Shiraz, Viognier
75cl * Sustainable * 13.0% ABV * Hunter Valley, Australia
After vintage experience in the Rhone Valley in the 1990s, Keith Tulloch took the practice of co-fermenting Shiraz with Viognier (particularly in Cote Rotie) to Australia's Hunter Valley. Almost miraculously, Viognier stabilises and enhances the colour of the Shiraz and offers its own silky texture and floral aromas. Co-fermenting has gifted an extra degree of lift and length to the palate, combining the flavours for a great young drinking style. The wine is matured for 12 months in fine French oak barriques adding cedary complexity, gentle vanilla and cinnamon spice. Blood plum and ripe cherry are balanced by exotic aromas of blossom and roses.
Try with Chinese spare ribs, beef stir fry, or barbecued fish.