Pinocchio is where Garry and Rollo Crittenden have a little more fun than usual. Over the years, the awareness of Sangiovese has expanded as wine lovers begin to discover how different the Italian reds are from French varietals, enthusiasts have come to appreciate the inherent synergy between Sangiovese and food. The distinguishing character of Sangiovese should be one of savouryness and refreshing acids around an impression of morello cherry. Pinocchio will appeal to the adventurous and to red wine adherents who are looking for something new.

Crittenden's growers operate the best sites for Sangiovese in Heathcote. Grapes are completely hand harvested and transported to the winery for immediate destemming and crushing. The juices are inoculated in open fermenters and hand plunged three times a day during the early stages, followed by twice daily plunges as the wine approaches completion. Pinocchio is pressed off skins at full dryness to a mixture of three and four year old barrels. Crittenden avoids the use of new oak for Italian varietals as the sweet, sappy oak characters detract from the natural structure and savouryness of fruit. After a year's maturation, Pinocchio is brought out for a filtration before bottling. Alcohol 13.5%