Pizzini Nonna Gisella Sangiovese 2013

Its a big move for a winery to release 6 sangiovese based wines and really goes to show how much effort Pizzini is putting in to showcase this variety. From my perspective this wine is all about summer as it is light to medium bodied with fruit yet retains a sense of sourness about it.

Pizzini Nonna Gisella Sangiovese 2013

There is a small amount of merlot and shiraz in this wine but you wouldn't know as it tastes all sangiovese in a light body mode with sour cherries, dried earth and spice. The flavours move through well with a faint dusting of tannin underneath. This wine is perfect for summer or a funky wine bar in town so people could grab a glass after work with a group of friends. High quality and good value.

Alcohol: 13.5%
Price: $21.50
Rated: 88
Drink: Now - 2016

 

Redbank Ellora Chardonnay Pinot Noir Brut Cuvee 2012

The King Valley sounds like a good spot for sparkling wines.

Redbank Ellora Chardonnay Pinot Noir Brut Cuvee 2012

There is an intense line of spice, cherries and baked bread running through the spine of this sparkling wine. This is a full bodied expression and it tastes far more expensive than the price tag states. The complexity level is rather good with flavours of pralines, strawberries and grapefruit skin combining with the above mentioned flavours but they are a little loose knit for a huge score. I would be drinking this leading up to the Christmas season.

Alcohol: 12%
Price: $23
Rated: 88
Drink: Now - 2018

Redbank Pinot Grigio 2014

What do people drink? I ask plenty of somms and they all say different things. For instance Adelaide can't get enough Fiano at the moment but they don't drink much Arneis. In Sydney they seem to be more open to Arneis but the guys I deal with aren't too keen on Nero d'Avola. What I'm getting at is that I am not a fan of Grigio yet it seems to be a mover especially in the restaurant business. In terms of style the Grigio wines seem to be more aligned with Sav Blanc and I can see why people like to drink that as it is unadulterated grape juice. No winemaking tricks or oak treatment just straight up grapes into the bottle.

Redbank Pinot Grigio 2014

Boo ya in terms of open and inviting at this early stage but I guess I have seen some 2015 wines out in the market. Ok so this is all grapefruits and hints of pears and granny smith apples which point to  a fresh and lively sort of a wine with a creaminess coming through on the back palate. There is a hint of phenolic texture but otherwise it is all drink me drink me appeal. The wine won't take you down the rabbit hole but it will get you into the mood for some Asian cuisine. To be honest I didn't feel that this was fermented in oak as it doesn't impact the flavour or the texture.

Alcohol: 13%
Price: $22
Rated: 88
Drink: Now - 2018

Redbank Wines Fiano 2014

Redbank winery is located in King Valley which is where so many Italians have set up camp. The two vineyards that this winery has are both set up at high altitude and are planted to a variety of French and Italian grape varieties.  

 

Redbank Wines Fiano 2014 

 

I love Fiano and drink a fair bit of it at home. The variety, generally, can offer texture and mouth-watering acidity. This wine is made in a lighter style but I guess that would be the case considering where it came from. On the nose there is fresh cut herbs, lemon sherbet and pear with a hint of honey blossom thrown in. The mouth feel offers a little texture which adds interest before some melon goodness attacks and then lightness takes over. All in all, a wondrous Fiano ride and a good introduction to the variety. 

 

Alcohol: 13% 
Price: $22 

Rated: 90 

Drink: Now – 2022 

 

Pizzini Rosetta 2014

Here is another of those little rose numbers. This one is made from Sangiovese and I can’t find much more info about it. 

Pizzini Rosetta 2014

Lip smacking dry and light as hell with flavours of spice, fennel seeds, strawberries, spring blossom and watermelon slowly evolve on the long driven palate. The wine takes ages to open up so I would keep this in bottle a little longer to fully appreciate what it has to offer. After a day open a creaminess comes out and moves the wine from light body to a more medium bodied style with some nice textural elements. Drink up.

Alcohol: 12%
Price: $18
Rated: 87
Drink: mid 2015 to 2018

Pizzini Pinot Grigio 2014

This year’s White Fields and Pinot Grigio are a very strong release and goes to show that in the right hands this variety in Australia can work well.

Pizzini Pinot Grigio 2014

What I expect from this variety and what I normally get is two very different things but in the pIzzini version they almost are one. The wine smells like the alpine slopes during an a spring flower festival and I love it so. Imagine walking through the warm alpine forest as the flowers open and a slender Austrian lady offers you a white nectarine and yellow peach from the bosoms. Now drink up.

