Mitolo G.A.M. McLaren Vale Shiraz
McLaren Vale-based Mitolo is a family-owned winery established in 1999 by Frank Mitolo, whose Italian roots inspired his early interest in, and enthusiasm for, good food and great wine. Winemaker Ben Glaetzer became a partner in the business in 2001. The fusion of Frank’s knowledge of the land and business acumen with Ben’s winemaking talent has resulted in Mitolo becoming one of Australia’s most awarded wineries. In early 2022, Mitolo welcomed Luke Mallaby as Head Winemaker. Having learned his craft at renowned Yarra Valley wineries Yering Station and Oakridge, Luke spent eight years honing his skills with Treasury Wine Estates. Ben’s new role as consultant enables him to support Frank, Luke and the team and help ensure the continued success of the highly acclaimed Mitolo wines.
Overlooking the coast, the Lopresti vineyards in McLaren Vale from where the majority of Mitolo’s fruit is sourced, have heavy grey loam over sandstone soil with black cracking Biscay clay. The proximity to the ocean ensures cool afternoon breezes that help retain good acidity levels and aid in the development of complex flavours in the grapes.
The G.A.M. Shiraz comes from the Lopresti vineyard, and more specifically the Chinese Block, which is located at the southern end of McLaren Vale east of the coastal town of Port Willunga. The soil here is heavy grey loam mixed with black Biscay clay and sits above ancient Gnaltinga formation clay. This combination provides ideal conditions for growing fruit of intensity and balance. The climate here is maritime, with dry, warm, sunny days in the growing season and a fresh sea breeze that cools the air overnight.
Each parcel of fruit for the G.A.M. was fermented on skins for approximately 10 days at controlled cool temperatures, to help preserve bright fruit characters without extracting any hard or bitter tannins from the skins and seeds. After being gently pressed and run down to French oak barrels (60% new), the wine was then matured for 14 months before blending and bottling.
Deep crimson red in colour, this wine has an intensely aromatic and multi-layered nose of blackberry and plums, with hints of mint, liquorice and cedar. The complex palate is packed with flavours of black fruits and dried herbs. It starts fleshy and smooth, with the tannins building slowly helping to keep the fruit in check. There is a salty, almost iodine-like acidity that helps to balance the powerful fruit flavours.
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