De Bortoli has the Answers
"Irrepressible De Bortoli Winemaker Steve Webber has been at it again, this time making an opportunity out of the liability of the Australian wine industry - cool climate grapes. The runaway sales success of the De Bortoli Sero King Valley wines shows that originality sells. The wines feature unusual blends such as Chardonnay Pinot Grigio, Syrah Tempranillo and Merlot Sangiovese made... to partner food. It seems the world agrees, with demand from Australia, England and the UK outstripping supply. The 2006 production is a 300% increase over the initial 150,000 cases made in 2005."
Australian Hotelier, June 2006

"This is a new range of varietal blends from the King Valley in Victoria's high country, great grape-growing territory and there has been a good deal of 'canopy management' (pruning and thinning, to control light on the bunches) and some hand picking. The makers aimed for, and have achieved, wines that are 'European in influence and style with emphasis on fruit and suppleness with food friendliness'. The three: Sero 2005 Chardonnay Pinot Grigio (fresh, dry), 2005 Merlot Sangiovese (soft and rich), and 2005 Syrah Tempranillo (dry, soft and flavoursome)."
David Bray, QHA Review, May 2006

To: feedback(at)debortoli.com.au
Date: 13/03/2006 12:40PM
Subject: Sero wines

Hi
I just wanted to drop you a note about the Sero range and in particular the latest three additions - the Merlot Sangiovese, Syrah Tempranillo and Chardonnay Pinot Grigio.

I have tried the Merlot Sangiovese, Syrah Tempranillo and have enjoyed both immensely and am looking forward to tasting the Chardonnay Pinot Grigio.

As a lover of interesting wines and possibly the more obscure varieties and also interesting blends I admire the courage and vision you have demonstrated by bringing these wines to the Australian market.

It certainly spices up the wine landscape and hopefully challenges other winemakers. To be able to access these wines in Australia and at the most affordable price is great.

The Merlot Sangiovese is an absolute jewel and my favourite.

Best Regards......

"Sero is a new range of varietal blends from the King Valley in Victoria's high country. They reflect the De Bortoli family desire for wines that are delicious, inexpensive, regional and with a point of interest.

As Leanne De Bortoli observes, 'Our family have put a lot of effort into King Valley viticulture and the time was right to show what can be done.'

For Steve Webber the challenges of new styles was greeted with relish. 'In Australia we seem to have lost a little passion for innovation. With the creation of Sero came the exhilarating moment when virtually anything was possible.' Steve said.

Vineyard practices in the King Valley for Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio included cane pruning and shoot-thinning blocks to achieve dappled light on bunches to retain delicacy of flavour. The Pinot Grigio was hand picked to avoid extraction of colour and phenolics.

'With the red varieties we have been doing similar work with canopy management but have also been partially drying fruit on the vine by cutting the fruit bearing canes 5 to 10 days before normal picking. Cane cutting achieves shrivelled berries and concentrates sugar and the bittersweet grape tannins on the vine. Not surprisingly, this technique has achieved similar flavours to that of the shed dried styles Ripasso and Amarone from Italy's Veneto region, incidentally where Vittorio De Bortoli was born.' Steve said.

The wines are subsequently very European in influence and style with emphasis on fruit and suppleness with food friendliness."
Winestate E-Newsletter, 14 January 2006

Sero Cabernet Rosato 2008

"Sourced from the cool King Valley up in Victoria's north west, this restrained pale salmon coloured rosé shows a tight, lean structure, a silky smooth finish and a dry, savoury edge. Simple, youthful and fresh with a drier, more savoury Euro-twist, the subtle berry fruits show slightly sweet ripeness at first but then features dried herbs, floral aromas and rose petal notes. Terrific value for money"
Jon Hemler, Bellarine Times, 2 December 2008


Sero Cabernet Rosato 2007

Highly Recommended
"Light pink. The subtle red fruits nose shows nothing of the dreaded cabernet leafiness. Slightly sweet initially but it's fresh, well balanced, and finishes dry."
Winewise, 25 December 2007

"Pale salmon, exotic un-Australian rosé scent featuring dried herbs, floral aromas and rose petal. Offers a textural palate that is dry, nicely restrained."
Jeni Port, The Age, 4 December 2007

