2023 Pizzini Pietra Rossa Sangiovese

95 pts
A bright, savoury, great-value Sangiovese that captures both the Pizzini family’s Italian roots and the freshness of King Valley, at a terrific price.

Price:
Sale price$25.00
Stock:
In stock, ready to ship
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Description

The Pizzini family have been flying the flag for Italian varieties in Victoria’s King Valley for decades, and Sangiovese is right at the heart of what they do. Pietra Rossa is their classic expression – bright, savoury and just so easy to like.

The fruit comes from their home vineyards, where the mix of warm days and cool nights helps deliver that balance of ripe red fruit and crunchy, food-friendly acidity. It’s made to be approachable from day one, with a nod to the rustic charm of Tuscany but a freshness and drinkability that feels very King Valley.

2023 was a strong vintage here, giving wines with plenty of fruit depth while still keeping that signature lift and energy. The result is a Sangiovese that works as well with pizza and pasta as it does as a refreshing red on its own.  Terrific value.

95 points
"Keeps true to an Italian-style sangiovese... Its quality belies its price."
- Jeni Port (Halliday Wine Companion)

Jeni Port

Jeni Port

Halliday Wine Companion 95 Points

Keeps true to an Italian-style sangiovese that is dry, savoury and works in tart fruit and herbal flavours, waking up the tastebuds with a real shake. The fruity friendliness is left behind as we enter sour cherry, redcurrant, dried herbs, bitter chocolate with a once-over-lightly hint of pressed flowers. Focused, running long and building in intensity before an astringent, dry finish. Its quality belies its price.

Technical Information

Varietal: 100% Sangiovese

Region: King Valley

Site selection: Hut block G3&G2, block E3, block D5

Picked: April 2023

Average Brix: 23–25

Pietra Rossa means “Red Stone,” referencing the iron oxide–rich, rocky soils from which the fruit is derived. Grapes come from Pizzini’s leading Sangiovese vineyard sites, including the Hut block G2, Brunello block D6, and Chestnut block D5.

Vintage 2023
One of the most challenging vintages in years. A cold, wet season left soils boggy and disease pressure high. Vineyard management was key, with careful canopy work to protect against downy mildew. A warm, dry summer finally arrived in December, allowing vineyards to recover and produce quality fruit despite the difficult year.

Vinification

Grapes machine-picked and fermented with BM45 yeast (famous in Tuscany for Brunello wines).

Fermentation at 30°C for ~3 weeks to maximise colour, flavour, tannin, and structure.

Free run wine drained and settled before transfer to barrels for malolactic fermentation and 14 months’ maturation.

Final blending, fining, and bottling followed.

Maturation

Oak: 100% French Troncais (225–5000L)

Oak age: All old

Toasting: 100% medium

Filtered: Yes

Tasting Note
Brick-red colour with a cherry hue. Initial aromas of sweet mixed berry and red cherry, leading to spice and earthy characters. The palate is rich and seductive, with plums, cherries, leather, and hints of savoury tobacco. Balanced fruit and soft acidity are supported by savoury tannins, giving both immediate drinkability and excellent aging potential.

Final Analysis

Alcohol: 13.0%

pH: 3.59

TA: 5.59 g/L

Bottled: June 2024

Release: November 2024

Price Bracket $30 or Less
Type Red
Body Medium Bodied
Variety Sangiovese
Country Australia
Region King Valley
Australian State VIC
Reviewed By Halliday Wine Companion
Critic Score 95
Alcohol 13%
Size 750ml
Vintage 2023
Closure Screw Cap

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