More so than ever, we're seeing genuine interest and demand for grape varietals that would previously have been considered more specific hand-sells. Alternative white wines, in particular, have received this added level of exposure, and for that, we couldn't be more pleased! Continuing on from last week, where we showed off some more classic well-known favourites, now strikes us as the perfect time to showcase some more weird and wonderful corners that inhabit the world of white wine.
Join us tomorrow (Saturday 31st) between 12 and 2pm, as we pour nine drops that represent drinkability, raciness, sapidity and lengthy fruit fragrance. All on special for the next week and each one most ideal for this current heat, you'll find a saline-speckled Verdicchio from Italy's Marche region, a Bianco blend from Sicily, one of our favourite Albariños (Rías Baixas) of recent memory, a Viognier/Roussanne/Grenache Blanc Rhône blend, Vermentino from Tuscany's beloved Tua Rita, and a powerful expression of Assyrtiko from Santorini, Greece. Shining bright will also be an Australian expression on a unique winemaking style with a flor-influenced Savagnin, and then two premium-priced options in a striking Timorasso from Piedmont, and a multi-layered Fiano from Campania in Italy's south.
There'll be an abundance of disparate styles and pronounced flavours on display; we greatly look forward to hearing your thoughts on each one!
The Other Wine Co Savagnin #4 375mL Half Bottle -
$28 on special this week ($32 RRP)
"Savagnin is a grape typically found in the Jura region of France (located between Burgundy and Switzerland). Most famously, it's used in Vin Jaune, which is made in a similar way to Sherry, under flor. We set out to make our own take on the style, blending the complexity of flor with our trademark drinkability. Three strains of flor yeast, 18 months in oak, and here it is. Savoury and mouth-watering and bottled in 375ml bottles, making it the perfect aperitif. It shows nutty, savoury characters, with delicate white florals, citrus and fresh hay. Small but mighty!" - Winemaker Notes
"Aged under a flor yeast in the Jura style, this multi-vintage grenade is a nutty, tangy, edgy push into the savoury, saline territory that sharpens hunger to a dangerous edge." - 94 Points, Nick Ryan, The Weekend Australian
Borgo Paglianetto 'Terravignata' Verdicchio di Matelica 2024 -
$30 on special this week ($35 RRP)
// Certified Organic
"Terravignata is characterised by it's leanness, supported by acid drive and youthful freshness: the grapes are picked early, and come from a west-facing vineyard. There are aromas of lime, citrus essence and saline minerality, to be drunk with feeling. The Terravignata vineyard spans just over 20 hectares, the vineyard is 20 years old, at 350m above sea level and planted primarily to the native variety Verdicchio." - Winemaker Notes
"Verdicchios can be some of Italy’s dry-white treasures. New to SVS. Certified organic. Light nose and racy acidity with strong lemon notes and a little bit of chewy substance. No hurry to drink this." - 16.5/20 points, Jancis Robinson MW
Donnafugata Anthilia Sicilia Bianco 2024 -
$39 on special this week ($45 RRP)
From a vineyard in south-west Sicily, in the town of Contessa Entellina with 200-600m elevation, clay loam and limestone soils.. The classic Donnafugata wine, characterised by a fresh and fragrant bouquet, made from mostly Lucido (a clone of Catarratto), blended with other indigenous and international varieties. Fermented in stainless steel, aged in tank for two months, then a further two months in bottle before release. The nose offers a fresh and fragrant bouquet with notes of white pulp fruit and zest of citrus combined with delicate hints of wild-flowers. In the mouth, the fruity notes are enhanced by a pronounced freshness and pleasant sapidity - Our Notes
Granbazan 'Verde' Albariño 2024 -
$39 on special this week ($45 RRP)
"Granbazán has been working for over 30 years with around 80 families dedicated to viticulture in the areas of Cambados, Vilanova and Meaño, in the heart of the Salnés Valley. This wine represents the work and passion of our winegrowers, embodied in more than 100 micro-plots cultivated in granitic soil next to the Arousa Estuary. On the nose it is highly aromatic with an explosion of citrus aromas, honeydew melon, lemon tart, fennel, lemon verbena and fresh chamomile. On the palate, it enters delicately, saline from the very first moment. The acidity is crisp and powerful, dominating the mouthfeel before leaving a subtle and pleasant sensation of fluidity and delicate flavors, still with a certain depth. Its long finish is surprising.” - Winemaker Notes
