Unico Zelo River Sand Fiano 2022

Zero meters above sea level in what effectively is a ‘desert’. Very sandy soils. Sourced from a certified Organic vineyard called Bassham in Barmera in the Riverland. A moderate level of ripeness coupled with a moderate to low level of acidity. “Broad and voluptuous without being overly heady, aromatic or intense” as Brendan describes. Perhaps the most accessible style of the 3 single region Fiano’s. 48 hours of skin contact in the crusher after picking. Pressed then wild fermented in tank. racked off gross lees post ferment. 9 months elevage on fine lees. Occasional battonage during ageing.

“The 2022 River Sand Fiano smells of floss and peach skin, nashi pear and Granny Smith apples, lanolin, cheesecloth and brine. In the mouth, the wine is all of these things, plus green olive brine, fresh bandage, calamine and jasmine tea leaves. It’s a weird note, but this is a wine that demands extra thought and observation for all its characters. 12% alcohol, sealed under Diam.” – Erin Larkin – The Wine Advocate