Vintage: 2015

Country: Australia

Region: McLaren Vale

Grape varieties: Nero d’Avola

Alcohol by volume: 14%

Bottle size: 75cl

The grape variety Nero d'Avola was originally selected in southern Sicily and suits warm climates. Coriole produces a fruit-forward, early-drinking style.A bright and generous nose of redcurrant, berries and cassis. The layered fruit flavours are balanced with dried herb and savoury spice. The supple tannins, juicy flavours and natural acidity create a wonderfully rich and mouth filling wine. Highly drinkable as a young wine.

Conditions in the spring of 2015 were very dry, yet there was impressive vine growth, some old hands saying they had never seen the vineyards looking so good! Above average temperatures in October and December led to predictions of a very early, swift vintage. Ripening, however, slowed in January. 60-70 mm rain fell, followed by an unusually cool February average of 19.5°C. Gentle ripening continued and picking was slow paced and orderly. The resulting wines are excellent; colour is vibrant, aromatics are alluring and the natural balance and mouthfeel is superb.

Now sourced from three vineyards, two at Coriole and one at the base of the foothills, the Nero vines have really established themselves. The fruit is handpicked and then destemmed, resulting in whole berries. These are then cold soaked for four days before they are brought back to temperature and allowed to ferment naturally. The must is over seeded with yeasts chosen to lift the natural aromatics on the variety. After a brief spell in seasoned oak, the wine is bottled at about 6 months of age.