2024 Pizzini Fiano, King Valley

Understood — I’ll leave out the “critics” paragraph in future write-ups. Here’s a clean version of the Pizzini Fiano, King Valley without that section:

The Pizzini Fiano from King Valley is a lively, textural white that shows just how well this southern Italian grape has adapted to the cool, elevated slopes of northeast Victoria. The Pizzini family, pioneers of Italian varietals in Australia since the 1970s, were among the first to bring Fiano to the region, recognising its ability to retain freshness while developing layers of flavour in the King Valley’s long, temperate growing season.

In the glass it is pale straw with green-gold hues. The nose is fragrant with ripe pear, citrus blossom, Meyer lemon and hints of almond and wild herbs. The palate is medium-bodied and beautifully textured, balancing juicy citrus and stone fruit with savoury nutty notes and a clean mineral edge. Bright natural acidity gives length and freshness, while the finish is crisp yet mouth-filling.

Food pairings lean into its Mediterranean character. It’s superb with seafood such as grilled prawns or spaghetti alle vongole, roast chicken with lemon and thyme, or a simple tomato and basil salad. It also works wonderfully with burrata, antipasti or soft goat’s cheese. While delicious young, it has the structure to cellar for 5 to 7 years, developing honeyed and nutty layers with age.