At a glance

Producer

Cedar Ember

Region

New South Wales, Australia

Grape variety

Aglianico

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$20-$25

Tasting profile

Bright red and black fruit, hints of leather and earthy minerality with notable tannic grip.

Evolution: Fruit will integrate with tertiary notes of tobacco, spice, and dried herbs over the next 5-7 years.

At peak: Balanced expression of black cherry, plum, complex earthiness, supple tannins, and refined acidity.

Structure

Acidity

High

Tannins

Firm and robust

Alcohol

13.5%

Aging potential

10-12 years due to variety and structure

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2026 to 2030

Optimal window

2023 to 2032

Current status

Approaching optimal drinking window

Current condition

Young wine with firm tannins and vibrant acidity

Aglianico is a late-ripening variety with strong tannic structure and high acidity. This enables it to age gracefully, evolving complex tertiary aromas while maintaining freshness. 2021 vintage in Australia provided a warm growing season, producing concentrated, balanced fruit ideal for medium to long-term aging.

Food pairing

Pairs well with grilled red meats, aged cheeses, rich stews, and earthy mushroom dishes. Complements Mediterranean and Italian cuisine especially well.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (45 minutes to 1 hour) — To soften firm tannins and allow complex aromas to develop before serving.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Water conservation techniques, use of natural yeast fermentations, minimal use of chemical pesticides, recyclable lightweight packaging

Cedar Ember employs sustainable viticulture focusing on soil health and water efficiency. While not certified organic or biodynamic, the producer demonstrates strong commitment to environmental stewardship with efforts to reduce chemical inputs and waste. Packaging uses lighter bottles to reduce transport emissions, helping lower carbon footprint. However, the international export from Australia adds some unavoidable transportation impact.