Confession time (this could be embarrassing). Let me give you some background first. So, about 3 or so years ago, I began checking out some alternate grape/wine varieties and discovered quite a few beauties. When this wine arrived, with some others, I thought, cool, Muscadelle, a variety I’ve not tried. Well (here’s the embarrassing moment), turns out I have tried this variety but in a different guise, as Topaque which is a delicious, fortified wine. Surely I can be forgiven. I have not drunk it in the form of a table wine and it is usually blended, in small percentages, with Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. I must say, if this one is anything to go by, it should be bottled as a table wine more often.
It’s a lovely colour and very attractive aromatically too where pears, almonds and a delicate floral like aroma make their introduction but don’t prepare you for the reasonably complex palate. Now, I say that because I pondered over the flavours for some time and I also poured it for three wine knowledgeable mates who were impressed but perplexed about it (mind you, I served it blind). The general consensus was, it was full flavoured, viscous, textural and nicely balanced. It was mainly stonefruity (think peaches, pears and small, slightly sweet apricots) with a little dash of spice and a nice touch of acidity. After trying this example, I think it deserves more respect and appreciation as a table wine not just as a bit part in a white blend or as fortified wine. Liked it a lot!!
Region: Yarra Valley, Vic Price: $35 Source: Sample courtesy of Levantine Hill
Words from a Wine Glass 