An Ode to Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone.
What do Prince, Damon Albarn, David Bowie, and Muse all have in common? They weren’t afraid of stepping out of their comfort zone to try something different. We know that some experiments in song and style, just like in wine, might not have worked out well for certain artists/winemakers, but we still have to applaud their boldness for trying. Because, when they get it right… dayum. You get a song, a wine, you enjoy for years to come.
In the world of wine, a Bordeaux blend is well-known among us grape sniffers. It’s safe, it’s secure. It’s knowing that Celine Dion is on stage, and everything will be just fine. But what if we throw conventional out of the window and do something a little bit more, rock ‘n a roll?
Pizzini’s Il Barone is a carefully crafted wine that includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, and Teroldego (heh?… I’ll have to explore that). Teroldego provides that extra dimension of fruit and intense colour to the wine. The Italian varietals chime in with gusto to combine with the predominant, friendly, comfortable Cab Sauv and Shiraz qualities. It’s rock opera.
Tasting
This wine is wildly complex. Aromas of berries, cherries, rhubarb, spice, earth and eucalyptus lead to a melodic layered palate singing with an abundance of spices, dried herbs, liquorice and tar.
I hate saying “You’ll either love it or hate it”, but this wine is one of those that you’ll either love or hate. And I love it.
Sour cherries, rhubarb, eucalyptus, earth, spice… it’s a-crazy!
The Pizzini family have been grape growers in the King Valley for over 40 years. Since the late ’90s, their winemaking focus shifted towards Italian varieties. A great move that has led the way to many accolades.
A cool 2021 season in the King Valley Wine Region, the “little Italy” of Victoria, gives the Pizzini Il Barone extra punch in acidity, and longevity. It’s a wine that is great to decant now but will be even better if you can hold on to it for another 5-12 years.
You’ll find The King Valley in North East Victoria. Another beautiful part of the world with lots to explore. Perfect for a weekend getaway.
Vinification
Each grape was treated separately and matured in a range of French medium-toasted oak vessels (55% new). After blending, the wine is kept in bottle for 6-12 months before it is released. It’s a busy wine for sure, but it integrates beautifully well. It’s no bore at all, this one. It’s a conversation starter.
The time spent in the bottle before release helps the 5 personas to settle a bit. Everyone gets to sing their song. Everyone is happy. Every cultivar adds something meaningful and truthful. It challenges the conventional blends and gives us something that makes us come back for more.
