FOOD & WINE
Recherché reds ANGLIANCO Origin: Italy Hither & Yon Aglianico, from the volcanic soils of Campagnia and Basilicata in Italy, is a noble grape variety. And just like the region, it’s not one you stumble across, but seek out for a new experience. The folk at Hither & Yon see their aglianico as the chance to make fine, compelling wine on the savoury, earthy side. Wild mint and violet scents lead you onto a long textural palate of black berries, salted olives, oregano, leather and spice. Rustic, but charming. RRP $33 hitherandyon.com.au BARBERA Origin: Italy Zerella Wines ‘La Gita’ Barbera 2017 While still regarded as an exotic variety in Australia, barbera is one of the most widely planted red varieties in Italy. Hailing from Piemonte in the north-west, barbera is considered a more approachable, earlier drinking variety when compared to its Piedmontese cousin, nebbiolo. As displayed in the La Gita Barbera, the variety is known for its dark berry fruit flavours, moderate tannins and bright acidity, producing a style ever so suited to slow-cooked comfort food. RRP $35 zerellawines.com.au GRENACHE Origin: Spain / France Kay Brothers Basket Pressed Grenache Grenache may be an old timer in the Vale, but it’s only recently that this variety has rightfully reclaimed its place in the spotlight. Justifiably held in high regard in McLaren Vale as a versatile variety wonderfully
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suited to our coastal climate, it produces wines that pair beautifully with food. Kay Brothers’ take on grenache is an elegant and bright wine with red berries on the palate, gentle tannins and refreshing acidity. RRP $29.50 kaybrothers.com.au BASTARDO Origin: Portugal Lino Ramble - Blind Man’s Bluff 2019 A working holiday to Portugal’s Douro Valley reinforced Lino Ramble’s Andy and Angela’s belief in how suitable Portugese varieties are to our McLaren Vale climate. Bastardo has a short growth cycle and is always the first fruit harvested. The wine is light to medium bodied, fresh and full of vibrant berry aromas with hints of vegetal notes and is an extremely flexible food partner suitable for a large variety of dishes. RRP $30 linoramble.com.au CARIGNAN Origin: Spain / France Kimbolton Wines 2019 Carignan There’s been some confusion surrounding the carignan grape variety in Australia with many so-called carignan plantings actually found to be mourvèdre. But Kimbolton Vineyards have the real deal. Their carignan is fruit forward with lashings of delicious, vibrant raspberry fruit, grippy tannins, and a spicy, mint like finish. Lighter in style, it’s the perfect red for a warm summer’s day perhaps enjoyed with a dish of crispy duck breast and sauteed greens. RRP $28 kimboltonwines.com.au
