2019 FIANO, Home Vineyard, Hancock & Hancock. Mclaren Vale

Bin: 92

Alcohol Percentage: 12%

Area: McLaren Vale is a warm coastal region, just south of Adelaide. Best know for ripe, luscious Shiraz it miraculously also produces a few delicate whites from grape varieties (like Fiano or Vermentino) that can cope well in ultra-sunny environments.
This comes from a single vineyard block in Seaview, next to Blewitt Springs at the north end of the region, about 10km from the sea.

Grape Variety: 100% Fiano; predominantly fermented cool in steel; but a small proportion matured in oak to add an extra layer of richness.

Producer: "Industry doyen Chris Hancock and brother John returned to their family roots when they purchased the La Colline Vineyard in 2007 and began Hancock & Hancock. Chris graduated as dux of the oenology degree at Roseworthy Agricultural College in 1963, taking up immediate employment with the Penfold family. In '76 he joined Rosemount Estate, and after the late Bob Oatley sold it to Southcorp, he stayed on with the business in the upper echelon of management. Bob went on to establish what is now Robert Oatley Margaret River, of which Chris is the deputy executive chairman." - from The Halliday Wine Companion.

Old Bridge Rating: Fiano's spiritual home is Campania in central Italy. This has the drinkability and delicacy of all good Italian whites, with a touch of extra fruit and easy charm. Very good value.