Mitolo Savitar Shiraz

Intense, savoury red fruits and concentrated blue fruits, with mineral elements and cedary undertones. Long, linear and precise. Dark cherry, Damson plum, dried fig and ripe mulberry move into firm framed, fine grained tannins with graphite texture and hints of coffee roast, chicory root and cedary oak. Elegant yet powerful with impeccable length and drive, continuing the tradition of this formidable McLaren Vale shiraz.

• Winery: Mitolo Wines
  
• Varietal: Shiraz
  
• Region: McLaren Vale, Australia
  
• Vintage: 2020
  
• Alcohol: 14.5%
  
• Volume: 750ml
  
• Closure: Cork
  
• Food match: Lamb roast, beef, game meat, pork & pepperoni; tuna & salmon; pizza; BBQ & heavy red sauces; bleu-veined cheeses

Savitar is one of the great Shirazes from McLaren Vale, made with grapes grown on the Lopresti Vineyard's Chinese Block, located at the south end of McLaren Vale, about four kilometres east of the coastal town of Port Willunga. The vines struggle here, producing low yields of fruit with tiny berries which are full of black fruit flavours with dried herb, black olives and an earthy structure of dark smokiness, making this a power packed wine.

It's named after a mythological dragon like creature, in homage to this wine's bold flavours and powerful length. It's an impressive wine for now and will undoubtedly age for the long haul - think a decade at least.

THE MITOLO STORY

The essence of Mitolo Wines can be traced back centuries through generations of viticulturalists. Hailing from Italy’s Abruzzo region, the Mitolo family migrated to South Australia in the 1950s with a hardworking ethos and a strong connection to the land. Embodying the motto of Abruzzo – forte e gentile or strong and gentle – Mitolo’s proud Italian-Australian heritage is deeply engrained in the range, striving to make remarkable wines full of character and elegance.

In 2000, Mitolo made its first Shiraz, and two years later its first Cabernet Sauvignon. Since that time, Mitolo has championed these two varieties with fruit from some of McLaren Vale’s finest vineyards. Whilst building its reputation for premium Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon offerings, Mitolo expanded its range to include several Italian varieties paying homage to the family’s roots.

In 2017, Mitolo Wines opened its Cellar Door and Osteria. Surrounded by vineyards, set on Turraparri Creek, and overlooking the Mount Lofty Ranges, the unmatched serenity is open to be enjoyed by all. 

VINEYARDS

Mitolo Wines’ fruit is sourced almost exclusively from the Lopresti family vineyards in McLaren Vale, South Australia. First planted in 1982, the vineyards are located in the coastal districts of Sellicks Hill and Aldinga, with prized holdings in the tightly held sub-district of Whites Valley – the source for Mitolo’s esteemed Classic and Icon Series wines.  

The Lopresti family harvest fruit across five distinct blocks in this small belt between the Mount Lofty Ranges and the cooling Gulf St Vincent. Each block has its own unique soil profile and microclimate, leading to intriguing nuances to the fruit and ultimately, the wine.

Located only a few kilometres from South Australia’s pristine coastline, these vineyards make up over 200 acres of prime Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache plantings. In recent years, further plantings of traditional Italian varieties have been established including Vermentino, Sangiovese, Sagrantino, Montepulciano, Nero d’Avola, Glera and Pecorino.

WINEMAKER

Luke Mallaby joined Mitolo Wines as Winemaker in 2021, after twenty years working in some of the world’s most prestigious regions including Barossa Valley, Yarra Valley, Rheinhessen, Santa Barbara, and of course McLaren Vale. Prior to joining Mitolo Wines, Luke was Head Winemaker at Rosemount Estates, which brought him to McLaren Vale in 2018, where he quickly fell in love with the region’s Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache.

“McLaren Vale excites me. The region is blessed with a complex tapestry of soil types, changes in topography, and that beautiful maritime climate. Each pocket of land expresses something unique, and unique is something we at Mitolo do very well.

Our wines are all individually expressive and resonate strongly with me for the elements they bring. We have world class Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon made in different styles, great parcels of Grenache, and an array of Italian varieties which I find so inspiring to work with.” Mitolo Wines

• 97/100 Points - Sam Kim, Wine Orbit (2018 vintage)
• 95/100 Points - Ned Goodwin, Wine Companion (2018 vintage)
• 95/100 Points - Joe Czerwinski, The Wine Advocate (2018 vintage)
  
• 93/100 Points - Angus Hughson, Wine Pilot (2018 vintage)
  
• 91/100 Points - Jeremy Oliver (2016 vintage)
• 90/100 Points - Wine Enthusiast (2016 vintage)
• 92/100 Points - The Wine Front (2015 vintage)
• 92/100 Points - Jeremy Oliver (2015 vintage)