I want it to be untamed, hence Efferus, wild, so the wine shows robustness and a rustic feel, but that’s not quite right either.
Abel Gibson, Owner/winemaker
About The Wine
The Latin word, Efferus, roughly translates to savage, wild, untamed, and undomesticated - a beautiful vision of Abel Gibson's Mataro from his rugged Barossa home.
In this wine, while old vine Mataro is the focal point, colour is added by Syrah, Grenache and Cinsault. It's a wine that is very much greater than the sum of its parts.
Gibson has a rare feel for the art of blending, the aim always to bring vitality and freshness to the naturally moody, meaty, earthy nature of Mataro. It's a balancing act that few achieve, yet one that seems easy in Abel's calm hands.
This wine is a beautiful and beguiling depiction of Mataro and its friends from the great Barossa Valley.
About Ruggabellus
Ruggabellus - meaning 'rugged beauty' - is one of the breakaway producers of the much written about 'New Barossa' movement.
A deep connection to the land of the Barossa Valley underpins Abel Gibson's winery. Raised amongst the vines of the Barossa, the cellars of Penfolds and Rockford, with the guidance of local wine legends such as Charlie Melton and his father Rob Gibson, Abel has carved a unique path for his brand.
Ruggabellus focuses on sensitive blends of old vine Syrah, Mataro, Grenache and Cinsault from great old vineyards with freshness and vitality always the key. Oak is never new. Additions are minimal.
The 'whites' are some of the country's finest examples of skin contact 'amber' wines. The variations on Riesling, Muscat and Semillon that are entirely world class. These are rare and truly authentic Australian wines.

Barossa Valley, SA