Unico Zelo is the project of winemaking couple Brendan and Laura Carter. In their words, their aim is to create “Italian-inspired, textural and site-expressive wines” and “Australian examples of Mediterranean varieties in an approachable and jovial fashion.” There is a bit of a shift this year for Pastafarian, with the inclusion of Sangiovese! The ultimate pasta variety, it must be said. Ask Brendan, Unico Zelo has long been critical of Sangiovese’s future in Australia, but after some recent encounters with other producers' expressions of the variety, they’ve jumped on the bandwagon. Lucky for the winery, it wasn’t far from home, as the fruit is from the lovely Polish Hill River Vineyard. Still, this wine is Nebbiolo through and through, and it’s the perfect marriage with Slovenian Oak for a perfumed, blue fruited and savoury structured Langhe-style Nebb. A touch of Merlot and Nero to add somebody (and a nice little spice too!). Top shelf here, finding an identity all of its own. Great wine.

Discover the refined elegance of Heathcote Estate Single Vineyard Nebbiolo 2021, a 750mL gem from Victoria’s Heathcote region, crafted by acclaimed winemaker Tom Carson. Sourced from a new vineyard block established in 2017 and certified organic in September 2021, this inaugural Nebbiolo release was hand-picked in mid-April, seven weeks after the Shiraz, allowing extended ripening into autumn. Whole berries underwent natural fermentation in oak vats, followed by maturation in older French oak 500L barrels until bottling in February 2022, yielding a mid-crimson red hue at 14% ABV. The nose is pure Nebbiolo, with uncluttered aromas of pure red fruits, rose petals, cranberry, pomegranate, Campari, and a lick of wet stone. The palate is super fine and detailed, offering pure red fruits, firm tannins, and a fine acid line, finishing long and savoury with notes of undergrowth, cherries, tobacco, and decayed roses. Described as “most impressive” by Campbell Mattinson of The Wine Front, this Nebbiolo pairs beautifully with heavy sauces or flavourful meat dishes like braised lamb, with 10 plus years of cellaring potential. A collector’s treasure showcasing Heathcote’s terroir and organic winemaking.

Tasting Impression: Elegant, mineral with silky tannin

An extremely pleasing and drinkable wine, and although it has a high alcohol grade this never overpowers its fruity character. Its red colour has Bordeaux reflections and the slow trickle from the edge of the glass confirms its optimal concentration and good body. The palate is caressed by a smooth tannin content typical of the Nebbiolo grape and by a warm and enveloping flavour.

Built by Alfredo and Katrina based on their passions and commitment to family and the Pizzinis Italian heritage. The Pizzini La Volpe Nebbiolo is a fruit driven savoury wine with soft tannins. Ideal food match with Italian inspired dishes.