Wine
Italian Experience - Mitolo Wines
A visit to McLaren Vale is incomplete without a stop by Mitolo for a taste of true Italian hospitality.
From the moment you turn off McMurtrie Road into Mitolo's estate, tracing a path down a narrow road lined with mature poplar trees, you know you're in for something special. You may, for an instant, even believe you're abroad in Europe, so beguiling is the approach. Yet this is but the first taste of the Mitolo experience - and what a delectable experience it is.
Mitolo-s reputation was built on the regional favourites of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache. In more recent years, however, Frank Mitolo and his team have worked hard to celebrate their Abruzzi heritage with the addition of key Italian varietals: Glera, Vermentino, Fiano, Pecorino, Sangiovese, Nero d'Avola, Montepulciano and more.
As it turns out, they're exceptionally well-suited to the soils of this celebrated South Australian wine region. "They're not only thriving here, but excelling," says Frank. And, perhaps unsurprisingly, they're extraordinarily food-friendly - and best enjoyed with a meal at one of Mitolo's two venues, Little Wolf Osteria and Frankie Italo Dining and Disco Lounge.
"Our food ethos is simple," says Frank. "Authentic Italian cuisine done simply and well." The focus is on seasonal produce, locally sourced proteins, and fresh, house made breads and pasta. "Well, it's simple in theory, but difficult to get right," Frank laughs. "Italians are often the toughest critics when it comes to food!"
ITALIA AUTENTICA
Each venue offers a unique take on Italian hospitality. "Frankie Italo is the epitome of the Australia/Italian lifestyle," Frank says. "It's fun, it's family, it's too much food and it's a little noisy!" Dishes run the gamut of antipasto, pizza, pasta, main courses and gelato, with a true "long table" vibe and vibrant atmosphere typical of catch-ups between family and friends.
Little Wolf Osteria, meanwhile, captures the more refined style of Italian dining. "It's a genuinely unique experience." Executive chef Lino Sauro is from Southern Italy, and honed his craft in high-end restaurants: a seasonal a la carte menu is complemented by a la parnada menu - honouring a legendary community feast held in Abruzzo for centuries.
"Lino loves feeding people authentic Italian food, encouraging diners to choose the 'feed me' menu option, allowing his team to prepare dishes they may not ordinarily order via a la carte," says Frank. "It's not unusual for guests to spend 3 to 4 hours with us. It's a genuinely unique dining experience." Sauro is backed up by a highly skilled team in the Little Wolf kitchen. He's also "incredibly calm for an Italian chef!"
When asked why food and wine go together so deliciously, Frank shares some home-grown Abruzzo wisdom. "'I cook with wine, sometimes I even add it to the food' is a famous Italian saying. Almost every nonno in Italy will swear that a good glass of wine during the meal is the best way to keep healthy."
It's hard to argue with that. And it's hard to think of another place in McLaren Vale that feels quite so true to its DNA as Mitolo. But don't take our word for it: book a table next time you're in the Vale and discover what real hospitality looks - and tastes like.
mitolowines.com.au