About this WINE
Portavin
The unusual-sounding blend of the red Syrah with the white Viognier finds its origins in the Cote Rotie vineyards of the Northern Rhone. There it was more a case of accidental co-planting than any purposeful design, but the result was so successful that it is now done systematically and is being replicated elsewhere in the world.
The aim is to use a smidgeon of the perfumed, floral Viognier to mitigate the deep, dark, brooding power of the Shiraz. The name is, of course, a play on words relating to the wines of Crozes Hermitage, one of the best-known vineyards of the Northern Rhone.
Their Stone The Crows Shiraz & Viognier wine, however, is far from frivolous. Sanderling Vineyards , based in Victoria, produce the wine, which is matured entirely in tank, with no oak influence, and is a blend of grapes drawn from several sources in South-east Australia.
Other Varieties
There are over 200 different grape varieties used in modern wine making (from a total of over 1000). Most lesser known blends and varieties are traditional to specific parts of the world.
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Description
Australia whites are not often primed in my fridge for that midweek moment but this zippy white from the Victorian Pyrenean foothills has plenty of lively fruit and also a rather satisfying richness from the Semillon element to transcend mere refreshment. Do also spend a moment to enjoy the pithy and playful back label.
Mark Pardoe MW, Wine Buying Director (March 2013)
The quirky name bears a little explanation but it should not be assumed that its light-heartedness indicates a wine of little substance. On the contrary, it is a wine which, although lovely to drink now, also repays a little patience. The title pays homage to the books written by Afferbeck Lauder in the 1960s, the most celebrated of which was “Let’s Talk Strine”, in which he spelt out words phonetically as they would sound in an Australian accent. One such was called Nose Tone Unturned.
This blend comes from vineyards in the Murray Darling River area on the borders of Victoria and New South Wales. The glacial stony soils seem to lend themselves to the production of crisp, fresh mineral white wines; here the Sauvignon imparts acidity while Semillon brings weight, depth and structure. The addition of 5% Viognier adds a dash of floral , lifted aromatics.
Cool, crisp and grassy on the nose with lemon notes and a touch of honeyed richness. Balanced acidity and softly rounded fruit characters. Plenty of zesty lemon notes and a little grapefruit alongside herbal and gooseberry flavours. Bright, crisp finish. Zippy and fresh Semillon & Sauvignon wine, perfect for summertime drinking and ideal with light salads and shellfish starters.
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