FIRST RIDGE BUNDLE

I’ve always had a soft spot for Italian varietals, and First Ridge in Mudgee are producing some cracking examples of just how well these grapes can work in Australia.

This mixed six-pack brings together 2 Vermentino, 2 Fiano, 1 Barbera and 1 Sangiovese, four varieties that each show a different side of Italian wine, but all feel right at home in the Australian sun.

The Vermentino is bright, fresh and lively, with citrus, stone fruit and a lovely savoury edge. The Fiano has a little more weight and texture, with ripe fruit, freshness and plenty of length. Then into the reds, the Barbera is juicy, vibrant and beautifully food-friendly, while the Sangiovese delivers that classic mix of red fruit, savoury spice, structure and fine tannin.

What I really enjoy about these wines is that they don’t feel like Australian copies of Italian wines. They show that Australia can take these traditional Mediterranean varieties and produce wines with their own personality while still respecting what makes the grapes so good in the first place.

Fruit, structure, freshness and length, this is a seriously enjoyable six-pack and a great introduction to what First Ridge does so well.

Vermentino x 2

Fiano x 2

Barbera x 1

Sangiovese x 1