Pikes are a bi of a dab hand at the “alternative” varieties, collecting the Trophy for Best Other White Variety at the recent Royal Adelaide Wine Show. While Pinot Grigio is hardly an alternative variety as far as the vinous landscape is concerned, this is grown right in the heart of Riesling country Clare Valley.

Pikes, Luccio, Sangiovese, Rosé, Clare Valley, 2021

A dusky medium salmon colour. Lifted pomegranate, cherry, watermelon hard candy, musk stick, light garden herb and Crème Pâtissière richness. Fresh, linear and crisp, the Sangiovese providing a dry, savoury base to build from with just the right amount of textural grip. Plenty of juicy acidity to cut through an anti pasti or salumi platter. Don’t serve too cold, else it loses the pretty aromatics.

RRP: $24
Alc: 11%
Rating: 17/20 (88/100)

Wine sample courtesy of Pikes Wines