Alcohol: 12.1
Price:$21
Rated: 90
Drink: Now – 2017

Pizzini White Fields Pinot Grigio 2013

So many winemakers talk about bench-making their wines. This wine should be added as it is the best quality wine from this variety that I have tasted. I guess bench making allows people to see the differences in style, quality and winemaking techniques that are out there. What I think most people use it for is a tax deductible piss up. Whatever the reason I think people should get on board this wine and the wines that are produced from this producer as they are more true to the variety and the tradition of the winemaking process.

 

Pizzini White Fields Pinot Grigio 2013

 

Pinot Grigio is normally fresh and fruity which this is but this wine has texture and savoury characters woven throughout. The wine starts out with pears aplenty and fresh cut flower before a massive wedge of acidity cuts through. I set the wine aside for another day before I moved back and now it looked unbelievable with fresh salted nuts, lemon peel, Asian spice before the normal pear and flowers bolting in. The palate seems to balance the freshness with some more weighty moments yet still look like a beautiful Grigio all the way to the end. I would recommend keeping it for another year before I tuck in.

 

Alcohol: 12%

Price: $27

Rated: 92

Drink: 2016 – 2025

 

 

Symphonia Wines Arneis 2014

This is the first time I have tasted a wine from this producer and the packaging looks very smart. 

Symphonia Wines Arneis 2014

The length on this wine is extremely long which makes this top notch but it also possesses a vibrant or torte profile. There are notes of crisp and juicy pear, the ones that burst with delicate flavours and soak you in juice, exotic spice and lemon blossom. There is a feeling of complexity and intricacy woven through this wine and I would happily crack a couple of these during summer. Top quality booze and I would love to see what else they can do. 

Alcohol: 13.5%
Price: $24
Rated: 92
Drink: Now – 2020

Chrismont La Zona Sagrantino 2013

Chrismont La Zona Sagrantino 2013

Chrismont are Italian and should know what they are doing with Sagrantino. The flavour profile for this wine is spot on here with dried herbs and a hint of Christmas cherries. Not the dark ones but the really juicy ones that have the beautiful juice dripping down your face. The medium bodied flavours just seem to roll around on my palate with the acidity just vibing up the joint. There is only a lick of tannin which adds a touch of texture and a hint of dryness to a savoury fruit profile. Easy drinking and so easy to smash.

Alcohol:
Price: $30
Rated: 88
Drink: Now - 2024

Pizzini Nebbiolo 2010

Nebbiolo provides all the goodness of Pinot Noir but has the structure of cabernet to match. Bring that of baby as it offers so much more.  

 

Pizzini Nebbiolo 2010 

 

When compared to the 2009 this wine is more fragrant and less heavy yet it still retains the undergrowth nature. There are notes of red berry fruit mixed with wild roses and red liquorice on an extremely long palate length. At the moment the flavours are wound up in a rambunctious load of dry chalky tannins but give it 6 years and it will show well. I like this more than the 2009 but for enjoyment at this stage the 09 looks better.  

 

Alcohol: 13.8% 

Price: $48 

Rated: 92++ 

Drink: 2019 - 2030 

 

 

The Christmas Issue

The Christmas Issue

 

Its Christmas time so get out your National Lampoons Christmas vacation, sit back in the couch and open something cold. This time of year lends itself to catching up with everyone, not just you family, on every night of the week. Today it is my wife’s workplace Christmas lunch so they have pulled out all the stops with a catered lunch and beverages on show. You have to love when you get paid to have a few drinks as it lifts the spirits. Enjoy any of these drinks below, especially as a few of them are pink in colour which makes them the national drink for this time of year.

 

Vigna Cantina Rosata di Sangiovese 2013

 

To begin with there is an enchanting cherry lipstick note which is both pretty and light. Once I sip it the wine comes across as medium bodied with hints of spice and lemon balm. These flavours give the impression of good complexity, especially when the wine was served really cold, and the best thing about it is the dryness that the wine finishes with. Drink up with the weather is hot!

 

Alcohol: 13.5%

Price: $20

Rated: 86

Drink: Now – 2015

 

 

Pizzini Rosetta 2013

 

This wine is lighter in colour and weight of flavour but this only means that it would be a better match for starters or entrée meals. Flavours of strawberries, rose hip and spice come oozing out and they don’t stop working their hips baby. This is a beautifully styled Rose that has acidity as its driving force. Bring more of this on as this didn’t even last the night. There is also a textural element that takes the interest factor up a level.