"Sourced from the cool King Valley, this is a restrained rosé with a tight, lean structure, a silky smooth finish and a dry, savoury edge."
Peter Forrestal, Sunday Times, 14 October 2007


Sero Cabernet Rosato 2006

"Pale pink salmon hues and a strawberries-and-ice-cream nose open up this delicate little flower that has faint Turkish delight flavours and a touch of crunch in the palate that finishes clean and just a step before dry."
Tony Love, Adelaide Advertiser, 25 April 2007

"The Quaff Winery of the Year continues to be a big performer, and not just with budget-priced wines. The Noble One continues on its way as Australia's undisputed best sticky and the Yarra wines of De Bortoli just get better and better. Here's another quaffing wine released since Quaff 2007 hit the bookstores. The Sero range is sourced from the King Valley vineyard that De Bortoli purchased and planted a decade ago and this rosé style is made from cabernet sauvignon. It was gently pressed and run off its skins so that it has a light, pink, musk colour. It has light ripe sweet berry fruits with a whiff of redcurrant and musk stick before its refreshing, cleansing acidity provides a finish that is crisp and dry. The alluring viscous texture is a feature of the wine, as is its very good length."
Peter Forrestal, Quaff (www.quaff.com.au), 19 January 2007

"The Sero label showcases wine from the Griffith-based De Bortoli company's extensive vineyards in the King Valley area of north-east  Victoria. This rosé-style cabernet sauvignon has scents of musks and cherries and shows racy blackberry flavour on the front palate. Spice and strawberry characters come through on the middle palate and steely acid shows at the finish."
John Lewis, Newcastle Herald, 17 January 2007

"Never mind the $12 price tag, this is in effect a premium rosé, carefully crafted from cabernet fruit grown in Victoria's relatively cool King Valley. As a result, it's drier than many of its competitors at this price point."
Mark Smith, Sunday Examiner, 14 January 2007

"For those with concerns abour overt sweetness in rosé styles, the Sero Cabernet Rosato may appeal. The wine is pink rather than light red in appearance, and while still having sweetish fruit it is more restrained."
Mike Burnett, Launceston Examiner, 3 January 2007

"The De Bortoli Sero Cabernet Rosato continues the impressive form of the Sero range. Crisply dry and quite understated, this has excellent length with hints of dried herbs."
Ken Gargett, The Courier Mail, 1 January 2007

"The De Bortoli Sero Cabernet Rosato 2006 is a slightly different rosé style. It's been fermented in older barrels and tanks and given some lees time. Terrifically intense and lingering light-bodied palate. Texture is a feature."
Ray Jordan, The West Australian, 21 December 2006

"At last! Not only is this rosé priced well, it falls on the dry side of the sweetness scale and doesn't taste like lolly water. The use of a little old wood in the winemaking has given it a quasi-European aura and a few layers of complexity. It's adaptable but goes well with barbequed chook."
Greg Duncan Powell, Sydney Morning Herald, 16 December 2006

"One of the reasons De Bortoli is often rated Australia's best winery is its ability to produce pleasant surprises like this little ripper. It's a gorgeous rosé-style wine made from King Valley cabernet, refreshing and youthful with red berry notes on the nose and palate and a clean, dry finish. Drink it with marinated chicken."
Kerry Skinner, Illawarra Mercury, 6 December 2006

"If the rosé/rosato groundswell continues to build, the De Bortolis are hereby providing a fine example of what to do with our surplus cabernet grapes: think pink! Their Sero version made from King Valley material demonstrates the virtues of simplicity, of clean fruit handled with care. No tricks, no frills, but tasty quaffing and ideally suited to summer fare."
Paddy Kendler, Herald Sun, 28 November 2006

90 points
"This is a lovely 'super petrol' colour and has an attractive nose of red berry, rose and spice. On the palate light and dry with low acid and redcurrant, strawberry and vanilla flavours. There are even some more savoury meaty characters. Very lightly tannic. Finshes dry and clean. It is not sweet or confected and does not have you clutching for a bottle of Mylanta after a few glasses. If the purpose of a rose is to be refreshing and highly drinkable (and I think it is) then there can be no question that this is an excellent wine."
Gary Walsh, Winorama (winorama.com.au), November 2006

