By David Ellis from vintnews.
Pioneers of the variety in Australia, the Dal Zotto’s planted our first Prosecco in 1999 in homage to patriarch Otto who hailed from Valdobbiadene, in the heartland of Italy’s Prosecco country around Veneto. And they’ve not looked back since, sales growing nicely year upon year as Aussies learn about and embrace the varietal.
Son and Chief Winemaker, Michael Dal Zotto crafted his skills by going to Italy to learn directly from Prosecco makers in Veneto, while other son Christian headed-up Sales and Marketing, and Otto himself although now retired, still regularly frequents the winery, offering to visitors within ear-shot that "anytime is Prosecco time.”
The current-release Dal Zotto NV Pucino Prosecco has classic varietal flavours of crisp apples and pears, and hints of a citrusy zest; pay $20 and enjoy equally as a lip-smacking Summertime bubbly on its own, or with seafood or party finger-foods.
One to note: it’s almost a half-century since Wynns first put together a blend of Coonawarra Cabernet, Shiraz and Merlot, dubbing it at the time Cabernet Hermitage.
And today, 48 years after that first blend was released in 1969, it’s still as popular as ever, a lovely versatile red that’s no longer known by the Cabernet Hermitage handle, but simply labelled with its three grape varietals.
With forward blackberry, liquorice and coffee flavours, and suggestions of bright red cherries in there as well, it’s also got hints of oak to make for a good match with braised lamb shanks or a spicy pepper steak. Good value buying at $25.
