Wine of the Day, No. 867

A winsome red from Victoria.

The Mother Block Red Blend 2022, was produced by the Chalmers Family, long a mainstay of vine-growing and winemaking in Australia’s Victoria region. The blend referred to is a unique combination of grapes that represent many parts of Italy — 62% sagrantino, 17% nero d’Avola, 7% aglianico, 6% sangiovese, 5% uva di Troia, 2% teroldego and 1% piedirosso, all sustainably farmed. Chalmers is noted for its commitment to the propagation of Italian grape varieties, maintaining a nursery of 40 types of Italian vines, many in clonal variations.

This one is bright ruby-purple in hue, with notes of sour cherry, plums, apple skin and freshly grated black pepper; a few moments in the glass add hints of graphite, lavender and melon; the wine is sleek, lithe and supple on the palate, propelled by a high pitch of clean acidity and structured with mildly gripping tannins; the flavors are slightly roasted black and red fruit, accented by touches of baking spices and a finish of mint and sage. 13.6% alcohol. Suitable for vegans. Very tasty and pretty darned perfect as a pizza and burger wine. Very Good+. About $18, representing a Real Bargain.

Legend Imports, Nashville, Tennessee. A sample for review.