Unico Zelo Fiano 2014 & Jericho Wines Fiano 2014

These two wines are almost polar opposites in flavour spectrum and texture. The area of the Riverland is hot, let us put that upfront to start with but it seems to be finding a beautiful home to some of the more interesting varieties that are coming out. On the other hand the Adelaide Hills has been planting the Italian varieties for a while now. I was speaking to a group of wine makers from around the country and all but one said that Fiano, Sangiovese, Sagrantino and Nero d'Avola are good but they need to plant more in the cooler areas, such as the Adelaide Hills, to see what the variety can do. I think they were talking about marginal areas.

Jericho Wines Fiano 2014

The grapes for this wine were pressed straight to tank and allowed to undergo fermentation. The wine spent minimal time in contact with lees before being bottled. The wine feels very ripe with flavours of SPC mixed tinned fruits, think peach, apricots,  rock melon and candied limes. The flavours are full on but the wine does not possess much texture or structure. It is easy to drink and makes me feel it is built for now.

Alcohol: 13%
Price: $25
Rated: 86
Drink: Now - 2016

Unico Zelo Fiano 2014

The vineyard for this wine has produced a textural wine that looks more like a European style than the Australian ones. From the outset the texture is the most appealing thing that lingers and coats the front and mid-palate of my mouth. The wine is released too early and means that the flavour or experience of the wine is cut short. The flavours are in the typical Fiano spectrum with pears and honey mixed with fresh cut herbs and lemon zest. The acidity holds the wine together and keeps it pert from the get go. One of the best Fiano's on the market from a new producer.

Alcohol: 13.5%
Price: $22
Rated: 91 +
Drink: 2015 - 2025