2023 Unico Zelo Esoterico

Spicy, exotic amber wine from the dynamic Unico Zelo team. Super value and the perfect introduction to orange wines.
4.3
Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars
16 Reviews

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Sale price$24.00
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In stock, ready to ship
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Description

"The chief driver is pure drinkability - a 'scrumptious' quality - mouthwatering acidity and 'say hello!' tannins. It's a Bohemian at heart."
- Brendan & Laura Carter on the Esoterico

Esoterico has been a cult hit since the early days of Unico Zelo, and the 2023 release shows just how far Brendan and Laura Carter have taken the style. It’s not white, not red – call it orange, amber, or just plain addictive – but whatever label you give it, this is one of the most drinkable skin-contact wines in the country.

Built from a head-turning mix of Zibibbo, Gewürztraminer, Moscato Giallo, Greco and a touch of Fiano, it’s a riot of aromatics – think citrus peel, ginger, mandarin oil and heady florals – with a fine line of tannin giving shape to all that energy. Cloudy, amber in colour and unapologetically wild, but crucially: it’s balanced, refreshing and incredibly easy to pour another glass.

No additions (beyond a touch of sulphur at bottling), no fining, no filtration – just fruit, skins and time doing their thing. That raw honesty is why Esoterico has earned its cult status, and why every new release disappears so quickly.

Drink it cold, drink it with friends, and don’t overthink it. This is Unico Zelo at their most fun.

Customer Reviews

4.3
Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars
Based on 16 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 10 Total 4 star reviews: 2 Total 3 star reviews: 3 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 1
16 reviews
  • DW
    David W.
    Verified Buyer
    21 hours ago
    Reviewing
    2023 Unico Zelo Esoterico
    Rated 3 out of 5 stars
    Unico Zelo Esoterico 2023

    Not sure what to make of this wine - perhaps the clue is in the name. Drier than I was expecting but very easy drinking when chilled on a summer’s day.

  • DH Profile picture for Daniel H.
    Daniel H.
    Verified Buyer
    4 days ago
    Reviewing
    2023 Unico Zelo Esoterico
    Rated 3 out of 5 stars
    Not for me

    Didn’t quite get this one, I really wanted to love it as the Bottle Shock content is great. I think it’s cheap and is good for sharing with friends in the park, a summer picnic pick for sure. It didn’t really hit the spot for me as an orange though, it’s very light, bordering on watery? As an avid fan of orange wines, there would be many whites I’d rather drink over this in the same price bracket. I’d call it an entry level orange, but I doubt you’d get any converts to the style if this was the gateway? So I’m not sure who this is for really. I am looking forward to trying some of their fianos though!

  • JP
    Jessica P.
    Verified Buyer
    Wine Knowledge Level Beginner
    1 year ago
    Wine Knowledge Level Beginner
    Reviewing
    2022 Unico Zelo Esoterico
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Great product from a great winery.

    I visited Unico Zelo, and enjoyed their wines, and meeting their staff. Was happy to find I could purchase this wine locally. Light, tasty orange wine.

Geek Deets:
Variety: Zibibbo, Gewurtztraminer, Moscato Giallo, Greco
Region: Riverland & Clare Valley
Soil Type: Ancient Sandy Limestone Soils
Vintage: 2022
Alcohol: 10.5% ABV
Volume: 750ml
Traditional Owners: Ngawait & Ngaduri Country

Winemaker's Notes:
Crafting a pinpoint precise, squeaky clean wine is one of the most boring things we could possibly think of. We prefer embracing your inner creative, and searching for more radical experiences. This has become one of our most cult-followed wines since we began. It's not exactly white wine, nor red - many call it Amber wine...but we just call it Esoterico. We make no additions of any kind - save for sulphur when we bottle the wine. There is no fining or filtration involved, with the wine allowed to clarify by gravity alone - resulting in a slight haze and sediment. This is one of the most enjoyable wines to craft, as there was no preconceived idea of what it must taste like - the chief driver is pure drinkability - a 'scrumptious' quality - mouthwatering acidity and 'say hello!' tannins. It's a Bohemian at heart.

Price Bracket $30 or Less
Type Amber
Body Medium Bodied
Variety Zibibbo
Country Australia
Region Riverland
Australian State SA
Feature Natural/Lo-Fi
Vegan
Women in Wine
Alcohol 10.5%
Size 750ml
Vintage 2023
Closure Cork

Unico Zelo

Unico Zelo is the project of winemaking couple Brendan and Laura Carter. In their words, their aim is to create “Italian-inspired, textural and site-expressive wines” and “Australian examples of Mediterranean varieties in an approachable and jovial fashion.”

Since bursting onto the scene in 2014 with their eye-catching, outrageously good value alternative vino, the Carters have spread their wings and their range. They now make a large suite of wines, including single vineyard examples of Fiano, Nero d'Avola and Nebbiolo. They are one of the most dynamic winemaking duos in the Adelaide Hills.

Winemaker Laura Carter doing what she does best. Discover Unico Zelo

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