Our Award-Winning ‘Serata’ Inspired by the Super Tuscan Wine Scene

Creativity & Winemaking

If you’re an international wine enthusiast, you may already be familiar with names like Sassicaia and Tignanello, as well as the term ‘Super Tuscan’, which was first coined almost 50 years ago.

It was then that a number of Italian trailblazers sparked a modern wine revolution, when they began mixing ‘unsanctioned’ wine varieties such as Merlot into their blends, leaving them outside the Italian DOC/DOCG regulations. And yet, these blends were considered to be high quality and commanded high prices.

In essence, these Italian wines came as a result of the frustration that winemakers in Tuscany had towards the bureaucracy who were slow to change the wine laws of Italy during the 1970’s.

In 1992, the legal system eventually yielded with the creation of the Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT) classification of Toscana, a new designation that gave winemakers the ability to be more creative. Today, Tuscany has five sub-categories of IGT wines.

What Does a Super Tuscan Taste Like?

What makes a ‘Super Tuscan’ wine different from other Tuscan wines, such as Chianti, is the use of wine grapes that are not indigenous to Italy. Particularly Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah (Shiraz).

Although a large number of wines claim to be ‘The First Super Tuscan’, most would agree that this credit belongs to Sassicaia, the brainchild of marchese – Mario Incisa della Rocchetta.

He first planted Cabernet Sauvignon at his Tenuta San Guido estate in Bolgheri back in 1944, and for many years it was the marchese’s personal wine, until the 1968 vintage was released commercially in 1971.

Because Super Tuscan wines are blends of indigenous and non-indigenous grape varieties, there is no specific flavour profile or structure.

You can find everything from fruity and racy Sangiovese based wines to deep, opulent Syrah-based wines. What ties them together is the use of the Toscana IGT classification and this notation will always be on the label.

Introducing our own unique blend of Italian and traditional Barossa varieties : ‘After Five Wine Co. – Serata’
In 2011, we decided to plant two southern Italian grape varieties – Montepulciano and Aglianico – in our southern Barossa vineyard.

Part of the reasoning was their ability to thrive in warm dry climates, but there was also the idea to bring to life a unique blend of Shiraz, Montepulciano and Aglianico.

Fast forward to today and we have successfully produced our very own blend with elegance, texture and intrigue. The single vineyard blend – ‘After Five Wine Co. Serata’.

Serata is not a grape variety but rather an Italian word that loosely translates to “have a pleasant evening get together with friends”.

We chose this name reflect its Italian roots, but also as a play on words. Our After Five Co. range is prefect for evening drinking and we’ve blended the Italian and Shiraz varieties – the friends.

Serata has Already Made an Impression

Since the first release of our After Five Wine Co. Serata in 2016, this wine has been well received and been awarded strong ratings and gold medals.

We were also honoured that this single vineyard blend was awarded a prestigious trophy at the 2019 Barossa Wine Show, with our ‘2018 After Five Wine Co. Serata’ being selected from 829 entries to go into the Barossa Cellar.

Our current vintage also received a gold medal at the Barossa Wine Show and was rated highly with James Halliday:

Serata tasting notes: intriguing, complex and bold

We think the combination of the Australian and Italian varieties provides a striking and stylish wine.

The Montepulciano and Aglianico deliver complexity, structure and length, making a perfect foil when blended with Shiraz.

Serata has aromas of cherry, rose, liquorice and strawberry. You’ll be intrigued by the palate which shows the depth and body of the Shiraz, along with cherry flavours from the Montepulciano, and the Aglianico provides rose hints and fine long tannin and welcome natural acidity.

Perfect food pairing with After Five Wine Co. Serata

Hearty meats like roasted pork, spicy sausages or grilled steak are all excellent pairings for this complex dry wine.

It can also be served alongside filling seafood dishes like a meaty grilled swordfish steak, or alongside starters such as bold aged cheddar or a rich bruschetta with olive oil and rosemary.

For those who love the simple things in life, Serata is perfect match with meat lover’s pizza.

A last note: now it’s time to taste!

We are lovers of blends that bring to life something that is both unique and different from any of the single varietals that go into the wine.

It is our hope that you continue to enjoy your wine journey and experiment with this amazing blend. It is little bit different, but we are confident you will be rewarded for your intrigue.

If you’ve already tried our Serata, we’d love to hear from you!