Head 'The Contrarian' Viognier '24

Head 'The Contrarian' Viognier '24About the Wine: 'The Contrarian' represents a remarkable expression of the Barossa, challenging conventional notions of Barossan wine with a distinct and creative approach. Having dedicated 16 years to working with Viognier, Alex embarked on a quest inspired by a visit to Chateau Grillet in 2013, aiming to emulate their style. In 2020, a small batch of the highest altitude Viognier grapes was carefully hand picked and processed using a blend of older

About the Wine: 

'The Contrarian' represents a remarkable expression of the Barossa, challenging conventional notions of Barossan wine with a distinct and creative approach. Having dedicated 16 years to working with Viognier, Alex embarked on a quest inspired by a visit to Chateau Grillet in 2013, aiming to emulate their style. In 2020, a small batch of the highest altitude Viognier grapes was carefully hand-picked and processed using a blend of older Grillet & Chablis techniques. Though facing setbacks with the loss of 1/3 of production due to aldehyde levels, the resulting 90 dozen bottles exhibit true Viognier character, boasting sliced white peaches, lime, lemon, and crushed pear notes, all enveloped in a full-bodied and textured palate. With freshness, yeasty hints, and subtle savory nuances, this limited edition wine promises to evolve beautifully with age.

About the Producer:

Alex Head is the founder and winemaker of Head Wines. Alex fell in love with the northern Rhone Valley Shiraz while traveling through Europe's wine regions, particularly the Côte-Rôtie. Since, he has been inspired to recreate these Old World styles in the Barossa Valley. Alex uses fruit from unique elevated sites in the Barossa and Eden Valley, each offering different soil compositions and climates ideal for exploring contrasting styles. Alex carefully selects grapes from sustainably farmed vineyards, resulting in wines that reflect the elegance, balance, and complexity of their origins. Alex's goal is to share his fascination with Old World styles through the terroir of the Barossa region.

ALC: 12%