Words by Tania Jezukaitis
Family owned and operated De Lisio winery since 2002, is a hidden gem in the heart of McLaren Vale. With over 70 cellar doors to choose from it can be a challenge to narrow the list down for a short visit or if you live locally take the opportunity to be explore outside the well known brands. De Lisio, more well known overseas, particularly in the US and Denmark, is focusing on making a dent in the domestic market. Cellar door is open by appointment and we were greeted by the Assistant winemaker Anthony De Lisio and his lovely wife Vanessa. Anthony first cut his teeth helping his father tend their vineyards in Clarendon and undertaking vintages in Sonoma, California, so it is easy to see where this family passion has extended from the vines and now into the bottle. Their philosophy is minimal interference and allowing the true expression of the fruit, region and vintage shine through to be enjoyed with food, family and friends.
With fruit sourced from the cooler climate Adelaide Hills it gives this chardonnay pinot noir blend a nice dry finish with crisp acidity and hints of apple and strawberries at only $15. 12% ALC/Vol
‘Honeypot’ Sparkling Moscato
Like bees to the honeypot this Moscato will get the summer party started. Made from 100% Gourdeau it has a lovely dry finish with melon and sherbet flavours. Can also be enjoyed with gin if you are looking for something different to wow your friends. 8.4% ALC/Vol
2016 ‘Classic McLaren’ Semillon Sauvignon Blanc
Great to see a revival of this classic blend which seems to have gone out of favour to cater for the fans of those “tropical fruit salad” savvy’s. Semillon is such an under rated varietal [unless its from the Hunter Valley] and is perfectly paired with Sauvignon Blanc to give more complexity and structure. The palate displays lemon and mineral characteristics balancing the herbaceousness of the sauvignon which again finishes dry with gentle acid backbone. 12% ALC/Vol
2014 ‘Argento’ Pinot Grigio
Argento meaning silver in Italian is named after the colour of the Pinot Grigio berries which is not typically green as in most other “white” varietals. Sourced from the cooler micro climates in McLaren Vale to ensure it maintains acidity rather than becoming flabby and uninteresting. This food friendly wine has hints of pear, mineral and spicy tones. 13.5% ACL/Vol
2013 ‘Argento’ Cabernet Merlot
60% Cabernet and 40% Merlot of McLaren Vale fruit with good length, fine grained tannins, berry and mocha flavours. Aged 20 months in 225L French oak barriques, 30% new 70% secondary use. Drink now. 14.5% ALC/Vol
2013 ‘Quarterback’ Red Blend
A blend of four varietals 32% Shiraz, 30% Cabernet, 15% Grenache and 24% Merlot from McLaren Vale vines ranging from 45 to 80 years of age. Packed full of flavour and punch no wonder the Yanks have been lapping up this wine. All the varieties are seamlessly blended so not one variety dominates. Matured for 18 months in 225L French Barriques 85% and American oak 15% new and old. Get this before the yanks buy it all up. 14.5% ACL/Vol
2010 ‘Covert’ Cabernet Sauvignon
McLaren Vale is not well known for Cabernet but this is a good example of what this region can deliver and a taste of the 2009 vintage, which was even better in my opinion, shows the ageing potential of this wine plus illustrating their philosophy of letting the idiosyncrasies of the vintage shine through. The palate was rich with mocha, dark cherry and earthy tones.
2010 ‘The Covert’ Shiraz
This a great McLaren Vale Shiraz and well priced at $25 for an excellent vintage. With rich upfront flavours of mocha, chocolate and dark fruits. Aged 18-24 months in 225L French Barriques [90%] and 10% american oak, new and used. Drinking superbly now or can put down for a few more years. 14.5% ACL/Vol
2013 ‘Catalyst’ Shiraz Grenache
This blend of 82% Shiraz with 18% of Grenache to give it some uplift on the nose and palate but not enough to dominate the presence of the Shiraz. It has a lingering finish with plums, spice and berries supported by good tannin structure so will cellar well. Aged 20 months in 225L French oak barriques, 60% new 40% secondary use. . 14.5% ALC/Vol
2012 ‘Krystina’ Shiraz
Named after the matriarch of the de Lisio family this is their flagship wine and what a beauty it is. This full bodied red with dense flavours of coffee, chocolate, dark berries and black pepper has lovely palate weight and soft tannins carry through the long finish. This was my favourite of the range and I will definitely be back for more. Aged 20 months in 225L French oak barriques, 60% new 40% secondary. Enjoy now or cellar up to 10 years. 14.5% ALC/Vol
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