Krystallo Estate Belitso Sangiovese 2021

Tucked in the valley at the northern end of Lake Nillahcootie is Krystallo Estate, a cool-climate haven in the heart of North-Eastern Victoria. Their Belitso range spotlights varietals you might not come across very often in Australia, like Italy's hero grape, Sangiovese. Fermentation was carried out in open fermenters, lasting ten days with regular plunging to ensure maximum colour and tannin extraction. Eleven months in French oak prior to careful blending into the earthy, savoury red you see here. Delicate red cherries, plum, and sweet herbal notes. Juicy raspberry, fresh fig, savoury spice, and smoky nuances combine seamlessly to fill the palate. Enjoy it with gnocchi in brown butter and sage. "Smart price tag. Smart wine. Strikes a varietal chord immediately with a rush of black cherry, capers, fennel, thyme, white pepper and anise. Lively in the glass with a firm, sinewy tannin presence and structure. Brings a touch of earthiness and dried herbs to the finish which, while a tad abrupt, shows a mindful Italian touch" (Jeni Port, Halliday Wine Companion).