"The Sero range made at De B's Yarra Valley winery derives from King Valley fruit and is something of a breakaway from the mainstream. It comprises a Chardonnay Pinot Grigio, a Merlot Sangiovese, a Syrah Tempranillo and this delightful rose. All are very good quality, exceptional value for money and genuinely interesting, partly because of their unusual varietal recipes. This rose is chock full of fruity charm and cheer, neatly balanced and eminently quaffable. Absolutely delightful and dangerously drinkable."
Paddy Kendler, WineOutlaw (www.wineoutlaw.com.au), November 2006

Sero Shiraz Tempranillo 2006

87 points
“Medium-bodied; bright plum, black cherry, spice and dried lemon rind; direct style, good length.”
James Halliday’s Wine Companion 2009

"The earthy, honest spinach & lentil soup is an idea partner for the rich, dark fruit and spice flavours of shiraz, plus the savoury, earthy characters of tempranillo that lift the wine and work wonders with the dish."
Nick Ryan, Australian Table, July 2008

"Wow. Every now and then a wine happens along that hits the vinous mark but not the wallet. This is one of those all too rare treats. Sero is a Latin word meaning to blend or join together, and this delivers on that promise: spicy shiraz flavours merge seamlessly with the precision and focus of the tempranillo component. A portion of the fruit comes from cane-cut vines and has a deliberate, raisined fruit flavour that adds a positive and distinct savoury character to this very slurpable red. Perfect with pork and fennel sausages."
Peter Bourne, Gourmet Traveller WINE, Best Buy Wines, June/July 2008

87 points
"I like this very food-friendly range. The offers the supple plumpness of shiraz with the savoury dry finish of tempranillo. Fine ripe tannins with poised palate. Nice current drinking."
Ray Jordan, Top Value Reds, West Australian, 29 May 2008

"...Incredibly approachable, this is an easy multi-purpose wine that is good drinking on its own and equally suited to food. It is seriously yummy with loads of cherry flavour, mid-weighted with mellow spices and soft tannins to finish. It's well worth chasing a case."
Jeff Gordon, Melbourne Weekly - Eastern, 20 May 2008

"... provides instant gratification courtesy of its rich, savoury flavour. I reckon that even if it were served in a bucket, it would still fill your senses with plenty of ripe fruit."
Stuart Macgill, Sunday Herald Sun, 23 March 2008

"This drink-now blend is from the King Valley in alpine Victoria. It has some classic tempranillo notes of dark cherries, leather and spice and a juicy, supple palate. Serve it with lamb chops."
Sally Gudgeon, Sun Herald, 2 March 2008

Recommended
"Impressive freshness, fragrance and spice on nose. The palate is vibrant and appealing. Good drinking."
Winewise, February 2008

Sero Chardonnay Pinot Grigio 2008

"There's a certain neutrality about this eminently appealing immediate drinking wine. The chardonnay adds a creaminess around the fine crispness of the pinot grigio."
Ray Jordan, Top 100, The West Australian, 20 November 2008

"Sourced, like all in the Sero range, from the cool King Valley, this is a bit lacking in concentration yet is fresh, clean and vibrant with a good mouthfeel and crisp, zesty finish."
Peter Forrestal, Quaff 2009


Sero Chardonnay Pinot Grigio 2006

"Steve Webber (Winemaker at De Bortoli) has outdone himself with this little cracker. An unusual combination that really works; ripe honeydew melon characters from the Chardonnay combine with pear and honey flavours from the Pinot Grigio. It is superbly good with fresh Asian cuisine with just a bit of spice."
David Bone, B Magazine, 24 June 2008


"This has plenty of chardonnay and pinot grigio character. A delicious dry white with melon and peach from the chardonnay and pear and nougat from the pinot grigio. Awesome drinking."
Fergus McGhie, Canberra Times, 14 November 2007

"A nice long, textured wine with characters of pears, quinces and some limes and floral notes."
Winestate, New Releases, November/December 2007

