2025 Longview Fresco Nebbiolo, Adelaide Hills

A lighter, brighter, indeed, fresher rendering of nebbiolo. This has requisite crunch of red berry fruitiness, layers of dusty spice, a blood orange tang, fine rosewater elements, a slate-like, refreshing tannin profile and a general sense of botanicals and exotic spice. Reminiscent of Piedmont's more energetic pelaverga wines, with a more bold strike. Lots going on, and so delicious; goes well with a chill as it would stand alone. Drink in vigorous youth. Utterly fun.

95 points Special Value, Mike Bennie, Halliday Wine Companion Feb '26

Longview sits at Macclesfield in the southern Adelaide Hills, where brothers Mark and Peter Saturno have built an estate particularly well suited to Italian varieties. Their family heritage and the Hills’ cool climate make Nebbiolo a natural fit, but Fresco takes the grape in a deliberately lighter and more immediately drinkable direction. Think less Barolo contemplation, more Adelaide Hills sunshine and a table full of food.

The cooler southern Hills and significant swings between warm days and cold nights help Nebbiolo retain its perfume and bright acidity. Fresco is all about fragrance, juicy red fruit and gentle structure rather than extracting every last tannin from a famously tannic grape. The 2025 is fresh and nimble, and a slight chill only makes it more appealing.

Light ruby with wild strawberry, sour cherry and raspberry, followed by violet and a splash of blood orange. A little anise, fennel and dried oregano sit behind the fruit. The palate is light to medium bodied, juicy and energetic, with crunchy red berries, lively acidity and fine, gently grippy tannins. Cherry and raspberry carry through to orange peel and subtle spice on a fresh, savoury finish.

Pizza with mushroom and mozzarella will vanish happily beside it, as will grilled eggplant with tomato and ricotta salata, tuna with capers and olives or charred octopus with oregano and lemon.