Street Style

Lets hit them stereotypes. Sangiovese, with a translation from the Latin “sanguis”, which of course means more or less “blood”, is the gory, ripe kind of grape that spills dramatically on white table cloths. You want some traction when arguing with your better half? Throw a glass of Sangiovese at a wall for some instant crime scene blood spatter.

Drinking good Sangiovese shows the mad balance between ripe-ish, red berries, dried fruit/spice acridity and a savoury kick that’s almost reminiscent of dried meat. The Pizzini’s of King Valley in Victoria have been throwing down the gauntlet to Aussie Sangiovese producers, issuing the benchmark challenge for a rise above mass market mediocrity and unshackling drinkers from the raffia-base Chianti mess often associated with the grape in Australia. The 2006 Sangiovese isn’t necessarily a cut above other vintages, nor is it the most complex wine on the market. What it does offer is a savoury, varied approach to the $25 - $30 price bracket, and an adherence to style over market sensibility. This wine has soft red fruits, a touch too much warmth and some dusty tannins that ring a little too loud and long for the structure. However this is a thoughtful drinkers wine, riddled with subtlety and nuance normally reserved for classier price points. Set this down with some nosh and watch it soar. Drink more than 5 glasses, it’s possible, unlike many other tricked up winery wines at the same price. Splatter yourself in the Pizzini’s pedigree as one of, if not the best, Australian Italian grape variety producers. 

Pizzini Sangiovese 2006

King Valley, Victoria

14.0% alc

$27.50 approx RRP

89/100