Bloody Good
"Steve Webber and his team are more interested in building texture than varietal flavour and that seems to me admirably suited to crafting an interesting wine from a blend of varieties like chardonnay and pinot grigio. Don't expect obvious varietal fruit flavours. This is a wine that has weight, power, impressive depth and viscosity with a delightful mouthfeel and a wonderfully dry finish. An excellent food white: say with Vietnamese or Thai chicken stir-fries or grilled fish and chips."
Peter Forrestal, www.quaff.com.au, 20 July 2007


Sero Chardonnay Pinot Grigio 2005

"This wine is distinctively Australian. Its blend of Chardonnay with Pinot Grigio means it has a slightly rounder body and fuller fruit flavours. This is perfect for the beginner who's not yet prepared to tackle Italian wines head on."
Glynis Macri, Italianicious, May 2007

"Here is a blend that is trendy and couldn't be more different from Traminer Riesling. It's lean, tight and zesty with savoury pear-skin flavours, and cleansing, crisp, dry acidity."
Peter Forrestal, Quaff 2007


"Winemakers don't often confess they're not looking for flavour in a wine. Heresy, surely? But De Bortoli's Steve Webber is not your average, 'all credit to the boys, we came to get the points and we're going home with them' quote kinda guy. He was after a clean, crisp, crunchy, almost neutral, style of white that would be perfect for simple outdoor dining. And here it is. Going gangbusters overseas and should do even better here."
Stuart Gregor, Don't buy wine without me 2007

88 points
"The blend works surprisingly well, even if the fruit characters are slightly anonymous; elegant and balanced, with good mouthfeel."
James Halliday's Australian Wine Companion 2007

"Spices and mandarins on the nose and peaches on the palate, nicely integrated with the crisp acidity."
Winestate Regional Tasting - North East Victoria, December 2006

"This combination shows the best of both varieties shining through. This is a wine with a good structure at a fantastic price."
Charles Conlan, Byron Shire News, 30 November 2006

88 points
"The last in my trio of Sero wines, and I will make no quips about Chardonnay shacking up with Pinot Grigio for the vintage. This one showed lots of subtle fruits on the nose: pears and pineapple, peaches and kiwi fruit, tropical fruits, complex and understated. The palate was delightfully ripe, but showed restraint , especially on the second night: pears and exotic tropical fruits with some Granny Smith apple acidity. Strangely, it had the impression of ripeness and fullness without being overly fruity. Finished with a bit of sweetness, and a touch of musk and acidity. All up, a very good wine."
Lincoln Scott, Winorama (winorama.com.au) November 2006

"A chameleon chardonnay that takes on the personality of its pinot grigio bottle partner. Some peariness, orange peel and segments with a touch of trademark oily texture swirled though with light honey. Interesting blend for food."
Tony Love, Adelaide Advertiser, 5 July 2006

"Coming from the cool climate King Valley area of Victoria, this is an interesting blend of two distinct white varietals that on first reflection shouldn't really blend that well together. That's until the De Bortoli's got a hold of it. Youthful fresh vibrant greeny straw in colour, there follows an array of fruit driven aromas such as pear, pineapple, honeysuckle and guava. All of this is delivered with elegancy and structure, there also being minerally slaty features to the wine that helps exhibit the purity of the fruit. Soft and well rounded, the wine is easy drinking. Try it with marinated bbq chicken salad."
Paul Ippolito, www.femail.com.au April 2006

Recommended
"Has attractive melony/grassy fruit and is very fresh. Good current, but simple, drinking."
Winewise, Volume 22, No. 1, April 2006

"The reason this blend of chardonnay and pinot grigio works so well is because the chardonnay was picked lean and the pinot grigio a bit riper. That, and the cool climate origins, mean the blend benefits from the chardonnay's structure but isn't dominated by its flavour. Rather, the pinot grigio flavours come to the fore. This is an austere, food-suited white at a very good price."
Greg Duncan Powell, Sydney Morning Herald, 25 March 2006

