Beresford Emblem Fiano 2023
Pressing Matters: Fiano’s Ascent to Wine Royalty
There is a particular kind of joy in uncorking a bottle of wine that sings to the soul, and for me, that wine is Fiano, with its roots deep in the ancient soils of southern Italy and its spirit reborn in the sun-drenched vineyards of McLaren Vale. Imagine my delight, then, as I poured a glass of the Beresford Emblem Fiano 2023, a wine that has not only captured my heart but also the world’s attention, earning a resplendent 95-point Gold medal at the illustrious Decanter World Wine Awards. Crowned as the best Fiano in the world, this bottle is more than a wine—it is a testament to the marriage of tradition and innovation.
But what is Fiano, you might ask? It is a grape that carries with it a certain history, a vine that ampelographers and wine historians consider a “classical” treasure of southern Italy. Some say its origins are as ancient as Roman viticulture, perhaps even reaching back to the Greeks who tilled the soil before them. There are those who speculate that Fiano was the very grape behind the Roman wine Apianum, a drink beloved by the emperors and produced in the hills above Avellino. The name itself, vitis apiana, speaks to its allure, for the Latin root, apiana, means bees, and indeed, even today, bees are drawn to the sweet, sugary pulp of Fiano grapes, flitting among the vineyards like living echoes of the past.
Yet, Fiano is not a grape that surrenders its juice easily. Its berries are small, their skins thick, and the vine yields little, making it a labour of love for those who choose to cultivate it. For much of the 19th and 20th centuries, Fiano was nearly forgotten, its vines uprooted in favour of more prolific varieties like Trebbiano and Sangiovese. But in recent years, there has been a renaissance—a rekindling of interest in the classical grapes of southern Italy, spurred by investment in modern winemaking and a desire to breathe new life into ancient traditions.
And so, across the oceans and into the fertile lands of McLaren Vale, Fiano has found a new home. Here, in this corner of Australia, the grape thrives, nurtured by a climate that coaxes out its aromatic richness and textural depth. Among the golden-hued white wines of Australia, the Beresford Emblem Fiano 2023 stands as a beacon, a varietal of distinction that has achieved the highest honours while remaining accessible to all. Remarkably, this wine, which can hold its own against the finest $100 bottles, can be yours for just $25—a true gift for the discerning palate.
“We are witnessing the remarkable growth of Fiano in McLaren Vale, 22 years since the Lloyd family planted the first Fiano vine. The unique climate of the McLaren Vale region fosters wines of aromatic richness and textural depth, and this Fiano genuinely reflects that journey,” says Chris Dix, the visionary Head Winemaker at Beresford Wines. “Having our Fiano recognized on such a prestigious platform is a proud moment for our team. It defies convention and showcases the diverse potential of Australian viticulture for Mediterranean varietals.”
This Fiano is a dance on the senses, a bouquet of jasmine and honeysuckle entwined with the crispness of green apple, nashi pear, and white peach. Hints of citrus, lemongrass, and a whisper of pineapple weave through the aroma, inviting you to take that first sip. On the palate, fresh notes of citrus and nectarine meet the tartness of green apple, with ginger and a dash of white pepper adding layers of complexity. A bright acidity carries these flavours, evolving into a creamy texture that speaks of the wine’s time on lees, a finish that lingers like a beloved memory.
“Our success with the Beresford Emblem Fiano 2023 reflects our commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring new possibilities in winemaking,” Chris Dix muses. “Winning this award demonstrates the exceptional quality of our Fiano and our dedication to producing wines that resonate with both tradition and innovation.”
For those who wish to experience this marvel first hand, the Beresford Emblem Fiano 2023 awaits at the Beresford Tasting Pavilion in McLaren Vale, South Australia. Here, visitors can lose themselves in the estate’s guided tastings, indulge in luxurious accommodations, and savour exquisite dining, making it a destination where wine is not just enjoyed but celebrated.
The Beresford Estate is more than a vineyard; it is a sanctuary of taste, where the elegance of McLaren Vale’s finest varieties—60-year-old Grenache, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay—are joined by the revitalized Mediterranean varietals like Fiano, Pecorino, and Grillo. Founded in 1985 by Rob and Bronwyn Dundon, Beresford has become a name synonymous with excellence, its wines winning around 2000 medals and 200 trophies at international shows, a legacy of quality and passion.
