Berrigan Grüner Veltliner 2022

Austrian-origin white grape “Grüner” (in its snappy Aussie shortened nick-naming) is the upstart of the Adelaide Hills, settled in now 15 years after its introduction to the region, planted and crafted most successfully in scores of variations, site and producer. This is sub-titled on the front label with its source, Shining Rock Vineyard, which is based in Nairne, a well-established site now in the family-owned hands of Dan Berrigan and Wendi Ticao, Dan the winemaker. The variety is genuinely fascinating in its nuanced profiles depending on site and creative styling, this showing very attractive spiced citrus fruit aromas with subtle tropical top notes like greener-edged pineapple. And then there its breath of definite white pepper – most typical of the grape. Tasting brings in some lime tang, though the finish is gentle without heavy-handed acidity. It’s bloody delicious and from the moment of first approach begs for flavoursome Vietnamese or Thai food. 

Tony Love

Journalist at Winepilot

Tony is best known for his 10 years as News Corp’s National Wine Writer, with weekly columns in major metropolitan mastheads throughout Australia including The Adelaide Advertiser, The Sydney Daily Telegraph and the Melbourne Herald Sun. He continues to write feature articles and columns for all the major Australian wine media publications. Tony has also worked as a restaurant reviewer, section editor, book editor, digital content provider, journalism teacher and was named Wine Communicators of Australia 2018 Legend of the Vine (SA). Find out more about Tony at tonylove.com.au

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