"Coming from the cool climate King Valley area of Victoria, this is an interesting blend of two distinct white varietals that on first reflection shouldn't really blend that well together. That's until the De Bortolis got a hold of it. Youthful fresh vibrant greeny straw, there follows an array of fruit driven aromas such as pear, pineapple, honeysuckle and guava. All of this is delivered with elegancy and structure that helps exhibit the purity of the fruit. A delicate ménage of grapefruit, green apple pear and citrus titillates the palate. The wine is well balanced and easy drinking. Try it with marinated bbq chicken salad."
Paul Ippolito, The Sussex Inletter, Southern NSW, 29 March 2006

"De Bortoli is one of a shrinking number of family-owned Australian wineries producing wine at a price tag that belies its quality. Its latest Sero label, a range of varietal blends from the King Valley in Victoria, is a case in point. And winemaker Steve Webber is not one to shy away from innovation. He has blended a chardonnay with pinot grigio for a delightfully fresh, dry white."
Kylie Lang, Brisbane News, 22 March 2006

"Another new release white wine that has moved away from the high residual sugar band wagon.  A wine with great finesse matured on yeast lees for texture and complexity including a touch of honey and hay characters.  A fresh clean food friendly wine for immediate enjoyment."
Graeme Andrews, food-fun-wine.com.au, Website and E-Newsletter, 6 March 2006

"...is De Bortoli's version of fresh, dry white with austerity but drinkability. The Chardonnay is harvested at lower sugar levels to minimise sunshine (heavy ripe) character and fullness and the Pinot Grigio is picked riper to give the honey and hay characters."
Winestate, E-Newsletter, 14 January 2006

Sero Merlot Sangiovese 2006

"This is an intriguing red that has dense, concentrated dark berry characters with some savoury notes, almost velvety texture, layers of flavour, a juicy succulence before you get hit by a substantial tannin whack. It's balanced and needs a rustic Italian dish like osso buco to put things in perspective."
Peter Forrestal, Quaff 2009

"This King Valley blend has lively blackberry notes from the merlot mingling with cherry and spice from the sangiovese, bright acidity and silky tannins, Try it with pasta with tomato and basil."
Sally Gudgeon, Sun Herald, 24 August 2008

90 points
“An unexpectedly and particularly powerful wine; plenty of red fruits before very strong tannins take over; demands both patience and food.”
James Halliday’s Wine Companion 2009

90 points
"An easy-drinking wine that will work with a variety of foods. Bright flavours, plenty of gentle tannins and black fruit notes."
Ken Gargett, Courier Mail, 19 July 2008

"While not a traditional blend De Bortoli have certainly done a fine job with this mix of merlot and sangiovese. Supple black olive and plum fruit with some juicy acidity make this great for a rabbit stew."
Angus Hughson, Daily Telegraph, 7 May 2008

90 points
"...Anyway, I had a quick snort of this (Riedel Chianti glass) whilst cooking dinner (not Fish ‘n Chips but Egg ‘n Chips this time) and I thought “Oooh that goes all right..if only I was cooking Italian tonight - Sausage ‘n Chips.

It offers concentrated cherry and berry fruit, licorice, smoke, a bit of meatiness, potpourri and lots of interest. It’s medium to full bodied with dark cherry, dark chocolate and spice mingling with more meaty savoury flavours. It has delightfully rustic chunky tannins and an abundance of character. It’s entirely vinous, thoroughly enjoyable and (over) delivers the goods at this price point."
Gary Walsh, (www.winorama.com.au), 2 May 2008

90 points
"This take on two often-blended varieties smells of licorice and some fresh shaved oak, aniseed spice and brambly berry fruits. It packs King Valley acidity and the savoury crunch of Sangiovese gives the palate an enticing edge, whilst Merlot helps keep things polite; the blend works well. Still really young, some Italian-inspired food will do the trick!"
Nick Stock, WBM100, April 2008

Highly Recommended
"A totally different style to the top wine. This one is made for immediate drinking, and is packed with vibrant cherry fruit. A true barbecue stopper. Excellent Value
Winewise, 25 December 2007


Sero Merlot Sangiovese 2005

"A sweet perfumed tangy Aussie red that will adore tomatoey pasta dishes.
Bill Clapperton, Evening News (Edinburgh), 17 January 2008

