Barossa based Damien Tscharke certainly embraces newer varietals, his was the first Australian Savagnin that I tried, plus there is his Tempranillo, his Touriga based port – need I go on. And this Central Italian varietal is one that Australia should be embracing more, and is … albeit slowly.

Spicy cloves, cherry and plum with wafts of Italian dried herbs greet your senses with a definite Italian accent. A fuller Barossan body is supported by a fuller, but integrated alcohol lift. There is plenty of savouriness in the long spicy finish. As with the Italian counterparts, a good wine with food particularly with some robust flavours.

Date: 25 June 2012   Price: $33   Value: $$     Drink: Now – 5+ yrs