The Italians are coming

ONE of the fads slowly capturing wine drinkers’ attention is that of Italian wines and styles of Italian varieties grown here in Australia.

Sangiovese is one of the Italian varieties that has started to make an impact into the very competitive wine industry during the past few years. Sangiovese has its origins firmly rooted to the soils of Tuscany and has been grown since the days before papa was a rolling stone. In Italy the quality varies vastly, from insipid low alcoholic thin wines right through to some of the world’s great wines. Australia’s exposure to this variety began in the mid-1970s at Montrose winery in NSW. Other early pioneers of this variety were Brown Brothers and the Pizzini family in Victoria. Here in WA, a few wineries have plantings of the variety. Erl Happ has been playing around with Sangiovese and look out for a Sangiovese Cabernet blend under the Suckfizzle label at a wine outlet near you.

Coriole Estate planted the Sangiovese in the

mid-1980s. The last few vintages at Coriole have produced very smart wines. The style is one that deserves a look at, but my suggestion would be to enjoy the experience with food.

Coriole Sangiovese 1999 rrp $18.99 rating 17.75/20

To my mind this is one of the best Australian examples of its style produced. This vintage is a cracker and the best I have seen from Coriole. It has ripe, sweet raspberry and cherry fruit aromas that drive you towards a palate packed full of enticing fruits that show plum, black cherry and a touch of bramble. The acidity is attractive and the tannins don’t completely tile up your palate. Dial up your favourite pizza shop, invite Gino and the boys over and enjoy. Bellisimo.