Despite its Italian renown, Sangiovese was not planted in Australia until the early 1970s.Sangiovese is the famous grape of Tuscany.Sangiovese was one of the first original ‘alternative’ varieties in Australia, and it is an indication of its acceptance that it is no longer considered ‘alternative’ (though it is still considered ‘Italian’). But in the early days, not only was Sangiovese considered an alternative variety, it also helped create the emergence of the Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show. By 1999, a range of other producers had taken on the Sangiovese challenge – enough for Jenni & Bruce Chalmers and Dr. Rod Bonfiglioli from the Chalmers Nursery, and Stefano de Pieri of Mildura to plan and hold a ‘Long Italian Lunch’, which also incorporated the inaugural Australian Sangiovese Awards. 28 Australian Sangiovese or Sangiovese blends were entered in the Sangiovese Awards. A Coriole Sangiovese blend was announced the winner, a proud Mark Lloyd taking home the prize.
Australian Sangiovese’s time to shine!
It has taken a great deal longer than anybody thought it would, but slowly, Sangiovese is beginning to shine. Not only have the best clones been identified, but winemakers and growers are also working out the best regions for the variety as well.The grape seems to be impressing in all corners of Victoria. Sangiovese has had a tricky start in Australia … but winegrowers and winemakers have worked hard to get the variety right – the right clones, the right growing conditions, the right regions and the right treatment in the winery. The pioneering Sangiovese winemakers who persevered with Sangiovese are looking quietly pleased with themselves (and a little bit relieved). New winemakers taking on the Sangiovese temptation are teasing out its tightly-held charms (and creating new ones at the same time). And wine drinkers are in the enviable position of discovering the many different faces of this noble grape, now just reaching its full potential, in a variety of expressions and styles.The tangy acidity of Sangiovese goes particularly well with tomato-based Italian dishes, but the savory notes and grippy tannins pair well with roasted, grilled and barbecued meats, making it the ideal match to a whole range of cuisines.
Sangiovese has proved a long and rocky road for wine producers, but for wine drinkers, the best part of the journey is still to come. Enjoy the ride!
Tasting the Fighting Gully Road Sangiovese 2022:
Beechworth is where Fighting Gully road source their Sangiovese … a bright, juicy, maraschino cherry-rich example. Mark Walpole -Fighting Gully states” Our passion is for Italian wines, with their savory style and refined palate. We are inspired by the deep tradition and history of the Old wine world – and enlivened by the opportunity to experiment with these things in the new world.We fell for Sangiovese in Tuscany in 1995, the wine that has it all; great acidity, color, aromatics, not too tannic, perfectly suited to Italian cuisine. Once we realized the climatic and geographic similarities between northern Italy and our alpine home of Beechworth, we decided to set the bar for Sangiovese production in Australia.The Fighting Gully Road Sangiovese 2022, offers bright ruby color with aromas of red fruits, herbs, and spices. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with flavors of cherry, plum, and savory herbs. The tannins are fine and well-integrated, and the finish is long and lingering.This wine has been rated highly by critics and a great choice for those who are looking for a well-made Sangiovese wine from Australia, The 2022 Sangiovese, Betchworth is a great option.
