Unico Zelo
Fresh A.F. Nero & Zibibbo
This creative blend is inspired by Côte-Rôtie's classic co-ferment of a splash of aromatic Viognier with the Syrah, but here we zoom in on Australia's Italian varieties (Unico Zelo's specialty!), using Sicily's main red and main aromatic white instead: Nero d'Avola with a splash of co-fermented Zibibbo (a type of Muscat).
Tasting notes: The nose is concentrated and inviting. It provokes childhood memories of that weird and delicious soapy purple gum “Thrills,” something like lilac and licorice, so pretty and bright and grapey, like welches grape juice went to university. The concentration is wonderful. The palate gushes with bergamot, grape, plum, black cherry, just so many fruits, explosive and juicy, nuanced with notes of lavender, lilac, and river rock, and a refreshing acidity. The finish rings the same with adds notes of aniseed. A pleasure!
From Brendan & Laura: "If anywhere in the world could make the freshest, zippiest style of Red - you'd expect it to be in the middle of the desert. Hailing from some of the most ancient soils on earth - The Riverland, is a complete underdog region that epitomises what it is to craft fine wine on the edge. Rich red earth, sandy soils covering limestone. Challenging, avant-garde - and one of the most exciting wines we've crafted to date. We're intensely passionate about Nero d'Avola and its clear potential in the warm, sun-drenched spots of Australia. The insane water-efficiency of this variety coupled with no additions in the vineyard or winery (save for a small component of SO2 at bottling) displays the potential for this variety to craft succulent, juicy, aromatic and supremely refreshing wine. A touch of ancient vine Zibibbo lifts the aroma into supreme smashability. Fresh. A.F. You've been warned."
Region: Barmera, Riverland
Appellation: Riverland & Clare Valley
Varietal/Blend: Nero d'Avola, Zibibbo
ABV: 12.0%
Vineyard: Unico Zelo Fresh A.F. is sourced from 15-year-old vines at Riccaterra Farm in Barmera, Riverland, at 50–400 meters altitude. Grown in a moderate Mediterranean climate on ancient sandy limestone soils, the fruit was hand harvested.
Cellar: Both varieties are destemmed into stainless steel. Zibibbo co-fermented with Nero d'Avola. On skins for 5 days before pressing back to stainless for maturation before bottling.
CSPC: 885969
Winemakers Note: If anywhere in the world could make the freshest, zippiest style of Red - you'd expect it to be in the middle of the desert. Hailing from some of the most ancient soils on earth - The Riverland, is a complete underdog region that epitomises what it is to craft fine wine on the edge. Rich red earth, sandy soils covering limestone. Challenging, avant-garde - and one of the most exciting wines we've crafted to date. We're intensely passionate about Nero d'Avola and its clear potential in the warm, sun-drenched spots of Australia. The insane water-efficiency of this variety coupled with no additions in the vineyard or winery (save for a small component of SO2 at bottling) displays the potential for this variety to craft succulent, juicy, aromatic and supremely refreshing wine. A touch of ancient vine Zibibbo lifts the aroma into supreme smashability. Fresh. A.F. You've been warned.
*Big Love to the No Mafia crew, who in 2018 collaborated with us to produce the most tasty thing to ever have come out of Unico Zelo: Nero Z - it was so damn popular our previously named 'The River' Nero evolved hand-in-hand with a dash of Zibibbo to become 'Fresh A.F.' in honour of their blood, sweat and tears - oh...and the fact folks wouldn't stop hounding us for it!
What the Critics are saying:
One of the most crowd-pleasing bargains in Aussie wine, this blend of Nero d'Avola and Zibibbo (aka white variety Muscat of Alexandria) offers a heady combo of green peppercorn, violets with stems, olive tapenade and rock dust, all framing forrest berry compote. As the name so eloquently implies, it is indeed "fresh A.F"., a supple, mid-weight bottling with oodles of fruit and crunchy acidity. 93 points, Wine Enthusiast (2023 Vintage)
I mean, the name says it all. The 2024 Fresh A. F. comprises a blend of Nero d'Avola and Zibbibo from Riverland, and aromatically it is exuberant and juicy, with abundant red berries, jubes, milk chocolate and clove. On the palate, the wine is supple and fresh, with sweet red fruit and soft tannins, and the finish shows some toffee apple notes. This juicy little wine is nicely done. It wanders into "chilled red" territory. 12% alcohol, sealed under Diam. 88 points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (2024 Vintage)
Region: Barmera, Riverland
Appellation: Riverland & Clare Valley
Tasting notes: The nose is concentrated and inviting. It provokes childhood memories of that weird and delicious soapy purple gum “Thrills,” something like lilac and licorice, so pretty and bright and grapey, like welches grape juice went to university. The concentration is wonderful. The palate gushes with bergamot, grape, plum, black cherry, just so many fruits, explosive and juicy, nuanced with notes of lavender, lilac, and river rock, and a refreshing acidity. The finish rings the same with adds notes of aniseed. A pleasure!
