Fiano may have its roots in southern Italy, but it has found an unexpected and very happy home in Australia’s McLaren Vale. Hancock & Hancock Fiano is a brilliant example of how well the variety adapts to the region’s warm Mediterranean climate, producing a wine that is both refreshing and richly textured. The nose is immediately inviting, with aromas of lemon zest, white pear and honeysuckle, alongside hints of almond and wildflowers. On the palate, the wine combines vibrant citrus freshness with a gentle creaminess, offering layers of ripe orchard fruit, stone fruit and a subtle savoury edge. There is plenty of flavour here, but also a lovely sense of balance, with bright acidity carrying the wine through to a long, mineral finish. Distinctive yet approachable, this is a white that feels equally at home with food or enjoyed on its own on a warm evening.
Producer – Hancock & Hancock
The Hancock & Hancock range was created by veteran Australian winemaker Chris Hancock, whose association with the Oatley family stretches back to the 1970s. After working on some of Australia’s most iconic wines, including several vintages of Penfolds Grange, Chris developed the Hancock & Hancock range as a personal expression of his love for McLaren Vale. The wines combine classic regional character with a modern outlook, often exploring varieties that thrive in the region’s Mediterranean climate. Fiano has become one of the standout examples, showcasing both the adaptability of the grape and the quality potential of McLaren Vale.
Hancock & Hancock Fiano, Terroir & Winemaking
The fruit comes from a vineyard planted on a gentle easterly slope in McLaren Vale. The site features sandy loam over red clay and limestone shale, soils that provide excellent drainage while helping retain freshness and complexity in the grapes. The warm climate encourages full flavour development, while cooling influences from the nearby Southern Ocean help preserve acidity. The wine is fermented in older oak barrels with a proportion of solids, adding texture and savoury complexity without introducing obvious oak flavours. After fermentation, the wine is blended, stabilised and bottled to retain its freshness and vibrant character. The result is a wine that balances richness and energy with impressive precision.
Hancock & Hancock Fiano, Tasting Notes
Pale straw in colour. Aromas of lemon zest, white pear, honeysuckle and almond are complemented by hints of stone fruit and wildflowers. The palate is fresh yet textural, showing citrus, pear and nectarine alongside a subtle savoury note and a long mineral finish.
Hancock & Hancock Fiano, food pairing suggestion: Grilled king prawns with lemon, garlic and chilli butter.
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