Getting to know... Brendan Carter of Unico Zelo
Getting to know... A series that aims to shine a light on the outstanding makers, producers, winegrowers and artisans we love at By The Bottle.
Brendan is the co-founder of Unico Zelo, a wine label which is gaining the reputation for producing some of the most exciting and delicious wines and small batch spirits in Australia right now. Along with Unico Zelo, he and wife Laura also founded Applewood Distillery, Okar Island Bitter and Carter's Original Coffee Liqueur. They approach all their projects with a thoughtful and holistic approach. This includes things like reducing their water usage, reducing their environmental footprint, and ensuring grape growers are paid much higher than the industry average. Unico Zelo focus on mainly Italian varieties from the Clare Valley, Adelaide Hills and Riverland regions of South Australia. It’s an exciting future for the Australian wine industry with people like the Carters getting stuck in! We are so thankful to Brendan for taking the time to chat with us. Safe to say he's a busy guy! We think you'll thoroughly enjoy this one.
1. My local is…
Oh man, Hugel Wine Bar in Lobethal. An absolute godsend when Josh opened up there. Best place to enjoy wine in our part of the Adelaide Hills, to be honest. Also a massive fan of Johnny at Mighty Mighty Coffee too; most epic pour-over on the way to work! He’s a kiwi too!
2. My defining moment in the world of wine was…
There’s been too many to count (and too many bottles to remember). Of not though would be encountering several producers’ renditions of Nebbiolo off the Cannubi cru in Barolo. No matter how each producer handled those grapes, the vineyard showed through the wine with crystalline expression. It was that point at which I started to get really really geeky on sites and soils.
3. My go-to knock off drink is…
At the moment? We made a little 3.5% Piquette from Fiano skins that we affectionately named Pixel.
4. Favourite story about a vintage at Unico Zelo?
Hey: what happens during vintage stays during vintage. Although, I personally love that our most popular wine, Esoterico took years to be a success and almost failed in the first three vintages we produced it. What’s more, the 1945 planted Zibibbo we craft it from existed in the Riverland and was only ever reserved for sweet box wine...
5. In the mornings you’ll find me…
Getting over-caffeinated as quickly as possible before heading out and checking on the condition of frosts in the area.
6. My go-to spot for a glass of wine?
At the moment? Life’s simple: on the couch with Laura, our son Shelby and our dog Truffles & putting on a lo-fi chill playlist.
7. The Adelaide Hills best kept secret is…
The Northern Adelaide Hills. There’s so much focus on the Southern and Mid-Hills that people usually miss an entirely different area full of intriguing producers, start-ups and microclimates.
8. There is no better value than…
Camping at the end of a long hike in any one of our National Parks: billionaires’ view for free.
9. The best BYO in Adelaide is…
Parwana Afghan Kitchen: by a country mile.
10. What's in the pipeline for Unico Zelo? What upcoming releases are you most excited about?
We just bought an amazing plot of land in Lenswood, Adelaide Hills about 20ha of apple orchards that we’re looking forward to the challenge of gradually converting to vineyard, along with testing all the agricultural ideas we’ve been cooking up this last decade. Also, a dedicated place where people can visit the brand!