From Brendan & Laura: "If anywhere in the world could make the freshest, zippiest style of Red - you'd expect it to be in the middle of the desert. Hailing from some of the most ancient soils on earth - The Riverland, is a complete underdog region that epitomises what it is to craft fine wine on the edge. Rich red earth, sandy soils covering limestone. Challenging, avant-garde - and one of the most exciting wines we've crafted to date. We're intensely passionate about Nero d'Avola and its clear potential in the warm, sun-drenched spots of Australia. The insane water-efficiency of this variety coupled with no additions in the vineyard or winery (save for a small component of SO2 at bottling) displays the potential for this variety to craft succulent, juicy, aromatic and supremely refreshing wine. A touch of ancient vine Zibibbo lifts the aroma into supreme smashability. Fresh. A.F. You've been warned."
TECHNICAL INFO
Varietal/Blend: Nero d'Avola, Zibibbo
ABV: 12.0%
Vineyard: Unico Zelo Fresh A.F. is sourced from 15-year-old vines at Riccaterra Farm in Barmera, Riverland, at 50–400 meters altitude. Grown in a moderate Mediterranean climate on ancient sandy limestone soils, the fruit was hand harvested.
Cellar: Both varieties are destemmed into stainless steel. Zibibbo co-fermented with Nero d'Avola. On skins for 5 days before pressing back to stainless for maturation before bottling.
CSPC: 885969
Winemakers Note: If anywhere in the world could make the freshest, zippiest style of Red - you'd expect it to be in the middle of the desert. Hailing from some of the most ancient soils on earth - The Riverland, is a complete underdog region that epitomises what it is to craft fine wine on the edge. Rich red earth, sandy soils covering limestone. Challenging, avant-garde - and one of the most exciting wines we've crafted to date. We're intensely passionate about Nero d'Avola and its clear potential in the warm, sun-drenched spots of Australia. The insane water-efficiency of this variety coupled with no additions in the vineyard or winery (save for a small component of SO2 at bottling) displays the potential for this variety to craft succulent, juicy, aromatic and supremely refreshing wine. A touch of ancient vine Zibibbo lifts the aroma into supreme smashability. Fresh. A.F. You've been warned.
*Big Love to the No Mafia crew, who in 2018 collaborated with us to produce the most tasty thing to ever have come out of Unico Zelo: Nero Z - it was so damn popular our previously named 'The River' Nero evolved hand-in-hand with a dash of Zibibbo to become 'Fresh A.F.' in honour of their blood, sweat and tears - oh...and the fact folks wouldn't stop hounding us for it!
What the Critics are saying: One of the most crowd-pleasing bargains in Aussie wine, this blend of Nero d'Avola and Zibibbo (aka white variety Muscat of Alexandria) offers a heady combo of green peppercorn, violets with stems, olive tapenade and rock dust, all framing forrest berry compote. As the name so eloquently implies, it is indeed "fresh A.F"., a supple, mid-weight bottling with oodles of fruit and crunchy acidity. 93 points, Wine Enthusiast (2023 Vintage)
I mean, the name says it all. The 2024 Fresh A. F. comprises a blend of Nero d'Avola and Zibbibo from Riverland, and aromatically it is exuberant and juicy, with abundant red berries, jubes, milk chocolate and clove. On the palate, the wine is supple and fresh, with sweet red fruit and soft tannins, and the finish shows some toffee apple notes. This juicy little wine is nicely done. It wanders into "chilled red" territory. 12% alcohol, sealed under Diam. 88 points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (2024 Vintage)
Giovanni Autuori
Calgary + Alberta South
T: 403-971-1898
E: giovanni@vinoalvino.ca
Joe Gurba
Edmonton + Alberta North
T: 780-203-5284
E: joeg@vinoalvino.ca