Les Cassagnes de La Nerthe Cotes du Rhone Blanc 2022 -
$43 on special this week ($49 RRP)
// Viognier 30%, Roussanne 30%, Grenache Blanc 30% and Marsanne 10%
Hand picked, direct pressed for 3 hours, on its lees for 6-7 months. 2km south of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the vineyard is nestled amongst evergreen oaks, cypresses, and olive trees. 500 years of history, with the first acquisition of the vineyard recorded in 1560. Resurrected in 1878 post-phylloxera devastation, being one of the first to embrace grafting onto American rootstock. The Richard family restored the vineyard and castle post-world war, acquiring the land from the occupying Germans. The vineyard grew from 60 to 92 hectares (split into 57 climates / plots and planted to 13 different varieties) obtaining organic certification in 1998! Les Cassagnes is the original vineyard, Cassagnes meaning evergreen oaks, of which the estate is surrounded by and co-planted with (plus thyme, rosemary, laurels, olive trees, etc). Holds a lovely medium body with soft acidity and a fruity succulent centre; plenty of stone fruit, fennel, lemon rind and herbaceousness - Our Notes
Tua Rita Perlato del Bosco Toscana Vermentino 2024 -
$52 on special this week ($58 RRP)
"Grown from markedly clay soils with a fairly significant pebble fraction. The higher plots are more pebbly, those lower down have more silt. It is made from the vineyards that are closer to the sea. This proximity carries mineral character to the wine respectin the varietal notes. The result is a pleasant, crisp and perfumed wine." - Winemaker Notes
Domaine Sigalas Assytriko 2023 -
$72 on special this week ($82 RRP)
"Rigorous grape sorting by hand on conveyor belt. Whole bunch gentle yet long pressing. Vinification in stainless steel tank under controlled temperatures. At least 4-month lees aging and periodical stirring (bâtonnage) in the tank. The nose is expressive and fruit-forward with notes of stone fruit and citrus -peach, lemon, lime. A floral character follows gently in the background, mainly of lemon blossoms. Oily mouthfeel with powerful structure, while the bright acidity contributes to the balance and the long finish of the wine." - Winemaker Notes
"Lively lemony freshness and steely tension. Dry and rounded in the mouth. A good counterpoint between flavour and texture. Long, salty finish." - 17/20 Points, Julia Harding, JancisRobinson.com
Vigneti Massa Cru 'Montecitorio' Timorasso 2021 -
$95 on special this week ($130 RRP)
Massa winemaker Walter Massa reinvigorated the grape and the Colli Tortesoni region, working 23 hectares of indigenous grapes (Barbera, Croata, Freisa), with the flagship of Derthona since way back in the 1980s. East facing vineyard with mar and calcerous soils at an altitude of 300m. Macerated on its skins for 60 hours, indigenous yeasts, lots of battonage. Minimum 12 months bottle ageing. All accounts mention acacia, hawthorn, pear, honey. Acid drive, fresh, balanced and striking. Ages like a dream. - Our Notes
Quintodecimo 'Exultet' Fiano di Avellino 2024 -
$120 on special this week ($140 RRP)
"Exultet is a sophisticated and elegant interpretation of Fiano di Avellino. It is a cru produced exclusively with the grapes of one Fiano vineyard. It is yellow and luminous with green reflections and fragrances of linden, acacia and thyme. It is well structured with flavours of exotic fruit, citrus and honey and a very soft mineral note. This particular elegance also derives from a partial fermentation in small oak barrels. It is a wine with great longevity which can also age for some decades thanks to its richness in precursors of aroma and the integrity of its freshness and taste." - Winemaker Notes
"The 2024 Fiano di Avellino Exultet evolves with a soothingly confectionary mix of sweet smoke, vanilla bean, stone dust and lemon sorbet. Silken textures are offset by a citrus twang as notes of mint-laced green apple settle on the senses. The 2024 leaves a crisp sensation, tapering off airy and perfumed with a hint of lime that fades slowly. This is a stimulating vintage of Exultet that should mellow with further cellaring. That said, there is no harm in enjoying it today." - 93 Points, Eric Guido, Vinous
If you wish to purchase any of these wines, please use the links above
Otherwise, if you have any questions, please contact us on (07)32521117 or email sales@thewineemporium.com.au
// Special prices valid until Friday the 6th of February