Australia Vs Italy: Reviews of Two Well-Rated Red Wines

Australia is considered the epitome of new-world winemaking; Italy the epitome of old-world. But these characterizations are narrow. And often, the same taste buds will thoroughly enjoy wines from both regions. That is the case with our wines reviewed today. Both are rated at three stars on the Spirit of Wine scale. And both are reasonably priced. But review notes indicate the big differences between these wines. Enjoy!

Review: Earthworks Shiraz Barossa Valley, 2006, is from the highly-regarded Barossa Valley region of Australia, definitely known and respected for its old-vine shiraz.

Earthworks wine is essentially a negotiant wine, meaning the grapes are collected from farms around the region. Alcohol level is 14.5%, consistent with shiraz from this area.

In the glass, Earthworks shows as a deep, dusty, brick-hued red, no hints of purple on this three-year-old specimen. Swirling hurls some of the candy apple aromas into the air. On closer attention, you can pick up some of those deep, ripe plum/fruit aromas along with hints of the inside of a new balloon - almost an overripe funk. That will probably blow off with a short decant.

On the palate, Earthworks touches the middle of your mouth with full fruit, sparkling a bit of spice to the sides. Acids tickle your cheeks, and a nice tannin flush provides for a reasonably-lengthy, slightly sweet finish. Solid stuff. Not so overwhelming that it couldn't accompany a meal. Three stars, making it an outstanding value.

Ready to drink now, but a couple more years in bottle won't do any harm.

Find Earthworks Shiraz at WineZap.

Review: This is the aglianico grape from Italy, hailing from the Basilicata region and believed to have its origins in Greece. It is reputed to make a tannic, slightly acidic red wine.

In the glass, this aglianico shows as deep red, moving towards black in the middle. You need to dig into the glass for an aroma, but it is undeniably there: sweaty prunes being spun through the washing machine with just a touch of detergent. On the palate, there is a first sensation of dusty fat black fruit, still-robust tannins, and an acid that puckers the upper reaches of your cheeks. The finish moves to a steel sheen polished by acid. Really, really feels like it wants a year or two to settle down. But a potent, concentrated experience. Three stars out of five.

I'm gonna let it breathe an hour or two and confirm results...
Yup. Stood up nicely to three hours of air. The finish grew smooth and settled, with added roundness to the fruit.

Updated Review, a year and a half later... the color is now medium dusty red. Aroma is a mild candy-apple - the candy coating part. You get medium cherry fruit on the palate, a tang of acidity, and a finish that comes on with a raspberry tartness. I would not say the years have charmed it up. Mellowed it out, yes, but I enjoyed a more distinctive experience with the younger version of this wine. It is just barely holding at three stars.

Find Aglianico Del Vulture at WineZap.