This month, we’re thrilled to introduce our first 100% Barossa-origin Fiano.
This is the sixth release of our Discovery Road Fiano and the very first to be designated solely from the Barossa region. It includes fruit grown on our own estate as well as a parcel grown in the Vine Vale district, on the Eastern Edge of the Barossa’s valley floor. This 2023 release marks our return to exclusively showcasing Barossa-grown fruit across our entire range of wines.
Following five previous vintages of Fiano from regions including the Clare Valley, Riverland and the Murray Darling, Gibson founder and winemaker, Rob Gibson, undertook a grafting project in 2021 at our vineyard in Light Pass. A small patch of Merlot planted originally in 1996 was grafted over to Fiano, with the first crop being harvested in the 2023 season. Previous releases of our Fiano have been highly acclaimed – the 2022 taking out the top scoring Gold Medal of the variety category at 2022 Australian Alternative Wine Show.
Second generation of Gibson, Adam Fiegert, led the charge to trial the alternative Italian white several years ago. Its popularity has since spread through many grape growing regions, although in the Barossa, it remains much of a rarity. Just 18 tonnes were crushed region-wide last year.
“Compared to the Eden Valley, the slightly warmer valley floor seems to really suit Fiano, finding favour with those who might like a bit more texture and fruit weight”, said Adam. “We love our Eden Valley Riesling, and to have a Fiano side by side is a lot of fun to show classic versus new Barossa.”
Our return to 100% Barossa origin fruit is part of our ongoing commitment to champion our local growers and the wider region.
“Our growers are keeping up with the times. This is just another example of sustaining the Barossa into the future”, said Rob Gibson.
Discovery Road Fiano is available via the Gibson website for $29 per bottle.