Despite a month in the southern hemisphere, it’s still very much #SummerVibes for me, with mid-20s and clear blue skies here in Brisbane, despite the locals insisting it being called “winter”. So I’m cracking open this new release 2021 Vermentino from Golden Grove Estate – because it’s still warmer here than the British summer.
Vermentino is mostly found in the western Mediterranean, especially in the island of Sardinia. However, with its strong Italian heritage in the area, it’s found a second home in the Granite Belt as a “Strangebird” alternative variety grown at Golden Grove. Sadly, 2020’s droughts resulted in no estate crop, so it was so good to see it return for 2021.
This 2021 Vermentino was made from estate-grown fruit – with a portion of it matured in new and old French oak and a splash was even fermented on skins for 10 days – adding texture and richness rather adeptly, without any overt oakiness.
👃: Green pear, granny smith apple, grapefruit zest, white peach and sea spray hitting the nose.
👅: Complex texture and creaminess on the medmium body with crunchy apple acidity – a fresh orchard fruit salad on the palate. Zesty and minerally finish with hints of grapefuit on the end.
So fresh, vibrant and refreshing – but it’s also got good weight and texture due to the oak maturation and skin contact – so this would go great with cooked seafood dishes, like grilled/satay prawns or baby octopus, or a creamy pasta marinara. If you like Sauvignon Blanc (or hate Sauvignon Blanc for that matter!), definitely give this one a go.
Many thanks to Ray for the bottle!
Check it out:
Golden Grove Estate: https://www.goldengroveestate.com.au/
Phone: +61 7 4684 1291
337 Sundown Rd, Ballandean QLD 4382,, Australia [Google Maps]
Open: 6 days (closed Wednesdays) 10am-4pm
