The McLaren Vale is often said to enjoy a Mediterranean climate, and it encapsulates all aspects of what we love about the term. The nearby beautiful beaches & coastline with stunning views. The incredible restaurants in the region with locally grown and made foods like luscious olives and gooey cheeses. And of course, how can we forget the wine. Oh, the wine.
Since the first vines were planted in McLaren Vale by English Settlers in the 1830s, it has become a favourite SA destination for wine & food lovers alike. Warm days coupled with coastal and gully breezes facilitate the Mediterranean-like climate comparison. And in this climate, the grapes have the ability to slowly ripened over the growing season, resulting in rich & complex wine. Internationally renowned, Shiraz is still the hero making up half of the total crush, with Cabernet, Grenache and Chardonnay the other key varieties grown in the region. But now there’s some new European kids on the block.
An ever increasing demand for Italian and Spanish varieties has over the last 5 years has begun to be embraced by some of the wineries in the region. And it’s a perfect fit. It’s no surprise Mediterranean grape varieties perform well in a similar climate! Reds such as Tempranillo, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo & the latest buzz variety Montepulciano are now encroaching on the old traditional staples, increasingly expanding in popularity and recognition.
The advantage of these new varieties are they tend to be light to medium bodied wines, and so ridiculously food friendly you’d think the slice of pizza/bowl of bolognaise you had just eaten had known the glass of red its whole life.
One of the local McLaren Vale wineries embracing the Mediterranean flavour is Serafino. With its strong Italian heritage, it was only a matter of time before the winery looked to wines of the old country. Their new kid on the block Montepulciano, one of Italy’s most famous wine varieties, is making waves and for good reason. Black fruits, spice and everything nice (read soft tannins and moderate acid profile) make it an easy wine for Australians to fall in love with.
So if you’re looking to see what all the fuss is about, the very affordable Serafino Bellissimo Montelpulciano 2014 is the ideal place to start. With a swag of trophies and gold medals including being named Best Other Single Varietal Red at the McLaren Vale Wine Show & most recently won Trophy & Gold for Best Varietal Red Wine at the Royal Hobart International Wine Show. Serafino also offer the moreish Spanish variety Tempranillo in the same Bellissimo range.
With so many exciting options coming out of McLaren Vale now, it’s time be adventurous, wine adventurous. When it’s too hot to fathom enjoying a glass of traditional heavy red wine, these medium to lighter style reds are exactly what the doctor ordered. So branch out and bring a little Mediterranean style into your life. You’ll be glad you did!
Serafino Bellissimo Montepulciano 2014 – $16.99 (or 10% off 6 or more)
