Flame Hill Vineyard 2016 Fiano, $28
Fiano is still one of the less commonly seen white varieties in Australia and that’s a pity, really, because it fits in so well with our lifestyle here. It hails from Southern Italy and is gradually being embraced by Aussie winemakers. Queensland winemaker, Tony Thompson, is one who has been playing around with it, and it’s quite possibly the best white to have emerged from his stable. Although his Flame Hill Vineyard cellar door is in Montville, the fruit for this wine was grown in the Granite Belt. This first release is dry and refreshing, a bit nutty with citrus, stone fruit and marmalade notes, and a crisp acidity. It pairs well with seafood and chicken dishes and because of its complexity, can handle quite rich dishes as well. The wine was awarded gold at the Australian and New Zealand Small Winemakers Show, scoring equal points with the wine named White Wine of the Show. Go on! Try something different!
