Unico Zelo Nero d’Avola 2014

I’ve been speaking to a lot of winemakers recently about Nero d’Avola and there is a split in the mindset between some of them.  Some say that the best sites are yet to be found and we should look at the cooler areas such as the Adelaide Hills for our best sites. The other groups says we are yet to find the best sites but we should look to the warmer areas such as the Riverland, Barossa and McLaren Vale for the best sites. From my perspective I think the warmer sites are where the gold is at as the variety seems to handle the heat, doesn’t bag up in the heat and doesn’t need water like other varieties in the warmer areas plus it seems that the virus that is in the vines kicks in harder in the cooler climates resulting in poor to no cropping level.

 

Unico Zelo Nero d’Avola 2014

 

I was expecting a full on Nero with plenty of grunt yet acidity but what I got was a light bodied fragrant wine with acidity to burn. The wine works well at this weight and has a nice fragrant cherry bomb note and spice moments running along the spine. The texture is also light with not much action on the tannin section but when it comes to liveliness on the acidity, oh my god bring that sXXt on.  The acidity pops the wine out of the glass making it attack you with hugs and kisses. I love it and I polished off the bottle in no time as all.

 

Alcohol: 13%

Price: $23

Rated: 90
Drink: Now to whenever you finish the bottle

Delinquente Wine co. Pretty Boy Nero d’Avola Rosato 2014

A label I have never tried before and it does look ominous with an ugly looking fellow on the label. The winery is owned by Greg Grigoriou and the fruit is purchased form the Riverland which is where he grew up.

 

Delinquente Wine co. Pretty Boy Nero d’Avola Rosato 2014

This is a full bodied rosato with plenty of flavour. There is a nice balance between sweet plums, strawberry and more savoury notes of dried earth and spice on a long length. While I like the wine I would have preferred if it was more medium bodied and more savoury in profile.  I would see this being drunk as a dry red rather than a rosato. Either way a good quality wine if not a little confused as to what it is.

 

Alcohol: ?

Price: $18

Rated: 88

Drink: Now 

Image from website

 

Bassham Wines Nero d'Avola 2013

Here is the new comer variety which seems to like warmer climates and still comes out medium bodied and drinkable by itself or with food. The Italian versions are made in an International or ancient style, in an amphora, but generally the Australian versions are made with minimal time in contact with skins and then pressed into older oak.

Bassham is a family own and operated organic vineyard that focuses on the Italian varieties.

Bassham Wines Nero d'Avola 2013

The Riverland is producing some great alternative varieties and this wine is no different. It is bright with flavours of plum, cherries and spice woven through a light palate that finishes with perky acidity. The flavour profile is savoury with a bit of texture and rounded tannins working well and adding interest.

Alcohol:
Price: $25
Rated: 88
Drink: Now - 2018

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

Salena Estate Wines Ink Series Rosato di Sangiovese 2014

Salena Estate is located in the Riverland in South Australia. They are farmed organically with a mix of traditional and alternative varieties.


Salena Estate Wines Ink Series Rosato di Sangiovese 2014

What a lovely light coloured savoury style wine with delicate flavours. It does have a punch of intensity with cherries, spice and tart cranberries. These flavours are savoury with not a moment of sweetness. It is long in the mouth and easy to drink a lot of. This wine would smash it out over summer and would pair perfectly with salads and lighter meals.The colour is pale and it gives notice that the wine will be more refined and European in nature. Love it.

Alcohol: ?
Price: $20
RAted: 88
Drink: now - 2017