alpine Valley is most certainly continental, with a favourably big difference between day and night temperatures. Careful site selection is critical here, vignerons favour slopey hillsides with optimum airflow to minimise the threat of frost in Spring - during flowering and Autumn frost around harvest season.
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