The Michelini’s are one of many northern Italian families who settled in the Alpine and King Valleys in the two decades after World War 2. Like many Italian immigrants in the region, they initially grew tobacco, before making the transition to grape growing in the early 1980’s. In 1997, a winery was built and the first wines bottled under the Michelini label were released.
As one would expect, there is a strong Italian influence here, with Pinot Grigio, Barbera, Sangiovese and even a little Teroldego (presumably the only Australian plantings of this northern Italian variety) produced.
Save for a couple of reserve bottlings, the wines released under the Michelini label are keenly priced at a dollar or two under $20. These aren’t eye-catching or point chasing wines, but well made wines of a good commercial quality. The Barbera is fermented and matured exclusively in tank and displays bright plum and cherry fruit typical of the variety. It’s not overly exciting or complex, but works well tomato-based pasta dishes and gourmet pizza.
2009 BARBERA
Producer: Michelini
Variety: Barbera
Vintage: 2009
Region: Alpine Valley, Victoria
ABV: 13.0%
Closure: Screw cap
Format: 750ml
Retail price: $18.50
Date tasted: 24 April 2012
Tasting Note:
Bright ruby red. Clean nose of black cherry and plum, reflected on the palate, which is relatively straightforward. This is a relatively simple but well made ‘trattoria’ wine that sits comfortably alongside rustic Italian cuisine.
Score: 15/20
As one would expect, there is a strong Italian influence here, with Pinot Grigio, Barbera, Sangiovese and even a little Teroldego (presumably the only Australian plantings of this northern Italian variety) produced.
Save for a couple of reserve bottlings, the wines released under the Michelini label are keenly priced at a dollar or two under $20. These aren’t eye-catching or point chasing wines, but well made wines of a good commercial quality. The Barbera is fermented and matured exclusively in tank and displays bright plum and cherry fruit typical of the variety. It’s not overly exciting or complex, but works well tomato-based pasta dishes and gourmet pizza.
Producer: Michelini
Variety: Barbera
Vintage: 2009
Region: Alpine Valley, Victoria
ABV: 13.0%
Closure: Screw cap
Format: 750ml
Retail price: $18.50
Date tasted: 24 April 2012
Tasting Note:
Bright ruby red. Clean nose of black cherry and plum, reflected on the palate, which is relatively straightforward. This is a relatively simple but well made ‘trattoria’ wine that sits comfortably alongside rustic Italian cuisine.
Score: 15/20
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