Hesketh Nebbiolo Bianco Adelaide Hills 2021

Always exciting to try a new grape – well, new to me, at least. Nebbiolo Bianco hails from Piedmont, as does the more familiar red Nebb, but apparently the two are not related. It seems also to have found a home in the Adelaide Hills, aided by the higher altitude and cooler climate than found in many Australian regions. Why have we not heard more of it? Apparently, it is a touch difficult to grow and its traditional role was found in red Nebbiolo vineyards where it was used to soften the wines. Here, it was destemmed and then gently pressed to stainless steel for fermentation. The wine was then left on its lees, while a small percentage was matured in oak for four months. 

Pale yellow/lemon in colour, the nose offers citrus notes with florals and spices. Tight, with underlying minerality, appealing notes of crisp pears come through. Supple texture. It seems to draw inspiration from both good Fiano and good Pinot Gris. Fresh, intense and attractive. Hopefully, a variety we will see more of down the track. And could any wine be more ideal for an guessing game with your friends?

Ken Gargett

Contributor at Winepilot

Ken was born and bred in Brisbane, Queensland. He had a non-trendy, perfectly happy childhood, in a family convinced alcohol meant instant condemnation to Hades. But a break fishing on the Great Barrier Reef, and some good wine, started a serious obsession that eventually took over. It did not stop Ken being chastised later for drinking Pol champagne, disgusted he’d drink anything made by a Cambodian dictator. Now, Ken mostly writes on wine, champagne and spirits for various newspapers, magazines and books, but is perhaps best known for his work in The Courier Mail. He also has a little sideline writing on cigars, fishing, travel and food. When not writing, fly-fishing for trout in NZ or bonefish on the flats of Cuba, travelling or smoking cigars, he is no doubt following a variety of sporting teams – the occasionally glorious Queensland Reds rugby, the dysfunctional Washington Redskins, the dodgy Arsenal and especially revels in the world restored to its proper axis with the return of the Ashes to their rightful home.

Wine writer and critic