Mitolo see this wine as “a tribute to our grower, Don Lopresti, who envisioned the potential for growing Sagrantino in McLaren Vale’s
Mediterranean climate. Ourea translates to ‘God of the Mountains’, symbolising the Appennine Mountains that surround the vineyards of Montefalco, Italy where Sagrantino originates, & the Willunga Ranges that surround the Lopresti Sagrantino vineyard.”

The vines are nearing 10 years of age and the vineyard soil is deep black Biscay clay on the “ancient Gnaltinga formation clay. This soil is unforgivingly dry in summer, so dry in fact that it cracks open stressing the vines.”  A pre-release as the 2015 is still for sale from Mitolo.

Mitolo, Ourea, Sagrantino, McLaren Vale, 2018

Black cherry and blackberry fruit with McLaren Vale dark raspberry with undertones of jager herbs, licorice and light tar. Limited oak influence (older oak used). Chewy, grainy tannin wraps the bright black/purple fruit with a deliciously long, textural tail. Medium to full bodied and a wonderful partner for tomato sugo based pastas.

RRP: $38
Alc: 14.5%
Rating: 16.5/20

Wine sample courtesy of Mitolo Wines