Obscure wine varieties seem to find their way on to wine lists, and the countries of Italy, Spain, Portugal and even France produce their share of obscure wines to sate this desire.  My case leads and ends with the wines of Irouleguy.  Australian interpretations seem to follow closely behind, with the perpetual quest to match grape varieties to site and regions not complete – even if advanced.

A visitor might therefore expect that the white verdelho grape from Portugal to fit right in and be oppressively cool.  Yet, largely it doesn’t, placing it as something of a curiosity apparently hamstrung by its longer history in Australia’s regions and its unexciting repute.  The fact that the grape is the basis of the outstanding verdelho based fortified wines on the island of Madeira in the Atlantic Ocean, and the possibilities that might present, seemingly remains unnoticed (or unmarketable).

Which brings me to this wine, which is actually pretty good.  Lemon in colour, with a touch of petulance, its aromatics are of guava, paw paw and a touch of chalk.  The palate has medium acidity, medium(-) length and flavours of lemons, stones and guava.  This is a summer lunch time drinking sort of a wine, and presents enjoyably.  Good

Abv: 12.2%
Price: $22
Source: sample
Vendors: Check http://www.wine-searcher.com/
Website: http://www.krinklewood.com
Tasted: 2012