My second wine from this new Adelaide Hills producer and I like it a lot. Fiano has the ability to retain natural acidity even in the heat of South Australian vintage, as well as delivering some genuine interest in flavours, textures and palate weight.
What I like best about this wine is that it does not taste of young vines. Sure, it is ripe fruited (13.5% alcohol), but there is weight and intensity that is unforced and honest. The citrus is there (more in the just-candied lemon part of the spectrum), there is an attractive lemon pith bitterness, it has length, persistence and crispness, but for me the star of the flavour show is a clean and clear hit of pear drops - pear fruit and pleasantly sour acid, working together. While a little less ripeness and alcohol might freshen the wine and give it a more brisk carry through the mouth, I wouldn't want it to come at the expense of that clarity of pear drops flavour and acid, nor the richness of mid-palate texture the wine has.
Good fruit, smart winemaking and a characterful wine of versatility and persistent interest. A producer to watch, I reckon.
$25 rrp (10% off in a six pack), 13.5% alcohol, screwcap. Website here.
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The 2011 of this took Best Italian White and Best White Wine at the 2011 Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show just finished. Deserved the gongs too. Good wine.
ReplyDeletePaul