Hello rustic Italian Charm. Teroldego, the alpine grape of Trentino in northern Italy, doesn’t need to be rustic, but the ferrous tannins of the Castel Firmian Teroldego Rotaliano Riserva 2019 give this a rawness that just amps up the hearty substantial effect. Stir in some of the famous Teroldego acidity and you’ve got some bite. Indeed the Castel Firmian label can be dogged by slightly hard wines, but this red has a generosity to drive it along. Blood red-purple colours, then sappy, blueberry fruits, dark earth (oak and fruit) tannins to push the palate along. You wouldn’t call this an easy wine, and you’ve got to appreciate firm tannins and acidity, but that savoury thrust deserves respect.

THE VERDICT

• Best drinking: now to at least five years (but I like it now)
• Score (out of 20): 17.7
• Score (out of 100): 92
• Alcohol %: 13
• RRP (in $AUD): 45
• Winery website: https://www.singlevineyards.com/product/2019-castel-firmian-riserva-teroldego-rotaliano/
• Would I buy it?: Worth a glass or two