Established by the Lloyd family in 1967, Coriole is family owned and operated and has established a reputation for being a dynamic and innovative producer. Sangiovese was pioneered in Australia by Coriole with the first plantings in 1985. Other Italian varieties such as Fiano have Coriole at the forefront of alternative varieties. Chenin Blanc & Shiraz have a long and successful history at Coriole, with the flagship, Lloyd Reserve Shiraz included in Langton's Classified Wines of Australia.

The grape variety fiano originates from a province near Campania, east of Naples. Fiano was selected by Coriole when looking for a new southern Italian variety to grow in McLaren Vale, with the first vineyard planted in 2001. The first Australian fiano was released by Coriole from the 2005 vintage. Perfectly suited to our climate, fiano is now the largest growing whites category in McLaren Vale.

Raised in tank (75%), old oak (10%) and concrete (15%), with the latter finding increasing favour with winemaker Duncan Lloyd over oak. Brightly fruited and subtly complex, with a savoury, backbone and oyster shell minerality. Lemon pith, tart golden apple, green almond, yellow grapefruit and soft herbs seasoned with fennel seed and white pepper. There’s a seamless quality to this, peppy acidity neatly meshed into the finely-tooled mouthfeel, escorting the flavours through a crisp and very long exit. Date: Nov 2024; Alcohol: 13%; Price: $30.00; Drink by: 2028; Rating: 95 Points & Special Value Star; James Halliday Wine Companion

The thing about Coriole Fiano, is that it tastes like Fiano. Is this the 20th release of this wine? Well, around about that. Green apple, green herbs, a whiff of aniseed, lemon peel, and a little bit of seaside fun. It’s juicy, it’s quite savoury too, with some raw almond and herbs, a lively tang of green apple and pink grapefruit, a light chalky grip to texture and plenty of zing and energy, plus some quinine bitterness on a finish of excellent length. Bust out the calamari and chips, it’s game on. Date: Sept 2024; Alcohol: 13%; Price: $30; Closure: Screwcap; Drink: 2024-2029+; Rated: 94 Points; Gary Walsh; The Wine Front