Coriole (Australia) Fiano 2007 In 2006
I was guest international judge at the McLaren Vale wine show in South Australia, the wine region that lies on the coast not far from Adelaide. Though a noted red wine region, one of the whites that both surprised and delighted me was the Fiano from Coriole, a grape more associated with Campania and Sicily in southern Italy. How nice that the latest vintage is now available in the UK. The nose is wonderfully expressive, with delicate floral notes, and a honeyed character suggesting gently toasted almond and crushed oatmeal. There is plenty of ripe, juicy pear fruit too. On the palate this has a full, silky texture, and is a wine that whilst modest in alcohol at 13%, feels rich and concentrated. There’s more of that sweet, mouth-filling pear fruit, and a fine balaning core of juicy citrus acidity. Long and flavoursome, this is an impressive rendition of a classic Italian style, though there are only a couple of dozen bottles available. £11.59, Great Grog.