 

Alcohol: 11.5%

Price: $17.50

Rated: 87

Drink: Now

 

Running with Bulls Tempranillo 2012

 

The bomb! This is on special at the moment so it is around the $14 mark but it is worth around the 25 to 35 mark. This little medium bodied delight has complexity up the wazoo with flavours of cherry cola, wood smoked bark, spice and blueberry pie. All these flavour are built of a savoury profile with silky tannins flowing underneath. I have half a page written about this wine on my notes but the word that comes up the most is lovely! I’ve bought some now you need to get on the band wagon.

 

Alcohol: 13.5%

Price: $14 - $18

Rated: 87

Drink: Now – 2020

 

 

Azienda Agricola COS Cerasuolo di Vittoria 2010

 

This wine comes in a kick arse squat bottle which makes this wine feel impressive even before you open it. The winery has only been around since 1980 and they focus on everything that is associated with the Sicilian heritage. They utilise amphora’s and older wood which lets the textural and flavour of the indigenous varieties speak loudest. The savoury flavours of orange rind, blood plums, dried autumn leaves and spice are major with a spearmint component on the back end. The medium bodied palate weight is so satisfying and is a pure joy as it is miles away for the over bearing and clean nature of a some of the Australian wines.  

 

Alcohol: 13%

Price: $50
Rated: 91
Drink: Now - 2020
Importer: Enoteca Sydney

Pizzini Pinot Grigio 2013

The first vines from this variety arrived in 1832 so it has been around a while but it is only recently, the last 10 years, has it really taken off. Generally these wines are released very young but wineries are experimenting with lees contact and barrel aging so expect some wild new wines to emerge.

Pizzini Pinot Grigio 2013

The Pizzini effort is built for summer drinking and loving and it still possess plenty of flavour in the form of pear skin, lemon rind and spice. The light weight palate works perfectly in the middle of the day with a nice light meal yet it still has a richer mid palate with a hint of creaminess coming through which takes it up the interest ladder. This wine is a very good effort for a wine under 20 bucks.

 

Alcohol: 11.5%

Price: $18.50 cellar door

Rated: 86

Drink: Now

 

 

Pizzini Riesling 2013

The King Valley is a lovely picturesque area with many wineries and food shops but that is not the only thing going on. Once a year in October the locals and other competitors get their fitness groove on and take on a triathlon. The event starts at Lake William Hovell which is a magnificently breathtaking start to the event. The 15k run takes you through sandy flats and rustic gum before a 12k Kayak on the Lake which starts out at the boat yard and ends on the calm end of town. This is then followed by a 39k bike ride and a 3k sprint. After the event there are so many wineries and boutique beer store I suggest that you get stuck in to them.

 

Pizzini Riesling 2013

Ticks all the rizza boxes and is worth every cent of the 16 bucks of the RRP. The wine starts out very floral before some lemon drops kicks in on the mid-palate. While my notes say high in acid it isn’t that noticeable compared too many of this style from Eden Valley or the Clare Valley.  What I would say is the style is highly drinkable and would work well once the weather starts heating up.

 

Alcohol: 11%

Price: $16

Rated: 87

Drink: Now - 2020

 

 

Pizzini Sangiovese 2012

Sangiovese is typically an early ripening variety which needs a little heat to get the best out of it but not much.  The berries are large with many bunches per vine which means that the vigneron needs to spend much time in the vineyard tending the vines. The variety has a unique ability to express the region and vineyard characteristics with great diversity of flavour and structure. Many refer that this is like the Riesling grape variety. One would only surmise that this would mean that people are able to go on a great sensory journey when tackling the Sangiovese variety.

 

Pizzini Sangiovese 2012

 

Most Sangiovese from Australia comes across as sweet but this one is dry and savoury with a hint of sourness which makes it so enchanting. The mouth-feel is also a contrast as it is silky and elegant. All this and more fit on a medium bodied palate weight and a lively finish end with spice. The only flavour that is not the normal Sangiovese style is a little caramel that sits on the mid-palate which I felt added something extra. Lovely!

 

Alcohol: 13.5%

Price: $26

Rated: 88

Drink: Now – 2020

Pizzini Prosecco 2013

Prosecco is supposed to be light and cheerful which fits perfectly as this wine is that and more.

 

Pizzini Prosecco 2013

 

Apples and pears with a hint of fresh flowers reside deep within this wine. It has sweetness but starts and finishes with nice lip smacking tartness. If you really want a lovely summer beverage try adding a squeeze of peach juice. I know what you are thinking why should we add anything to prosecco but this style of wine is supposed to be fun so you can play around with things. Give it a go.

