Delinquente Screaming Betty Vermentino 2026 750ml

“Textural Riverland Vermentino with apricot, tropical fruit, savoury grip and a salty fresh finish.”

Delinquente Screaming Betty Vermentino 2026 is a much more interesting take on Vermentino than the simple crisp white most people expect.

This vintage is slightly more amber in colour, with a grapey, vinous aroma leading into apricot, stone fruit and subtle tropical notes. The palate is soft and textural at first, then fresh acidity and a gentle savoury grip take over, giving the wine plenty of length and making it seriously moreish.

If you like natural wines, skin contact whites or just whites with a bit more personality, this is a very good place to start. It has enough texture and savouriness to be interesting, but it still finishes fresh enough that you are unlikely to stop at one glass.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Fresh grapes, apricot and stone fruit with subtle tropical fruit and light savoury notes.

Palate: Soft and textural with ripe apricot and orchard fruit, balanced by lively acidity and gentle tannin.

Finish: Long, savoury and refreshing with lingering fruit and a subtle salty edge.

Halliday Wine Companion - 91 Points

From the Bassham Family Organic vineyard in Barmera. Always a solid release from this remarkably consistent producer. Brine, grapefruit pith, green apple skin, sea spray and green almond, with a hint of pear and mandarin. It has mouthwatering acidity, but it's not out of step with the balance of the wine. It's just easy and delicious drinking. Katrina Butler

Serving Suggestions

A great match with antipasti, grilled prawns, calamari, roast chicken and Mediterranean vegetables.

It also works beautifully with charcuterie, olives, soft cheeses and lightly spiced Asian dishes, where the texture and fresh acidity really come into their own.

About The Winery

Delinquente Wine Co was founded by Greg Grigoriou in South Australia’s Riverland, with a focus on Mediterranean varieties that are well suited to the region’s warm, dry climate.

The wines are built around organically grown fruit, minimal intervention and plenty of personality, with the aim of showing a fresher and more interesting side of the Riverland. The range has become one of Australia’s most recognisable independent natural wine labels.

Screaming Betty is a good example of why Delinquente has such a following. It is unusual enough to keep wine people interested, but still delicious enough that nobody needs a lecture before drinking it.

Cellaring Potential

Best enjoyed young while the fruit, freshness and savoury energy are at their brightest.

The Wine Front lists the 2026 drinking window as 2026 to 2027, so this is definitely one to open rather than forget about in the cellar.

Details

Producer: Delinquente Wine Co
Vintage: 2026
Variety: Vermentino
Region: Riverland, South Australia
Bottle Size: 750ml
Wine Style: Textural Skin Contact White
Wine Sweetness: Dry
Wine Body: Light to Medium Bodied
ABV: 11%
Closure: Screw Cap
Organic: Yes
Natural Wine: Yes
Key Flavours: Apricot, Stone Fruit, Tropical Fruit, Fresh Grapes, Savoury Notes, Salinity