Margan Estate Breaking Ground Albariño 2017

Albariño has taken its time to get out of the blocks in Australia. Through no fault of its own, this exciting new variety had a troubled introduction here. Propagating material from Spanish authorities supplied to the CSIRO and subsequently to Australian wineries that was believed to be Albariño, was in 2009 identified as the French grape Savagnin causing a debacle with wide-ranging consequences.
  
Albariño is the iconic Spanish white grape variety with its homeland in Rias Baixas DO in the north-west Spanish region of Galicia. In neighbouring regions of Portugal, its genetic cousin is known as Alvarinho and it appears to have a close relationship to the French variety Petit Manseng.

 Margan Estate was the first to plant Albariño vines in the Broke-Fordwich GI sub-region of the Hunter Valley in 2014. This is its second release and it forms an important part of the Breaking Ground wine range that celebrates the winery's new wave of Mediterranean varieties and viticultural innovation. 

 Co-owner and chief winemaker Andrew Margan feels Albariño has great potential in the Hunter given the Valley's similar warm maritime climatic conditions to Rias Baixas region.

The wine pours a very attractive and inviting light golden colour into the glass.
Expressive aromatic bouquet consisting of apricot, pineapple, citrus with hints of whipped cream and subtle florals. It's vibrant to sniff on and worth the price of admission.
The first sip is delicious. Bright apricot, lime, pear. lemon zest and honey flavours. Another mouthful shows the wine as light-to-meduim in weight with a long dry palate of zingy grapefruit acidity and well-balanced fleshy apricot and spicy pear flavours and mineral intensity.

It's textural through extended lees contact and midway, a little oily with a slight spritz action to walk it out towards the long zesty mineral aftertaste. Very well put together indeed.  

This would be a worthy alternative to the Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigios of this world and if you are looking for a delicious point of difference wine-wise this spring and summer, look no further. Well Recommended.


Source: Sample courtesy of Margan Estate Wines. ABV: 11.5%. Closure: Screw Cap. Price: $30.00. 
Rating: 93+ Points. Website: https://www.margan.com.au

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Dalfarras Pinot Grigio 2016

The Dalfarras wine range is made at Tahbilk Winery. This Pinot Grigio is crafted from grapes sourced from vineyards in Victoria's King Valley and Goulburn Valley. 

 The wine is made in an interesting way with each juice parcel undergoing a different form of treatment such as malolactic fermentation, French oak and yeast lees. The final product is a blending of each of these parcels.  

 There is a distinct pinkish tinge to the bronze yellow colour.
The bouquet is quite light. Melon and spicy citrus notes. Not challenging aromatically. 

 However, it is the palate that stars here. Nashi pear, soft white peach, lemon rind and spice. Some florals with juicy and zesty acidity. Light-to-mid weight, silky and textured in the mouth with sweet spice fanning out on the finish.

 It is interesting to question whether this wine is more Pinot Gris than Pint Grigio. To me, it is more textural than crisp, more unctuous than lean. Nevertheless, it's been well made the way it has and for a multiple award-winning wine, it is insane value for money.  
Source: Retail. ABV: 13.0%. Closure: Screw Cap. Price: $11.90. Rating: 92 Points. 
Website: http://www.dalfarras.com.au

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Humis Vineyard Grenache Rosé 2016


The Rosé Revolution continues unabashed. Fans of the pink wine style rejoice ! Here is a classy and flavoursome example from 100% Grenache grown at the Humis Vineyard in Heathcote. 

Vineyard co-owner and vigneron Hugh Jones claims that Grenache loves this region, "maybe too much" with its Mediterranean climate and unique soil composition. "I think it makes a lot of sense (to grow it) in this area," he said with this second vintage awarded an impressive silver at the recent Saint Martin Heathcote Wine Show.
No mean feat given the calibre of the other entrants.
  
The Rosé pours a brilliant salmon pink colour. 

 There are terrific aromas of ripe strawberries, cherry blossom and orange with a dusting of white pepper that transit through to the palate. An ample palate begins with a creaminess that is then supported by strawberry and cherry flavours and a refreshing grapefruit acidity.

It's a round and juicy mouthfeel with whispers of cream and spice. Good fruit weight and balance. 
Mouth quenching moderate acidity and fine crunchy tannins linger long on a refreshing, dry and savoury finish. With a light chill, its effortless drinkability and interest will keep you coming back for more.

 This is great value for such a cracking rosé. Calls out for a plate of sushi and sashimi. 
Highly recommended for the warmer months ahead.

 Source: Sample courtesy of Humis Vineyard. ABV: 13.1%. Closure: Screw Cap. 
Price: $20.00. Rating: 93 Points. Website: https://www.humisvineyard.com



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