The Listening Station Malbec, Swan Hill, Australia

Producer Story of The Listening Station 

This inky, aromatic Malbec takes its name from the remote radio stations scattered across the Australian outback—lonely sentinels listening to the night. The wine, like the landscape, is intense, vast, and quietly captivating. With its star-speckled label and dark-fruited charm, The Listening Station is a tribute to those wide Australian skies and the secrets they keep.

Vineyard & Winemaking

All fruit is sourced from a single estate in the Swan Hill region of Victoria, where 5 hectares of Malbec vines (planted in 2000) thrive in tough, arid conditions. These own-rooted vines are low in vigour due to age and climate, which results in smaller berries and a greater concentration of colour and flavour.

Set on red sandy loam over a limestone clay base, the vineyard experiences a hot Mediterranean climate, with summer temperatures ranging from 30–40°C. Vines are trellised vertically with minimal fertiliser and drip irrigation, and machine-harvested at night from mid to late March to preserve freshness.

Fermentation takes place in stainless steel at 25°C for three weeks, with pump-overs four times daily. Malolactic fermentation is completed over four weeks. Half of the final blend is matured for three months in a mix of French and American oak barriques to enhance structure and complexity.

Tasting Notes

Dark, smooth, and irresistibly moreish. This Malbec delivers layers of ripe blackberry, cocoa, and spice, all wrapped in a silky texture. A whisper of oak adds depth, while the fruit remains vibrant and mineral-fresh. It’s a wine that lingers—like the night itself.

Food Pairing

Ideal for bold, comforting dishes. Pair with rich casseroles, slow-cooked meats, or roasted Mediterranean vegetables. It’s also lovely with grilled portobello mushrooms or a smoky lentil stew.

Details

The Listening Station Malbec, Swan Hill 2023
Code: APB160 | Region: Victoria, Australia
ABV: 13% | Case Size: 6 x 75cl | Closure: Screwcap
Grape Variety: 100% Malbec
Dietary: Vegetarian & Vegan Friendly