Mitolo Cinquecento Sangiovese 2023
- 93
- $42
- Drink by: 2025-2031
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I’m guessing that the name here has something to do with 500 years, but given my Italian is truly appalling, who knows. Sangiovese certainly has not been grown here for 500 years (subsequent research revealed that the wine is actually named after the 500 metre rows from which the grapes are harvested so please ignore the previous ramblings). Sangiovese has a rather checkered history here, but when done right, as we find here with this fine McLaren Vale example, it can be delicious drinking. Under diam. The oak employed here is older oak, 75% French and the rest American, for fourteen months. Bright garnet, the nose opens with notes of sour cherries and tomato bushes. We have dried herbs and red fruits, notably raspberries. A pleasing Sangiovese which meets varietal expectations. It lifts further on the palate, with vibrant acidity, freshness and a lingering finish. Definitely one to try. Expect it to drink beautifully for at least the next half a dozen years. One of the very best local Sangiovese I have seen for some time and a wine which will continue to improve and excite.
Ken was born and bred in Brisbane, Queensland. He had a non-trendy, perfectly happy childhood, in a family convinced alcohol meant instant condemnation to Hades. But a break fishing on the Great Barrier Reef, and some good wine, started a serious obsession that eventually took over. It did not stop Ken being chastised later for drinking Pol champagne, disgusted he’d drink anything made by a Cambodian dictator. Now, Ken mostly writes on wine, champagne and spirits for various newspapers, magazines and books, but is perhaps best known for his work in The Courier Mail. He also has a little sideline writing on cigars, fishing, travel and food. When not writing, fly-fishing for trout in NZ or bonefish on the flats of Cuba, travelling or smoking cigars, he is no doubt following a variety of sporting teams – the occasionally glorious Queensland Reds rugby, the dysfunctional Washington Redskins, the dodgy Arsenal and especially revels in the world restored to its proper axis with the return of the Ashes to their rightful home.
