Collector Summer Swarm Fiano 2019

There was a time not that long ago when no one, not even some winemakers, had even heard of the Italian white variety Fiano. Now it’s still in the alternative sphere but there’s more and more of it about and it’s a variety I love. What to expect? Generally fuller bodied wines but not quite in the Chardonnay spectrum of richness. The 2019 Collector Summer Swarm goes something like this…

Apricots to begin, then as I continued to swirl, I saw more of a honeysuckle nectar. In any case, gorgeous and beguiling. This is a textured wine, there’s softness and fullness on the palate. It’s by no means cloying though as a fine line of well-judged acidity carries the finish into crisp, crunchy dry territory. Yes, I could drink it on its own but for me, I’d prefer it with food. There’s enough richness on the palate to pull off something creamy, definitely some sort of shellfish. I’m picturing an old school classic combo like beurre blanc and marron, a bit decadent I know but certainly a match I’d love to see with this Fiano.

Fergus McGhie

A native Canberran, Fergus is a wine fanatic who happily works in one of Australia’s finest small vineyards right in his own back yard. His fine dining restaurant training proved more useful and nearly more interesting than an arts degree at the ANU and a love of wine followed. Vintages as a cellar hand removed the mystique but didn’t quell the love. As a wine retailer, Fergus learned there is always another great wine around the corner and as a wine writer for The Canberra Times he learned that the stories behind the wines make them taste better. An occasional show judge and snowboarder, he has a guilty love of simple, uncomplicated wine, craft beers and a well-made Negroni.