RAG 2023 – Sigurd Wines

Overview

The 2023 RAG from Sigurd Wines is a fun, bright blend, primarily from Barmera, combining Syrah and Viognier with a touch of Mataro. It shows spicy notes, bright forest fruits, and delicate apricot blossom aromas. The Mataro adds a layer of dark Christmas spices to the fine, silky tannins. This medium-light red can also be served slightly chilled on warm sunny days. Contains sulfites.

Wine Background

Named in honor of Ralph Allen Graham, father of Dan Graham, the winery’s founder, the RAG blend reflects both a tribute and a connection to the region where his father grew up. The 2023 vintage emphasizes freshness, complexity, and approachability, combining local grapes in a playful yet elegant style.

Vineyard Philosophy

The Syrah and Viognier blocks are just outside Barmera, while the Mataro comes from a northern Barossa block in Ebenezer. The vineyards are sustainably managed to ensure healthy vines, balanced grapes, and aromatic intensity, allowing the terroir to shine through naturally.

Winemaking

Fermentation lasts 7 days in open stainless steel fermenters, with around 13% of lightly pressed Viognier skins. After pressing, the wine matures in used French oak hogsheads and a 2000L old French oak foudre for 9 months, then rests in tank for an additional month. A small addition of early-picked Mataro is incorporated before bottling, with minimal sulfur. Contains sulfites.

Tasting Notes

Colour: bright ruby red.
Nose: spicy notes, bright forest fruits, apricot blossom.
Palate: fresh, medium-light, silky tannins, harmonious and approachable.

Food Pairing

Pairs beautifully with mortadella and rocket sandwiches on fresh focaccia, light antipasti, summer dishes, and outdoor gatherings. Drink now or enjoy over the next 5 years.

Technical Sheet

• Grapes: Syrah, Viognier, Mataro

• Alcohol: 11.8%

• Fermentation: 7 days; 13% Viognier skins; stainless steel open fermenters

• Aging: 9 months used French oak hogsheads + 2000L foudre + 1 month tank

• Vineyard: Barmera / Ebenezer – Barossa Valley, SA

• Style: Medium-light bodied dry red

• Serving Temp: 12–15°C

• Drinking Window: now to 5 years

• Contains sulfites

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Sigurd Wines

Sigurd Wines: Family Spirit and Terroir Respect in Barossa

History of Sigurd Wines

Sigurd Wines was founded in 2012 by Dan Graham as a personal and artisanal winemaking project after years spent studying and working in vineyards around the world. The name “Sigurd” comes from his Norwegian great-grandfather, Sigurd Thorwaldsen Gran, whose story inspired the identity of the winery. Coming from a family of growers in Australia and the Riverina region, Dan chose to create a small, independent label rooted in the local land, distancing himself from the large-scale industrial productions he had previously experienced. Sigurd Wines embodies this decision: crafting honest, handmade wines that reflect tradition, origin and Dan’s global winemaking background.

Vineyard Philosophy

The vineyard philosophy at Sigurd Wines is based on sustainable, natural and environmentally conscious agriculture. The grapes come from organic, biodynamic or sustainably farmed vineyards across renowned Australian regions such as Barossa, Clare Valley, Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale. Each site is selected for its expressiveness and balance, allowing the vines to grow in harmony with the soil and climate. This approach protects biodiversity, nurtures soil health and ensures grapes that truly represent their variety and terroir.

Winery Approach

In the winery, Sigurd follows a strict minimal-intervention philosophy: spontaneous fermentation with wild yeasts, no fining, no filtration, no additives — except for a minimal amount of sulphur at bottling. Every variety is vinified separately, often with whole-bunch elements, short macerations or gentle extraction, and then aged in large oak barrels or stainless steel depending on the style. The result is a collection of wines focused on purity, texture, freshness and authenticity, rather than standardised industrial profiles.

Identity, Values and Vision

Sigurd Wines is more than a winery — it is a family-driven project that unites heritage, respect for the land and a passion for authentic expression. Dan and his wife Marta run the company together: Dan managing vineyards and winemaking, Marta handling branding, communications, export and business development. Their philosophy is clear: small batches, handmade wines, sustainable farming and zero compromise on integrity. Every bottle carries the family’s story, the landscapes of Barossa and the intention to make honest, characterful wines with a strong sense of place.