Ben Riggs’ black and white aim is to produce icon wines from icon regions in styles that he enjoys drinking: big, rich and complex, but with finesse, texture and elegance.
Bear in mind the latter is not necessarily a trait shared by himself!
Ben attributes his love for the land and its fruits to his far-sighted ancestor, great-great-great Grandfather John ‘The Gaffer’ Riggs - known throughout the state in the late 1800s for his agricultural prowess.
Mr. Riggs ‘The Gaffer’ Shiraz was named in his honour back in 2004 and has been under a bright pink capsule since 2006, showing support for Breast Cancer research through the Flinders Medical Centre Foundation in South Australia. So far, sales over the past 3 vintages have raised over $60,000 for the cause.
Making wine for his own label as well as Penny’s Hill, The Black Chook and various other brands in South Australia and interstate (and until recently, overseas) his love of the wine industry also stretches to viticulture, and he now owns and runs ‘Piebald Gully’ vineyard near Kangarilla.