PL Award 1: SILVER - SWA 2016 Country: Australia  Region: South Australia  Vintage: 2015 Category: Red Wine  Color:  Red Producer: Mitolo "McLaren Vale based Mitolo is a family owned winery established in 1999 by Frank Mitolo, whose Italian family roots inspired his early interest and enthusiasm for good food and great wine. Winemaker Ben Glaetzer became a partner in the business in 2001. The fusion of Frank's knowledge of the land and business acumen and Ben's winemaking talent has resulted in one of Australia's most awarded wineries. From the approachable 'Jester' range to the premium wines that wow the critics, Mitolo has made a name for itself as one of the Australian producers to watch. Overlooking the coast, the vineyard in McLaren Vale has heavy grey loam over sandstone soil with black cracking Biscay clay. The proximity to the ocean ensures cool afternoon breezes that help retain good acidity levels and aid in the development of complex flavours in the grapes. The 'Jester' Shiraz has plenty of ripe berry fruit and offers everything you want from a vibrant McLaren Vale Shiraz, including remarkable value. Of the premium wines, perhaps the most individual wine from Mitolo is 'Serpico', Frank's nod in the direction of Amarone. The grapes were dried for about five weeks after harvesting. This period of 'appassimento' gives the wine a dried fruit yet vibrant character that ensures its intensity is nicely balanced." Winemaker: Ben Glaetzer Vineyards: The G.A.M. Shiraz comes from the Lopresti vineyard, and more specifically the Chinese Block, which is located at the southern end of McLaren Vale about 5km east of the coastal town of Port Willunga. The soil here is heavy grey loam mixed with black Biscay clay and sits above ancient Gnaltinga formation clay. This combination provides ideal conditions for growing fruit of intensity and balance. The climate here is maritime, with dry, warm, sunny days in the growing season and a fresh sea breeze that cools the air overnight. Vinification: Each parcel of fruit for G.A.M. is fermented on skins for approximately ten days. Parcels are fermented quite cool which helps to preserve the bright fruit characters without extracting any hard or bitter tannins from the skins and seeds. After ten days the wines are gently pressed and run down to oak barrels, of which approximately 70% are new. The wines are stored in the oak for close to 18 months after which each barrel is considered for the final G.A.M. blend. Tasting Notes: On the nose this wine is intense, complex and has a bright nose of black cherry and blackened cedar wood with complexing dried Mediterranean herbs. The palate is a true reflection of one of the great vintages of the region with immense yet savoury flavours of vanilla, dark plums and dry, earthy flavours reminiscent of the clay soil from which it is grown. It is superbly balanced with a surprising restraint to the mid-palate despite its bold flavour. Food Suggestion: Baked Veal and Sage meatballs with soft Polenta. Closure: Stelvin  ABV:14.5%  Acidity [g/l]: 6.6