"...what Webber adds to the Merlot, is just what this Sero needs. It’s a wine with nice acids, but also nice red fruit, some chew tobacco, black cherries, light peppers and soft tannins. In brief, a wine made for Spaghetti Bolognese."
Pieter Nijdam, (De Telegraaf) Dutch Daily Newspaper, 7 December 2007

"I used to be a bit sniffy about De Bortoli, but this wine has changed my mind. The merlot adds supple, juicy, red fruit and the sangiovese gives it a firm, acidic backbone - a lively blend that works surprisingly well."
Will Lyons, SCOTLANDonSUNDAY, 28 October 2007

"Grown in the King Valley, which has a good reputation for producing Italian varietals, the Merlot in this blend rounds the wine out and gives it a delicious flavour with ripe fruit and a rich colour. The Merlot also provides a more dense colour to the wine, which will last a lot longer than a straight Sangiovese."
Glynis Macri, Italianicious, May 2007

87 points
"Sweet cherry aromas and entry to the mouth. A percentage of the merlot was partially dried."
James Halliday's Australian Wine Companion 2007

"Refreshing and lively, dried and fresh cherry fruit and herb-scented finish."
Wine & Spirit (UK), December 2006

88 points
"In the mid-1990's, the De Bortoli family established a vineyard in the Victorian High Country and planted it with both traditional Aussie grapes and newcomers such as Pinot Grigio, Sangiovese and Tempranillo. The idea was to create wines that combined the suppleness of Australia with the food-friendliness of Europe, and here's proof that they've succeeded. This spicy blend may be 14.5 per cent alcohol, but it's still wonderfully refreshing and lively... With its dried and fresh cherry and herb-scented finish, this cries out for tomato-y pasta dishes."
Simon Woods, Wine & Spirit (UK), October 2006

50 Fantastic Wines - Something different
"De B's Sero range comprises red and whites deliberately conceived and produced in an understated European style. They are clearly designed to accompany rather than dominate a French or Italian meal."
Paddy Kendler, Sydney Morning Herald, 19 September 2006

"This multicultural blend is made from fruit grown in the King Valley. Some of the merlot and sangiovese vines are cane cut to partially raisin and concentrate the grapes before picking. This tradition is taken from the Veneto region where company founder Vittorio De Bortoli was born. Rich, fragrant fruit aromas and savoury black cherry fruit characters follow through to a full palate, complex tannins and supple, spicy flavours."
Gourmet Traveller WINE, August/ September 2006

"The first thing you notice about this wine is its colour - a deep brick red rather than the more usual purple hues. The aromas are more savoury as is the palate with layers of spice, dried leaves and light cherry fruit. Sangiovese's firm varietal texture shows itself on the finish with its dry palate cleansing tannins, making the 'Sero' merlot sangiovese a great wine for drinking with food."
Anna Randall, Canberra Times, 16 August 2006

"This is a successful blend in Italy, but rare here. As the dark berry, plum and dried herbs work so well, we can expect others to follow. The other red under this new label, which uses King Valley fruit is an equally attractive shiraz tempranillo blend."
# 2, Top Ten Comfort Reds. Ken Gargett, Australian Table, August 2006

"Try with Chicken Arrabbiata. Red wine's bold tannins don't match well with chilli. This unoaked blend has fine, soft tannins that won't clash and enough fruit to hold its own."
Australian House and Garden, June 2006

"This is fruit from Victoria's King Valley given an old Venetian winemaking trick. Some of the grape-laden vines are cut a few days before picking, so the grapes shrivel and the flavours concentrate. It has made this blend rich and smooth, but there's still plenty of Sangiovese pithiness to draw out the palate. A bargain."
Ben Canaider, ABC Delicious, May 2006

4.5 / 5
"De Bortoli's Sero range is produced largely from King Valley fruit at the company's Yarra Valley winery. Apart from this delightful blend of merlot and sangiovese, there is a rich and hearty shiraz tempranillo and a versatile chardonnay pinot grigio. All three are exceptional value, but for now, try this red with lunch next weekend. It's a real charmer, a softer style with lots of youthful berry fruit flavour and just enough mild, dry tannin to add a gentle grip to the finish. Buy two bottles just in case."
Peddy Kendler, Herald Sun, Melbourne, 2 May 2006

