Mitolo
G.A.M. 2015
McLaren Vale
G.A.M. represents the first initial of each of Frank Mitolo children’s first names – Gemma, Alex and Marco – and G.A.M. was the first and remains the flagship wine of the estate. A Shiraz that embodies the Mitolo credo: strong and gentle. Uncompromising intensity and depth, supple complexity of fruit and savory flavors.
VINEYARD
The G.A.M. Shiraz comes from the Lopresti vineyard, and more specifically the Chinese Block, which is located at the southern end of McLaren Vale, about 4km east of the coastal town of Port Willunga. The soil here is heavy grey loam mixed with black Biscay clay and sits above ancient Gnaltinga formation bedrock. Strong vine growth in spring is tempered by summers dry winds, developing pure, bright and savory fruit flavors that are tempered by cooling
afternoon sea breezes.
WINEMAKING
Each parcel of fruit is fermented on its skins for approximately 10 days. Parcels are fermented at cooler temperatures, which helps preserve the bright fruit characters without extracting hard or bitter tannins. After 10 days the wines are gently pressed and run down to oak (70% new, 30% used) barrels, and are stored in oak for approximately eighteen months. Each barrel is then considered for the final G.A.M. blend.
TASTING NOTE
Intense, complex and bright nose of black cherry and blackened cedar wood with complex dried Mediterranean herbs. The palate is a true reflection of one of the great vintages of the region with immense yet savory flavors of vanilla, dark plums and dry, earthy flavors reminiscent of the clay soil from which it is grown.
Color
Red
Grape Varieties
Shiraz
Appellation
McLaren Vale
Suggested Retail Price
$57.00
Reviews
Wine Advocate - April 15, 2019 "Hints of menthol and toasty French oak accentuate the plums and mulberries on the nose of the 2015 GAM Shiraz. This is full-bodied, plush and rich on the palate, showing off the creamy texture and plush tannins of ripe McLaren Vale fruit. Hints of potpourri and dried spices linger on the long finish, adding complexity into the mix. In short, this beauty has it all."
"Jolt of cracked pepper"
Vinous - September 8, 2022 "Shimmering ruby. Aromas of cassis, cherry pie, licorice and cracked pepper are complemented by a smoky oak nuance that builds in the glass. Supple and focused in the mouth, offering bitter cherry, dark berry and mocha flavors and an enlivening jolt of cracked pepper. Finishes on a gently tannic note, delivering building sweetness and strong, spicy persistence."-J.R 9/22
Jeb Dunnuck - January 15, 2019 “Deeper and richer than the 2014, the 2015 Shiraz G.A.M. (which represents the initials of the Mitolo children) offers a smokin’ good bouquet of mulled spices, chocolate, salted caramel, and licorice. This flows to a ripe, full-bodied, opulent Shiraz that has terrific depth of fruit, a layered mid-palate, sweet tannin, and a clean, balanced style that will evolve nicely for a decade or more.”
Reviews
Trade Materials
Other Wines by this Producer
Marsican
McLaren Vale
Named after the rare Marsican bear, native to Frank’s father Bruno’s homeland, Abruzzo. The same bear can be seen in the night sky over Italy forming the Ursa Major – a constellation that has been a navigational reference point for ages. Marsican is a tribute to Frank Mitolo’s heritage and his father's enduring .influence and guidance.
Savitar Shiraz
McLaren Vale
“Savitar” is a mythical dragon-like monster, and this wine is so named because of the impression Frank Mitolo and Ben Glaetzer had upon tasting one particular lot in the Willunga vineyard. They were so blown away they decided to make a Shiraz from just the small lot, and Savitar was created.
Serpico Cabernet Sauvignon
McLaren Vale
“Serpico” was a famous New York police officer who wasn’t afraid to ‘work against the grain’. With Serpico, Mitolo aims to step outside its peers and redefine the accepted style of Cabernet making. Serpico is a 100% Cabernet made in the Amarone method to achieve intense aromas, and a concentrated viscous middle palate with soft and silky tannins.
Angela
McLaren Vale
The Lopresti Family growers have provided fruit for Mitolo from the very beginning. Sourced from Sandra’s Block, matriarch of the Lopresti family, this wine is a tribute to Frank Mitolo's mother, Angela, matriarch of the Mitolo family.
Jester Vermentino
McLaren Vale
Frank Mitolo and Ben Glaetzer spent considerable time researching the choice of varietal for Mitolo's first white wine, and Vermentino was chosen as a grape that matches well with food and that would suit the McLaren Vale region. The maritime climate of McLaren Vale perfectly reflects that of the Mediterranean coastal districts of Corsica and Sardinia from which this varietal is best known. Warm days and cool, breezy nights allow for the grapes to develop balanced acidity and fresh fruit flavors.
Jester Shiraz
McLaren Vale
The Jester wines share the pedigree of the top Mitolo wines, but are more accessible and fruit-forward. Jester Shiraz is a blend of several blocks within the Lopresti vineyard in the Willunga district, all the way at the southern tip of McLaren Vale overlooking the coast. Intense, textured and shows pure dark fruit flavors.
Jester Cabernet Sauvignon
McLaren Vale
Jester Cabernet is a “baby” Serpico, the top Mitolo Cabernet produced using an Amarone drying process. For the Jester Cabernet, only a portion of the grapes are left to dry in the traditional Amarone winemaking method. Jester Cabernet is upfront and approachable, delivering excellent quality for the price.
