THE FIANO THINGS IN LIFE…

Kiwi Master of Wine and winemaker Sam Harrop has recently launched his own local wine label. In doing so, he’s become one of only a couple of people bottling the super-rare Fiano grape. It’s so rare that when I mention it, even local winemakers stare at me like I’m speaking Klingon. Perfumed with green peppercorn, nougat and lemongrass and abuzz with racy acidity, it’s quite a lovely thing. The florals are wild with a hint of ginger, and there’s nutty minerality as well. Fiano is grown predominantly in Italy’s Campania region, but under Sam’s eye, it appears that Bridge Pa in Hawke’s Bay is also providing it with a happy home. Zucchini fritters? Sí!

samharropwine.com