2014 Pizzini Nebbiolo, King Valley

While other nebbiolo producers in Australia have gained traction and fashionability, Pizzini was among the first whose nebb struck a chord in a traditional Piedmontese sense. Aged for 20 months in wood (20% new) and sourced from propitious sites along the ridges of the family's vineyards. Exotic, earthy and reminiscent of a Moroccan souk: turmeric, cardamon, persimmon, dried cherry, sandalwood and wood smoke notes unfurl along a spider web of tannin and bright, genetic acidity. A graceful wine. Understated of composition. Relaxed enough already to drink, but will age further.

93 points Ned Goodwin MW winecompanion.com.au

Pizzini Nebbiolo is one of the wines that helped put King Valley on the map for Italian varieties, a region where alpine air, cool nights and long growing seasons mirror the conditions of northern Italy. The vineyards sit high in the foothills of Victoria’s High Country, with well drained loamy soils that give Nebbiolo the chance to ripen slowly while retaining the bright acidity and fine tannins the variety demands.

The Pizzini family has been growing grapes in King Valley since the late 1960s, bringing their Italian heritage and deep understanding of varieties like Nebbiolo to Australian soil. Under the guidance of Alfredo and winemaker Natalie Fryar, Pizzini has become the benchmark for Italian style wines in Australia, always focused on authenticity and site expression.

In the glass, this Nebbiolo shows classic lifted aromatics of rose petal, sour cherry and red plum, with hints of dried herbs, spice and a gentle earthy note. The palate is medium bodied and finely structured, with bright acidity and chalky tannins giving it shape and food friendly grip. It is savoury, elegant and unmistakably Nebbiolo in character.

This is a brilliant food wine. Veal, roast pork, mushroom risotto, truffle pasta or aged hard cheeses all bring out its depth and structure. It also works beautifully with dishes that have a touch of richness or umami.

Pizzini Nebbiolo drinks well in its youth for its perfume and freshness, but it will continue to develop over six to ten years, gaining more complexity and harmony with time. It is a great example of how King Valley can produce Nebbiolo with both authenticity and a uniquely Australian voice.