This Fiano is intensely flavoured and aromatic. The nose is of home grown apricots, lifted with hints of florals, citrus and nectarine. Firm acid frames the fruit giving presence and depth. Chalky minerality is underlain with a dash of honey and spice to finish. A beautiful bright and textural wine, with great length. This Fiano matches well with Italian dishes and seafood.

The Winemaking: Once harvested the fruit was crushed and pressed; the juice was cold settled and racked to ferment. The ferment was carried out with selected yeast and stopped with some residual sugar. Post fermentation the wine was stabilised, clarified and bottled. With Food: Enjoy with matured cheeses and spicy Asian dishes.

The Fiano comes from two vineyards in McLaren Vale grown by Ben Lacey. One in the Tatachilla sub region of southern McLaren Vale. Only a few kilometres from the sea and almost at sea level, it is a cool maritime influenced area of the Vale. Sandy loam over a shattered limestone base, scattered with ironstone fragments. This parcel was fermented in stainless steel, using a combination of natural and mixed culture yeasts. The second vineyard is in the Northern and high-altitude region of Seaview in McLaren Vale, with thin red loam over a solid limestone geology. The grapes were harvested with a selective harvester and tipped straight into an open fermenters as whole berries. Fermentation was allowed to occur naturally and then later over seeded with aromatic yeast. The ferment was allowed to tick away slowly for approx. 3 weeks. The final blend was 60% cold tank ferment, 40% full skin contact for three weeks.

Fiano is a rare white grape variety that is well matched to the cool climate of Hilltops, near Young, NSW. Fiano produces a refreshing wine with mandarin and fresh garden herb aromatics, the palate is textural and defined by lingerring lemon acidity.

Kevin McCarthy re-wrote the pinot grigio rules. Pioneering the planting of the unknown (at the time) Italian grape variety in Victoria’s cool climate in the 1980s saw the variety boom. Now mainstream, here is another progressive take by Kevin. Zippy and bright, enjoy effortless tones of lemon, pear and honey, metered by a subtle saline edge.

94pt, Great Value Fiano “Refreshing and engaging. Very good.”(Halliday) from a McLaren Vale veteran and certified Organic/Biodynamic too. Walter Clappis has been making wine in McLaren Vale for nearly 40 years and has won innumerable Trophies and Golds. With fruit sourced from Cooter Vineyard, Whites Valley in the Willunga foothills. "Golden apple and green peach, fennel frond, lemon pith, fresh almond, some white florals, a little flinty/earthy mineral note. This is fresh, zesty, picked at an ideal nexus of fruit depth and tension, the seam of fine grip adding another compelling dimension. Refreshing and engaging. Very good. 94JH Great Value.” (Marcus Ellis, Halliday Wine Companion).

The 2023 Blonde Crow Fiano Pinot Gris from Mount Barker, produced by West Cape Howe in Western Australia, is a delight for the senses. Its pale straw colour catches the eye, giving way to a complex aroma of citrus, tropical fruits, and subtle floral notes. On the palate, this blend of Fiano and Pinot Gris offers a well-balanced and crisp experience, with flavours of juicy pear, zesty lemon, and a touch of spice. The wine's smooth and creamy texture is complemented by a refreshing acidity, leading to a long and satisfying finish. It's the perfect pairing for seafood dishes, or simply enjoyed on its own as a refreshing aperitif. This 2023 vintage showcases the exceptional quality of Mount Barker's terroir and the expertise of West Cape Howe. A must-try for any wine enthusiast.