Pikes “Luccio” Fiano 2020

One of the so-called “alternative” varieties the Pike family have planted in their Clare Valley vineyards. This outing adds considerably to the learning curve with fiano in the wider Australian experience – and finding a plausible set of descriptors is part of that understanding.  

This wine gives us plenty to think about, and certainly its complexity is totally riveting. There’s a thyme and lavender fragrance to start, and also similar apples and pears to its sibling pinot grigio; yet there’s sub-tropical custard apple and even jackfruit if you’re feeling a little equatorial. The palate is textural and mid-weight, and perhaps elicits a note of pink grapefruit without its biting acidity, so softer and layered in its fruit and savoury balancing act. A really interesting and engaging wine and best of all, seriously delicious. 

You can buy the wine here.

Tony Love

Journalist at Winepilot

Tony is best known for his 10 years as News Corp’s National Wine Writer, with weekly columns in major metropolitan mastheads throughout Australia including The Adelaide Advertiser, The Sydney Daily Telegraph and the Melbourne Herald Sun. He continues to write feature articles and columns for all the major Australian wine media publications. Tony has also worked as a restaurant reviewer, section editor, book editor, digital content provider, journalism teacher and was named Wine Communicators of Australia 2018 Legend of the Vine (SA). Find out more about Tony at tonylove.com.au

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