Special Reserve Ripasso 2009 & Tempus Two Verdelho 2011
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Special Reserve Ripasso
2009
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Winemakers in Italy use an interesting technique in which they pass the wine
from one ferment over the skins of grapes from another - calling it Ripasso - to
create wines of quite stimulating complexity.
The Hunter Valley's ever-imaginative Andrew Margan did the same in 2010,
re-passing Shiraz that had been made from the 2009 vintage over the skins of a
number of different varietals from the 2010 vintage in a second ferment.
His now-released 2009 Special Reserve Ripasso is the intriguing result, and
while typical Hunter Shiraz juicy berry and spicy pepper are to the fore, the
challenge is to try to determine what were those other varietals over whose
skins Andrew re-fermented this wine?
It stumped us and Andrew is keeping mum. But certainly this is a great dinner
party drop to stimulate the conversation and challenge the taste buds; pay $35,
get some mates together around a Winter's beef casserole and see just how good
you are in determining those other varietals.
One For Lunch:
Served well-chilled Verdelho can be one of the better choices with spicy Asian
foods, the 2011 Tempus Two from the Hunter Valley a particularly good choice
with its dominant ripe pineapple, passionfruit and guava flavours and crisp acid
finish.
At just $14.99 this multiple gold medal winner is particularly great value and
ideal with a chilli prawn and basil stir fry, or if you aren't into spiciness,
with simple grilled veal cutlets and a creamy potato and pumpkin mash.
And with its beautifully concentrated and full-bodied palatge its one of those
enticingly nice whites just to enjoy on its own.
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