Ox Hardy Fiano Upper Tintara Vineyard 2022

Fiano continues to make strides in this country and McLaren Vale is proving to be the ideal home for this Italian white. 2022 is another excellent vintage for the region, so this is the perfect time to explore this variety if it is not already on your radar. The grapes here come from a Blewitt Springs vineyard which was purchased in the 1870s by Andrew Hardy’s (the ‘Ox’ is a longstanding nickname) great-great-grandfather. The Fiano vines are not quite that ancient, planted by Andrew and his father in 2011. The grapes are harvested in the cool of the early morning, pressed, before the juice is pumped into stainless steel tanks for a fermentation, which lasts around a month with weekly lees stirring. The wine is bright and clear with good acidity carrying flavours the full journey. Citrus, grapefruit pith, florals and hints of green apples, with a minerally background. The textural element, as it so often is with this variety, is a highlight here. Good length and a balanced finish so drink now and for three to five years.