Australian wineries have rightly dropped the “d’Abruzzo” from the Italian naming of this grape. Abruzzo is the central-east of Italy, home to the grape. Not to be confused with the town of Montepulciano, which is in Tuscany (home to the Sangiovese grape). Confused? Don’t be. McLaren Vale proving yet again the Mediterranean varieties are well suited to the region.

Serafino, Bellissimo, Montepulciano, McLaren Vale, 2021

Energetically purple with red edges to the colour. Sweet fruit nose: cola syrup, pulpy mulberry jam, cocoa shavings, roast blood orange and herbaceous thyme. Satiny fruit start, this cheeky little number bites with sharp spice and presents food friendly creds with firm, tight dry tannins. Quick finish through tail with lingering roast coffee bitter darkness. No brainer for any tomato based Italian fare.

RRP: $25
Alc: 14%
Rating: 17.5/20 (90/100)

Sample courtesy of Serafino