Hentley Farm Garganega Barossa Valley 2021

I was not expecting this from Hentley Farm – garganega; one of Italy’s most famous indigenous white grape varieties popping up in the Barossa Valley, although in the cooler southern zone around Mount Crawford. In the hills east of Verona garganega does craft some particularly delicious wines. So how does it travel in the Barossa? Surprisingly well and this is a great introduction to the variety.

Very pale in colour and showing good varietal typicity, it displays an an array of aromas, from citrus and apple to bath salts with a faint nutty lining. It goes on to reveal upfront, tart acidity before sliding into quite a textural palate, with more savoury nuances, admirable fruit power and surprising length to finish. Don’t drink this too cold and match it up with squid ink linguini for the full Italian experience.