Chalmers Heathcote Fiano 2012 $33
The little known white variety, fiano, thrives in the heat of Italy’s Campania region, where it’s been known since around 1240. Australian winemakers took this cue to plant it in our warmer regions – and it obliged by making characterful dry whites well removed in style from our usual fare. The Chalmers family’s version, from Heathcote Victoria, delivers bold, fresh flavours, reminiscent of melon-rind and citrus fruit. Partial barrel fermentation added to the wine’s rich, smooth texture. And being Italian, it finishes, of course, with a pleasantly tart tang.
Copyright © Chris Shanahan 2015
First published 16 and 18 July 2015 in goodfood.com.au and the Canberra Times Panorama