2020 Now finished: FRESH A.F. (Nero D’Avola), Unico Zelo. Riverland, Australia

Bin: 460

Alcohol Percentage: 12%

Producer: Unico Zelo is a concept created in 2014 by Brendan and Laura Carter, two winemakers based in the Adelaide Hills. Their aim is to produce “Italian-inspired, textural and site-expressive wines” and “Australian examples of Mediterranean varieties in an approachable and jovial fashion.”
Their notes on this wine:
"If anywhere in the world could make the freshest, zippiest style of Red - you'd expect it to be in the middle of the desert. Hailing from some of the most ancient soils on earth - The Riverland, is a complete underdog region that epitomises what it is to craft fine wine on the edge. Rich red earth, sandy soils covering limestone. Challenging, avant-garde - and one of the most exciting wines we've crafted to date. We're intensely passionate about Nero d'Avola and it's clear potential in the warm, sun-drenched spots of Australia. The insane water-efficiency of this variety coupled with no additions in the vineyard or winery (save for a small component of SO2 at bottling) displays the potential for this variety to craft succulent, juicy, aromatic and supremely refreshing wine. A touch of ancient vine Zibibbo lifts the aroma into supreme smashability. Fresh. A.F. You've been warned."

Old Bridge Rating: Key Sicilian grape made in ultra-fresh, juicy, lively style.