2024 Main & Cherry Sangiovese, McLaren Vale

Fermented as whole berries, staying on skins for up to three weeks; 10 months in older French oak. A neat balance on the bright and the savoury is at play here, with fresh and dried cherries, Mediterranean herbs, again dried and fresh, with scents of rosemary and oregano aromatic in the warming sunlight. Sour cherries join in as the wine unfurls with more detail. This is an incredibly charming wine, medium weighted and open but also properly structured for food, though in a way that makes it moreishly drinkable on its own.

94 points Special Value Marcus Ellis winecompanion.com.au

The Main & Cherry Sangiovese from McLaren Vale is a vibrant, medium-bodied red that brings an Italian classic into the warm, sun-drenched soils of South Australia. Main & Cherry is a family-run winery led by Michael Sexton, who focuses on small-batch winemaking that balances respect for tradition with a modern, expressive style. Sangiovese, long associated with Tuscany, thrives in McLaren Vale’s Mediterranean climate, producing wines that are fresh, savoury and full of character.

In the glass, it is bright ruby red. The nose is lifted and aromatic, showing red cherry, cranberry and wild strawberry alongside hints of violets, dried herbs and a touch of spice. The palate is juicy and medium-bodied, with lively red fruit flavours framed by fine tannins and bright acidity. A subtle earthy edge and savoury finish give it both charm and complexity, making it a wine that feels equally at home with food or on its own.

Food pairings lean into its Italian heritage: wood-fired pizza with tomato and basil, pappardelle with ragù, roast chicken with Mediterranean herbs, or a platter of pecorino and prosciutto. It also works beautifully with chargrilled vegetables or slow-cooked lamb. While delicious in youth, it has the structure to cellar for 5 to 7 years, developing earthy and truffle-like notes with time.