Mediterranean Drinking
I often say that the wines of the Mediterranean are generally very well suited to the Australian climate and the way in which we eat and drink. The wines below support this theory perfectly. The collection of wines are spread of varietals from across Europe but they all have that Mediterranean sensibility and sense of place. Cisteller was a great discovery at the shop the last year and the current release shows all that elegance, restraint and class. Marco de Bartoli is a legend of Marsala, a driving force in bringing quality to this region of Sicily, most known for their Marsala, here there are a delicious red and white. Happy exploring and happy drinking. Ches Cook, Five Way Cellars.
Marco de Bartoli 'Lucido' Catarratto 2024
100% Catarratto from Marsala from a legend of the region in Marco De Bartoli. Made with indigenous yeasts, it spends 7 months on lees in stainless steel. Golden apples, lemon, elements of peach, cereal, textural, saline, mineral and energetic. It shouts its Mediterranean character from the rooftops, such a unique wine and wonderfully made. Delicious drinking and great value at this price. Cameron Roebuck, FWC.
Cisteller ‘Verbena’ Manzoni Bianco 2023
Verbena comes from a rare block of Manzoni Bianco planted at 450m above sea level in the Serra del Montmell mountains over calcareous limestone. The vineyard was planted with cuttings from northern Italy in the early 1980s as part of an experiment into drought resistance varietals. This is very high acid, long and mineral with a silken texture and slightly exotic kaffir lime and crushed verbena nose. Only 1773 bottles were produced. Importer's notes.
The above note paints a great picture of this wine: it's subtle and finely detailed, with an attractive mix of citrus balm flavours, lime oil and a dusting of salt flakes across the finish. Classy Mediterranean drinking. - Ches Cook, Five Way Cellars.
Marco De Bartoli Rosso di Marco 2023
100% Pignatello (Red), a local indigenous variety of Sicily, it spends 24 months in French oak prior to release. Spice driven, floral, black cherry and black plum along with savoury elements on the nose. Juicy and plump fruit on the palate, bright and energetic acidity with fine grained tannins makes for excellent drinking, a real surprise in the line up of Marco De Bartoli wines we tasted at the end of January. Cameron Roebuck, FWC.
