Cirillo Estate Single Vineyard Barossa Valley Mataro 2017

Mataro has gone from a grape variety that was often ignored to being at the top of many winemakers shopping list. Just like grenache, we are just starting to explore the potential for this variety, although unfortunately there is not much of it around.

Here we have Marco Cirillo’s version from his Barossa estate, which was planted with cuttings from the original 1850 vineyard back in 2005. For fans of mataro, like me, its rustic and gamey edge is what keeps us coming back for more. This example is deeply coloured and flavoured – black cherry and jammy fruits are lifted by crushed pepper and charcuterie complexity. It is bone dry and seriously juicy – one of mataro’s key hallmarks – and why it makes seriously food-friendly styles. More gaminess also comes through on a long palate that is supported by supple, ripe tannins. A big and hearty Barossa mataro that is worth hunting down.

Angus Hughson

Founder at Winepilot

Angus is an award-winning wine writer and the Founder and Publisher of Winepilot, the Australian Editor for leading international publication VINOUS with Antonio Galloni based in New York City and the Co-Publisher of The Australian Ark with over 15 years of publishing, writing and judging experience.

Critic and publisher