 

 

Alcohol:  11%

Price: $19.50

Rated: 87 and perfect for summer

 

Drink: Now

Pizzini Sangiovese 2011

Sangiovese is an ancient variety which began around the 1530s. It wasn't until the late 1800s that the quality started to rise. The variety has a problem with new oak as it seems to smother the medium to light bodied flavours with ease. Many of the better example can cellar well as the variety is high in tannin and acidity. Pizzini's sangiovese is built as a entry level style that can cellar for the medium term.

Pizzini Sangiovese 2011

Dirty, twiggy and earth with notes of iodine which makes me think this is more European than Australian. The measured medium bodied palate has a depth of flavour and sweet tannins sitting underneath. I managed to taste this over four days and tried it with penna ragu, vegetarian lasagne and an anti-pasta platter and it worked on all levels. I would give it another year in bottle before I tuck into them as the oak will reduce.

Alcohol: 13.5%
Price: $20 - $27
RAted: 88
Drink: 2014 - 2018

Pizzini Il Barone 2009

The Il Barone is a blend of Cabernet, Shiraz, Sangiovese and Nebbiolo which means that it is definitely a field blend styled wine is dark and brooding character. The price for this wine puts it at the up market end of town and it is great to see a blend be given such focus. Too often we see in Australia the blends being the entry level wine with the straight varietals sitting up the top. From a purely quality and enjoyment factor, my top 5 best wines have all been blends.

Pizzini Il Barone 2009

The wine starts out a little rustic with roasted meats and rusty nails before the red fruits come rolling in. After an hour in the glass the wine has added weight and a darker flavour profile but it still has a rustic charm about it that makes me want to stick my head in and suck it down. The Nebiolo and Sangiovese have added a dirtiness to the palate with filthy tannin running wild. In te end the palate finishes well with juicy acidity and freshness. Would I drink this now? Well I could but I would give it another 4 years to show its true colour.

Alcohol: 14.2%
Price: $40
Rated: 89
Drink: From 2017

Pizzini Nebbiolo 2009

Due to the fertile soils of the King Valley, the area was originally used for cultivation of hops and tobacco. I would love to see the brewing side of the area come back as I think that would be another interesting journey that the area could take us on.

Pizzini Nebbiolo 2009

Pizzini is the god father of Italian style wines in Victoria and Australia for that matter. These medium bodied style wines are perfect for the food that we eat and it is easy to go back for a second glass. While the flavours are more prominant in this wine than that of the Italian counterparts, the flavours of potpourri, roasted meats, smoked cherries, damp earth and exotic herbs are less Aussie and more European. There is a rustic tannin structure underneath but it takes second fiddle to the beautiful and interesting flavours. This is a beautiful Nebbiolo with Australian style.

Alcohol: 14.1%
Price: $38
Rated: 92 +
Drink: 2017 +

Pizzini Sangiovese Shiraz 2011

I loved this wine last time, as it seems to combine the modern Australian style with the dirty nature of Sangiovese. This years version just doesn't have the length like last year.

Pizzini Sangiovese Shiraz 2011

The things I look for in wine is balance, length and structure so if a wine doesn't possess them they get canned. This wine has balance but not the other two so it makes it a great quaffer. Go hard, I say if you can find it cheap.

Alcohol: 13.5%
Price: $18
Rated: 83
Drink: Now

Moscato

Moscato can be sweet or slighty dry and while I think there is more of the sweeter style consumed in Australia I beleive that the drier style works muich better.

BellaRiva Moscato Del Re 2012

This is a lightly sparkling style that has fresh flavours of lychees and spice. The flavours are simple but they show themsleves well on entry. For a wine at 18 bucks it is pretty snazzy as it has managed to balance out the sweetness with a zippy acidity on the finish. I could think that I could drink a bottle of this on the way home from work in the car but I wouldn't recommend drink driving.

Alcohol: 5.5%
Price: $18
Rated: 84
Drink: Now

Patritti Moscato 2011

The palate is not as sweet as the BellaRiva and the fruit is not as forward so you have to be a bit more thoughtful with this wine. Don't just pour and glug, you may have to let it sit for about 15 minutes in the glass.  The flavours are of passionfruit sorbet, punguent crushed flowers and musk stick. The acidity of the wine drives a mouthwatering edge through the centre of the wine which leaves the mouth dripping. The weight of the wine is light suggesting that it should be served first or when the weather is hotter. All in all a beautiful package. Just look at the price as it makes this wine a no brainer.

Alcohol: 6%

Price: $9.50

Rated: 84+

Drink: Now