Wynn's Reframed Fiano x Pinot Grigio x Arneis 2021

 

Here we go! Something fresh and left of centre from Wynn's. It's great to see traditional brands cut loose and offer a cheeky side. This is a self-described "red lovers white".

Pizzini Arneis 2021

 

Some weight distinguishes this Arneis from the Riesling and Pinot Grigio in the Pizzini range. The diversity of these wines is something. Not only is there seemingly a wine for every occasion and taste, but the width and breadth of texture and interest are also explored.

Hofer Family Wines Arneis 2021

 

Clever gear. Have this with chicken or pork. Ribbed with fine spices, it taps you on the shoulder seeking your attention and you can't resist. 

Santolin Wines Cosa Nostra Arneis 2019

 

Arneis radiating bright like a star in the night's sky. This flickers and beams as it delivers interest and refreshment in liberal doses. 

Pizzini King Valley Arneis 2018

Arneis is a variety not seen much in Australia. Lots of happiness lies within the glass.

De Bortoli Down The Lane Pinot Grigio Arneis 2016

'Like a dirty wet martini' as per the back label. A tasty little number for splashing about and not to be taken all that seriously. Good drinking.

First Drop Wines Vivo Arneis 2016

This has me thinking of tempura prawns for whatever reason. Good drinking Arneis from the Adelaide Hills.

Pizzini Arneis 2016

There's not all that much Arneis out there in Aussie vineyards and this is a smart starting point for newcomers looking to turn up their adventure dial.

A whiff of under ripe pear skin, apples, honeysuckle and white flowers get things rolling. Skinsy. Maybe that's not it. Fat. Perhaps that's not it either. Somewhere in between maybe. Green apple peel and almond meal wash through with ease. Perky like acidity gives a whip crack on exit. Lunch and chicken is what I'm thinking. Be confident of good drinking.

Drink now to three years.

90/100 - Very good.

Region: King Valley
RRP: $24
Source: Sample

www.pizzini.com.au

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d'Arenberg The Noble Mud Pie 2015

Generous delivery here. A blend of Viognier and Arneis (95/5), this is my preferred of the four Nobles but there's not a great deal of interest in the range to compete with mind you.

Orange marmalade, apricots, honey - good depth and width. It has a slowly slowly feel about it with no element surging ahead of the others. Of the four, I'd part with $20 for this.

Good+

Region: Adelaide Hills
RRP: $20
Source: Sample

www.darenberg.com.au

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Sassy The Ivor Arneis 2015

A new label to me and I like what I see.

This is the third release of this wine. Wild fermented, a small portion saw oak.

Peachy, a swathe of almond meal with a smattering of lemons. A handy substitute for Chardonnay for some I'd suspect. Tight citrus acidity. Plentiful fruit drives well through to a long textural finish. Worth grabbing if you can find it.

Very good.

Region: Orange

RRP: $24
Source: Sample

www.sassywines.com.au

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Alternative Variety night @SwirlSniffSpit Tuesday 20 March

Another extraordinary night of wines put together for this edition of Swirl Sniff Spit. Props to The Vinsomniac for his research and excellent presentations during the night, and also to Brad Hickey from Brash Higgins for making the effort to attend and share his wines.

The evening showcased a delectable range of wines, many varieties of which have not been seen by most in the room - me included!

In an industry where everyone is looking for a point of difference and a way to stand out from the pack, there were plenty of examples on show.

A quick run through some of the magic....

Fox Gordon Princess Fiano 2011, Adelaide Hills: Green pea/snap pea on nose. Grassy. Zesty. Love it, and represents super value for around $15. Check out my 2010 post here.

Yalumba Y Series Vermentino 2011, Riverland: For a wine available readily for around $10, you'll be hard pressed to find quality like this at that price point. Serve super chilled with a bucket of seafood - ooh la la! Check out my previous post here.

Holm Oak Wine Arneis 2011, Tasmania: Savory and peachy characters. Plenty of fans in the room enjoyed this but I found it a little too tart and acidic for my palate. Would go well with food, a creamy pasta or even fresh seafood.

Lark Hill Winery Gruner Veltliner 2011, Canberra: This vintage has already sold out and the winemaker was kind enough to share this from his personal stash. A runaway early leader in the Wine of the Night for mine. Pear and fresh apple juice characters. This wine was fresh and finished with a tad of almond meal. A seriously good version of this Austrian variety.

K1 by Hardy's Gruner Veltliner 2011, Adelaide Hills: Pears and pear skin. Restrained mid palate due to light fruit weight. A watery, clean finish. Many happy campers with this.

Crittenden Wines II Tributo Savignin 2010: A sherberty nose. Flavours of savory herbs, spice and a crisp minerality and drying finish on the palate. Yum!

919 Wines Petit Manseng 2010, Riverland: Wow! This was a complex piece of work. Honey, spice, floral notes with a slash of apricot and stone fruit flavours. Lovely soft texture and super length.
Only small quantities of Petit Manseng in Australia, four coming from South Australia's Riverland, and one each from north east Victoria and Griffith.

Brash Higgins NDV Nero d'Avola 2011, McLaren Vale: On skins for two weeks. Wild fermented and only 114 cases made (less than 30 available as I write this). Lavender on nose - stunning!! Orange peel and raspberry jam flavours. Drinks like young Gamay. Serve with slight chill and drink now to five years. $37. Did I say how outrageously fantastic the nose was?!?!

Madeline's Nangkita Primitivo 2008, McLaren Vale: Has an appearance of stewed plums in the glass. Cigar, fruit cake and spice characters all going on here. Gentle soft finish.

Mount Majura Graciano 2009, Canberra: Bright in the glass. Spice and cigar notes shining through. A fistful of pepper and balanced acid profile. Load this up with some food and you're happy.

Chalmers Wines Aglianico 2005, Heathcote: Cherries, raspberries and earthy goodness. Some fruit cake elements in there too which I enjoyed. Smooth finish. An eye opener for a variety I looked at for the first time.

Hand Crafted by Geoff Hardy Teroldego 2010, Langhorne Creek: Rhubarb and raspberries leap from the glass along with wild flowers. Some serious kick here on the palate with a handful of dry herbs and flavours which follow through from the nose. The palate is also edged with a brush of pepper. Finish with a dry tannin grip. Matured in 4-7 oak for 18 months - I loved it! Wine of the night, hands down!

Oliver's Taranga Sagrantino 2009, McLaren Vale: A great way to finish off the night with this heavy weight. This wine is the first vintage of Sangrantino made by the winery and it is a mighty fine effort. Violets, black fruits with a tiny herby touch, charred oak and a bucket load of tannin. A big chunk of pork will match perfectly.

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