Italian giggle juice! This is a happy wine, and a variety Stephen has great hope for in our warm climate. The wine is an immediate pleasure but given a moment can be contemplative and cerebral. In a way it’s the red version of Fiano with the same juxtaposition of lean and ripe.

Originating in the warm, central wine-growing areas of Italy and regarded as a workhouse variety
of great importance, it suffers from a confounding name and is often confused with the Tuscan
town of the same name. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is in fact made from Sangiovese grapes
while Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is made from Montepulciano grapes. 

Dark goodness with a herbaceous edge; think dried mulberries rolled in dark spice and coated in a fine layer of couverture chocolate. Always an absorbing blend of aromas and flavours that contradict and muddle the senses. How can you have dark plums and frutto di bosco with cherry, violets and musk lollies? It’s got a strut and defiant posture, loaded with attitude and a perfume that makes you look back and wonder.

Deliciously approachable and medium-bodied. The tannins share the same attitude as the flavours; a harmonious partnership that carries charm and sensuality to the back palate before a layered and broody finish. A wine to tempt the most ardent Shiraz and Cabernet drinker over to the varieties that may better suit the Australian climate.

Perfectly accompanies Bolognese or ragu but for something different try with chilli con carne.

Alc/Vol: 14.0%