"An unusual blend, but this team knows how to bring it off. Moreish dried fruit characters in a red that's soft and enjoyable with meaty pastas."
Ian MacTavish, Super Food Ideas, May 2006

Bargain of the Week
"Sero is a new, value-for-money range of unusual blends. This is a slightly raw youngster but clean, fruity and appealing, with leathery, savoury, licorice and spice aromas. It's medium bodied at best, with light tannins. Intense and smoothly balanced, it's surprisingly good already."
Huon Hooke, Sydney Morning Herald, 18 April 2006

"... is elegant, shows dried fruit characters with savoury tannins. It is dry in sugar terms with the soft and gluggable qualities from the raisin fruit technique that gives an added dimension to the palate in terms of richness."
Winestate, E-Newsletter, 14 January 2006

The Top Ten: The Best Summer Wines Under $20...Juicy Young Red...
"Which One? 2005 De Bortoli Sero Merlot Sangiovese, King Valley, Vic
When? When you go back to your local Italian BYO for some more spaghetti, but have a fresh tomato sauce instead of the vongole.
Why? This ridiculously young, ridiculously good-value wine is ridiculously drinkable: gently herbal, violety aromatics lead on to a succulent, curranty moutful of gentle tannic deliciousness."
Max Allen, Australian Gourmet Traveller, January 2006

Sero Cabernet Merlot 2006

"This King Valley wine from De Bortoli has benefited from time in the bottle. It's softened and is now softer, rounder and fleshier than before - in fact, my tasting notes included the comment 'almost lush' and noted its good finish."
Peter Forrestal, Quaff 2009

"Luscious mid-palate showing rich berry and plum flavours."
National Liquor News, August 2007

"Camphor oak merges with slightly herbal berry fruit. Palate long and powerful in the middle."      
Winestate, Tasting Cabernet Sauvignon & Blends, July/August 2007

Sero Cabernet Merlot 2005

"Lots of potential here. Dark fruit/tobacco leaf aromas and a well-rounded, nicely balanced ripe fruit palate. Excellent tannin structure."
Winestate Regional Tasting - North East Victoria, December 2006

"The Sero 2005 Cabernet Merlot presents red and purple hues and is rich in fragrant fruit aromas and macerated pomace like fruit characters. Sero has a full fruit palate, complex tannins and supple earthy flavours."
Liquor Watch, August 2006

Sero Unwooded Chardonnay 2006

4.5/5
“The Sero range is produced at De Bortoli’s Yarra Valley winery, primarily from fruit grown in the King Valley. Both the reds and whites under this label are exceptional value for money, as illustrated by this eminently quaffable chardonnay. It’s a relatively simple dry white, but has enough distinctive varietal character - citrus, melon and white peach - and will adapt to a variety of foods...”
Paddy Kendler - Quaffing, Herald Sun, 26 February 2008

"Vibrant light straw colour, flavours of fig and melon."
New Releases. National Liquor News, July 2007


Sero Unwooded Chardonnay 2005

"The chardonnay is a no-nonsense, zesty, fruit-driven wine ideal for everyday enjoyment. You'll find lovely melon/fig/peach flavours in this off dry white, a percentage of which has undergone malolactic fermentation to add complexity. This is what I call a two-bottle wine. One bottle probably won't be enough. Great with just about any white meat or fish dish."
Winsor Dobbin, C!ao, Sydney Inner West Lifestyle Newspaper, 27 March 2006

"A light, simple, no-frills chardonnay without oak or too much complexity. Lightly herbaceous aromas, a trace of sweetness and a soft, round, nicely balanced palate without particular depth or length. An excellent cheap quaffer."
Greg Duncan Powell, Sydney Morning Herald, 14 March 2006


"Pungent tropical nose - bright and lifted. Loads of character on the palate - nice texture and fresh tropical fruit flavours."
Top 40 Best Buys Less Than $15, Winestate, March/April 2006, Volume 29, Issue 2