Having recently moved to Queensland, it has certainly been living up to its nickname, the Sunshine State. I was told by a friend that the recent hot weather, a number of days in the 30-degree area, is unseasonal. When I asked him what the winter was like up here, thinking the winter temperatures may have been unseasonal also, his response was, “There were two days in June I think so, don’t worry mate, you’ve missed them.” Coming from the southernmost state of Australia, this may take some getting used to.
However, there is an upside. Warmer weather usually means drinking wines that like to be chilled. When it comes to white wines, it is not often people reach for a Pinot Gris to sip on. It tends to be the more ‘common’ ones that get the nod. If there was a Warm Weather Wines list compiled, I would not hesitate to say there would be several quality Australian Pinot Gris, just like this one, that deserve to be on it.
Region: King Valley, Vic Price: $28 Source: Thanks kindly to Clandestine Vineyards and Savvy Comms
This Pinot Gris greets you with a lovely aromatic intensity in the glass. On the palate there is an intensity too, but it is more measured and elegant in its demeanour. While it has lovely palate weight, texture and mouthfeel, there is a nice touch of acidity adding a crispness to it that takes nothing away from the expected varietal characters expressed by Pinot Gris. Make no mistake, this wine is very easy to drink.
Words from a Wine Glass 