Pizzini Winery
King Valley Sangiovese
Victoria, Australia
Recommended by Jancis Robinson World Atlas of Wine, Huon Hooke in Gourmet Traveller, Australian Alternative Varieties Show and many more
Read more
The King Valley is home to a number of Italian immigrant families who moved to Australia in the 1940s and 1950s. Three hours north east of Melbourne, it is a beautiful landscape considered cool climate in Australia but which actually enjoys a climate similar to Tuscany with long hot summers yet cool summer nights which benefit grape and man alike.
The Pizzini left their native Trento Aldo Adige in 1955 to start a new life in Australia. Settling in King Valley, at first they grew tobacco. In the 1970s they planted grapes to supply Brown Brothers. In the 1980s they decided to plant Italian varietals and in 1994 launched their own wine label. Since then they have gained a reputation in Australia as the leading and most authentic producer of Italian varietals. One of the most important reasons behind their success is that they employ a top Italian consultant who also owns 3 properties in Tuscany; he visits every year just before harvest and is very influential in obtaining the balance between typical Australian fruit ripeness and European food friendly structure.
The wines show great balance, elegance and purity and are listed at many of the best restaurants in Sydney and Melbourne as well as Quantas Business Class. It comes as a surprise to find Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Arneis and Verduzzo made in a country dominated by Shiraz and Chardonnay. Different they are and brilliant, too!
Fred and his son Joel Pizzini together make the wine today. Fred’s still totally passionate after many years of winemaking and has vast experience. Joel brings fresh energy to the partnership and they’re a winning team; last year they were nominated for Gourmet Traveller WINE magazine’s Winemaker of the Year.
Wines produced by Pizzini are 100% estate grown, vinified and bottled
The Vine Ltd is sole and exclusive distributor in Japan and imports directly from Pizzini by temperature controlled container
