2016 MOLINO A VENTO NERELLO MASCALESE - SHE'S LIKE THE WIND

Nerello Mascalese has come to prominence thanks to the renaissance that has taken place on the slopes of Mt Etna over the course of the past decade or so. Conparisons have been drawn between the red wines of Etna and red Burgundy.

One drawback with the wines of Mt Etna is the relatively high price for its entry level wines. If one wants to try Nerello Mascalese at a modest expense, the good news is that there are inexpensive examples of the variety being made elsewhere in Sicily.

This example, from Sicily’s wild west may not possess the finesse Nerello Mascalese grown on Etna, but it does provide an honest representation of the variety. Slightly rustic in feel, it is delivers a combination of berry fruit, dusty herbs and earthy notes.

2016 MOLINO A VENTO NERELLO MASCALESE
Producer: Terre Orestiade
Variety: Nerello Mascalese
Region: Sicily, Italy
ABV: 13.5%
Closure: Natural cork
Retail Price: $20.00
Date tasted: 27 November 2017

Tasting Note:
Bright ruby red. Clean nose of plum, dark cherry, freshly tilled earth, dried herbs. Medium bodied, savoury, quite rustic in feel. Dark berry fruit, dried thyme and sage. Spice. Earthy notes.
Score: 15/20

2016 STARGAZER RIESLING - APPLE OF MY EYE

While Tasmanian Pinot Noir and sparkling wines get the headlines, Rieslings from the Apple Isle deserve their time in the sun. The latest release from Samanatha Connew’s Stargazer label is a stonkingly good Riesling.

It marries lemon and lime citrus together with green apple fruits. Acidity provides structure and sits well with the fruit. Enjoy it young and fresh or cellar for 10-15 years.

2016 STARGAZER RIESLING
Producer: Stargazer
Variety: Riesling
Region: Coal River Valley, Tasmania
ABV: 12.5%
Closure: Screw cap
Retail Price: $33.00
Date tasted: 3 December 2017

Tasting Note:
Pale greenish yellow. Attractive aromatics – lime leaf/zest, lemon blossom, green apple – all of which flow through to the palate. Excellent fruit intensity – citrus grove meets apple orchard. Lively and well integrated acidity. Giving lots of pleasure now and should age superbly.
Score: 17+/20

2016 PIEROPAN SOAVE CLASSICO - EASY LOVER

Which is the bigger name? Pieropan the producer or Soave the appellation? Some would suggest the former has more cache as it is the leading producer of Soave. That is not, of course, to say that there aren’t other good exemplars of Soave to be found. However, Pieropan Soave is one of the better known, widely distributed white wines of Italy.

The 2016 vintage rendition of Pieropan Soave Classico does exactly what it says on the label – bright and aromatic, with notes of pear and almond meal. In some respects, it is quite similar to Pinot Gris. It is an easy going wine that is a good entry point to the wonderful world of Italian white varietals.

2016 PIEROPAN SOAVE CLASSICO
Producer: Pieropan
Variety: Garganega, Trebbiano di Soave
Region: Veneto, Italy
ABV: 12.0%
Closure: Screw cap
Retail Price: $33.00
Date tasted: 12 November 2017

Tasting Note:
Pale lemon yellow. Lifted aromatic nose of Beurre Bosc pear, white flowers and marzipan, all of which flow through to the palate. Soft, pillowy and easy to drink. Easy to like, ‘go to’ Soave.
Score: 15.5/20