Reserve Sagrantino

See previous note in January this year. This grape offers a lot and I’m glad it’s being grown in Australia - particularly in Ballandean Qld - the closest major wine growing district to me about 2+ hours away. The spiritual home of this varietal is Montefalco in Umbria. Often very tannic and great wine making here from Nick and Caitlin Roberts to keep those often aggressive tannins under control. At this tasting there were aromas of red florals (Geranium) and herbs - very savoury. The palate shows black currant and raspberry with a dash of chocolate. A great effort from Ravenscroft.

I’m in a non purchase mode at present but following a brief visit to the Stanthorpe/Ballandean wine growing district in the Granite Belt we caught up with young couple who bought Ravenscroft winery - Caitlin and Nick Roberts. Caitlin is an old school friend of my daughter Georgie and I had to support them. This Sagratino is one of several Italian and other varietals grown in their vineyards. This is highly savoury and food friendly - juicy, red fruited and tannic. A very good effort and comparable in quality with the Umbrian based Sagrantinos I have had.