Translation missing: en.Region Profile: Central Italy + Just In: Bindi: Region Profile: Central Italy + Just In: Bindi
REGION PROFILE: CENTRAL ITALY
Tuscany, Abruzzo, Emilia-Romagna & Marche
Central Italy has been a recent obsession and is perhaps the most overlooked wine region of Italy, with most looking either to the northern regions such in Piemonte or Veneto or all the way down south in Sicily. Of course Tuscany gets attention, although even this attention has been waning, but there's so much more to central Italy than just Tuscany.
The general climate of central Italy is relatively warm but not too hot, with a vast array of microclimates depending on where vineyards sit in relation to the coast and mountains. Sangiovese is the work horse here producing anything from simple pizza wines through to some of the greatest wines in the world, and there is a lot of regional variation depending on where it comes from.
There are many great white wines too but we will be seasonally appropriate and just highlight some of the great red wines for now. We've featured 2 wines from Tuscany: Poderi Sanguineto bottled under the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano appellation which features a different clone of Sangiovese to the rest of Tuscany, as well as the excellent Rosso di Montalcino of Caparzo. From Abruzzo, we have 2 excellent biodynamic producers: De Fermo and Cantina Orsogna, the latter being one of the best selling Italian reds in the shop! Finally, from the obscure Gutturnio region of Emilia-Romagna, we have La Tosa which is a unique blend of Barbera and Croatina and Stefano Mancinelli from Marche, one of the most floral reds you can get. Keep warm and explore the many treasures of Central Italy!
Click each bottle to shop now
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DISCOVERY POUR: FORJAS DEL SALNES
This is the little section that we will use from time-to-time to introduce you to some lesser known regions, grapes and producers, starting with this excellent red by Forjas del Salnes!
Forjas del Salnes are based in Rias Baixas in the Galicia region of Spain. This region is generally associated with Albarino - a high-acid, salty white wine; however there are some very interesting reds being made too.
This red is made from indigenous grape varieties: Caíño, Espadiero, Loureiro, and Sousón creating a light-bodied, red-fruited, spicy and elegant red wine. If you like Pinot Noir, Grenache, Mencia or Cinsault, I would recommend giving this a try. It can also be pleasantly rewarding to try a wine from a region that is predominantly known for something else and being pleasantly surprised. I recommend this as often as I can in-store, give this a go and discover something new!
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JUST IN
Bindi
Bindi is a producer that I'm sure doesn't need an introduction to most of you. Although, as this estate is small and elusive, it's possible you haven't heard too much about them. The Bindi farm is located in the Macedon Ranges, roughly 50km NW of Melbourne. It is here that they have built a name for themselves as one of, if not the greatest producer of Pinot and Chardonnay in the country in a very 'Burgundian' style. There is a reason why they have so many wines listed in both tiers of the Langton's classification.
We've got a couple vintages of some of the top Bindi Pinots: '23 and '24 'Darshan', '23 and '24 'Block 8' and the '23 'Block 5' but only a couple of bottles of each as well as the great value eponymous Dhillon label made from purchased grapes in neighbouring regions. Snap these up!
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TASTINGS: BENTSPOKE & SYRAHMI
Bentspoke
Friday 24th
3:30pm - 6pm
Come down to the store this Friday and taste some of our favourite beers made by Bentspoke in Canberra!
Bentspoke was established back in 2014 by Champion Australian Brewer Richard Watkins and Tracy Magrain in our country's capital. Now they are a staple of the GABS awards, having won them a few times and always strongly featuring and have also won many other domestic and international awards for their beers. The last Bentspoke tasting we has basically every single person that tried them bought something! Don't miss out!
Syrahmi
Saturday 25th
3pm - 6pm
Join us this Saturday as we taste the fantastic wines of Syrahmi from Heathcote!
The name Syrahmi is a made up from “Syrah” the French word for Shiraz and “Ami” meaning friend. The idea being a “friendly Shiraz” or “A friend of Shiraz”.
Syrahmi began in 2004 when Adam Foster gave up his day job as a Chef to pursue his dream of becoming a wine maker. He purchased his first tonne and a half of grapes from Heathcote winery and the dream was born.
The Garden of Earthly Delights label represents the wines he makes from non-Rhone varieties and these are equally captivating. Adam has been racking up award after award in recent years for his hard work and stunning wines. These are the wines we'll be pouring on the day: Garden of Earthly Delights Macedon Chardonnay, Syrahmi Grenache Blanc, Syrahmi Grenache, Garden of Earthly Delights Nebbiolo, Garden of Earthly Delights Sangiovese, Demi Shiraz, Syrahmi Once in a Lifetime Shiraz.
Don't miss out on some of the best wines from Heathcote!