Mitolo

Marsican 2016

McLaren Vale

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Named after the rare Marsican bear, native to Frank’s father Bruno’s homeland, Abruzzo. The same bear can be seen in the night sky over Italy forming the Ursa Major – a constellation that has been a navigational reference point for ages. Marsican is a tribute to Frank Mitolo’s heritage and his fathers enduring influence and guidance. 

Marsican Shiraz is a blend of the finest barrels from three distinct single vineyard sites in McLaren Vale. Situated near the cooling breezes of the Gulf St Vincent, these three vineyards are the source of the prized single vineyard Shiraz’, Savitar, G.A.M. and Angela.

VINEYARD

A prized blend of Shiraz from Mitolo’s finest barrels from three distinct sites which each speak so loudly of a harmonious and unique interpretation of the south western pocket of McLaren Vale delivering an opulent and brooding style of Shiraz – just a few miles from cooling breezes of the Gulf St Vincent – the wine is sourced from the single vineyards of Savitar, G.A.M., and Angela.
Savitar: 45 year old vines, Chinese block, Aldinga sub region.
G.A.M.: 45 year old vines, Chinese Block, Aldinga sub region.
Angela: 30 year old vines, Sandra’s Block, Willunga sub region.

WINEMAKING

Each parcel of fruit for Marsican is fermented on skins or approximately ten days. Parcels are fermented quite cool, which helps to preserve the bright fruit characters without extracting any hard or bitter tannins from the skins and seeds. After ten days the wines are gently pressed and run down to oak barrels, of which 100% are new, stored for eighteen months after which each barrel is considered for the final Marsican blend

TASTING NOTE

A distinct purity of dark brooding fruit on the nose. Cut plums and blackcurrant with hints of spice and earthiness. Impeccably balanced palate, fine grained tannins and flashes of white pepper. Will benefit from cool careful cellaring.

Color

Red

Appellation

McLaren Vale

Suggested Retail Price

$235.00

Reviews

"Terrific complexity and tremendous length"

Wine Advocate - May 5, 2021

"A barrel selection chosen from a couple of vineyard blocks, the 250-case production 2016 Marsican Shiraz exudes richness. Loaded with mocha and dark berries, accented by vanilla and dried spices, it's full-bodied and velvety yet not overly soft or plush. Possessed of a gentle but steady structure, terrific complexity and tremendous length, it should drink well for up to 20 years." - J.C. 

"Powerful and robust"

Wine Spectator - July 19, 2021

"Powerful and robust, with black licorice and tar overtones to the spiced plum, cocoa powder, dried blackberry, blueberry and sage notes. Offers chewy, dense tannins, plenty of aromatics and oomph on the long finish." - M.W. 

More on Mitolo Marsican 2016

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July 19, 2021 - Wine Spectator's Tasting Reports Column highlighted select Australian producers that are poised for a breakthrough moment in the United States market. Among these, was Mitolo, whose Marsican Shiraz 2016 from…

Trade Materials

Other Wines by this Producer

Savitar Shiraz

McLaren Vale

“Savitar” is a mythical dragon-like monster, and this wine is so named because of the impression Frank Mitolo and Ben Glaetzer had upon tasting one particular lot in the Willunga vineyard. They were so blown away they decided to make a Shiraz from just the small lot, and Savitar was created.

Serpico Cabernet Sauvignon

McLaren Vale

“Serpico” was a famous New York police officer who wasn’t afraid to ‘work against the grain’. With Serpico, Mitolo aims to step outside its peers and redefine the accepted style of Cabernet making. Serpico is a 100% Cabernet made in the Amarone method to achieve intense aromas, and a concentrated viscous middle palate with soft and silky tannins.

G.A.M.

McLaren Vale

G.A.M. represents the first initial of each of Frank Mitolo children's first names - Gemma, Alex and Marco - and G.A.M. was the first and remains the flagship wine of the estate. A Shiraz that embodies the Mitolo credo: strong and gentle. Uncompromising intensity and depth, supple complexity of fruit and savory flavors.

Angela

McLaren Vale

The Lopresti Family growers have provided fruit for Mitolo from the very beginning. Sourced from Sandra’s Block, matriarch of the Lopresti family, this wine is a tribute to Frank Mitolo's mother, Angela, matriarch of the Mitolo family.

7th Son

McLaren Vale

The wine’s name comes from Seventh Son of the Seventh Son, a folklore concept of birth right gifts of second sight, healing and luck. The Seventh Son is a testament to the quality of these two varieties, Grenache and Shiraz, in McLaren Vale and how well they can compliment each other. When blended together though these opposites provide a great foil for each other, creating a complex and intriguing wine.

Jester Vermentino

McLaren Vale

Frank Mitolo and Ben Glaetzer spent considerable time researching the choice of varietal for Mitolo's first white wine, and Vermentino was chosen as a grape that matches well with food and that would suit the McLaren Vale region. The maritime climate of McLaren Vale perfectly reflects that of the Mediterranean coastal districts of Corsica and Sardinia from which this varietal is best known. Warm days and cool, breezy nights allow for the grapes to develop balanced acidity and fresh fruit flavors.

Jester Shiraz

McLaren Vale

The Jester wines share the pedigree of the top Mitolo wines, but are more accessible and fruit-forward. Jester Shiraz is a blend of several blocks within the Lopresti vineyard in the Willunga district, all the way at the southern tip of McLaren Vale overlooking the coast. Intense, textured and shows pure dark fruit flavors.

Jester Cabernet Sauvignon

McLaren Vale

Jester Cabernet is a “baby” Serpico, the top Mitolo Cabernet produced using an Amarone drying process. For the Jester Cabernet, only a portion of the grapes are left to dry in the traditional Amarone winemaking method. Jester Cabernet is upfront and approachable, delivering excellent quality for the price.