Unico Zelo Pipe Dream Nero d’Avola 2022 is, in the winemaker’s own words, arguably the best wine they produce — and 2022 is on song. Grown on alluvial quartz-shot clay soils in Birdwood, Adelaide Hills, on Peramangk Country, from vines grafted in 2016 and developing beautifully with each passing vintage. An uber addictive raspberry core with ripples of blueberry and bright red apple, a real rocky mineral acidity that adds a lovely complexing character, and almost lemongrass-y hits that make this Nero d’Avola genuinely distinctive. Ripe, primary, racy, and pure. A wine with just a hint of luxury.
Tasting Notes
Appearance
Vivid, deep ruby — the vibrant, inviting colour of a Nero d’Avola grown on alluvial quartz-shot clay soils in the Adelaide Hills, with the clarity and brightness that racy acidity and careful winemaking deliver.
Aroma
An uber addictive raspberry core with ripples of blueberry and bright red apple — ripe, primary, and pure, with almost lemongrass-y hits adding a distinctive and genuinely exciting aromatic complexity. The rocky, mineral character of the quartz-shot clay soils present throughout.
Palate
Ripe primary fruit with racy acid and pure red and blue fruits — the raspberry core carries through beautifully, with blueberry and bright red apple adding depth and a real rocky mineral acidity that is a lovely complexing character for this wine. The vines, grafted in 2016, are developing beautifully and the wine should evolve really nicely in bottle.
Pairs With
A natural partner for grilled lamb, slow-roasted pork, eggplant dishes, charcuterie, aged pecorino, and the bold flavours of the Mediterranean table — the racy acidity, pure red and blue fruit, and mineral complexity of Pipe Dream make it a deeply versatile and rewarding companion.
