Purple Hands Colours of the South Pinot Blanc 2021

Isn’t it fantastic to see the Barossa Valley widening its scope past traditional big reds into a whole range of new varieties – there should be more of it. This is only the second vintage of pinot blanc from Purple Hands side project, Colours of the South, wines that are radically different from what we have come to expect from the Purple Hands team, which are generally full throttle reds. It’s a barrel fermented pinot blanc with wild yeast and grape solids so all the stops have been pulled out to give this wine character, which has certainly been achieved.

Pale straw in colour, it is gently aromatic with subtle nashi pear and custard apple fruits plus a touch of chalk; oak influence adds aromatic weight, and nothing more. The palate is then dry and surprisingly textural, with melon and nougat flavours well supported by tangy acidity which come together to create quite a silky package that finishes nice and dry. A great Summer white for a classy casual drink.

Angus Hughson

Founder at Winepilot

Angus is an award-winning wine writer and the Founder and Publisher of Winepilot, the Australian Editor for leading international publication VINOUS with Antonio Galloni based in New York City and the Co-Publisher of The Australian Ark with over 15 years of publishing, writing and judging experience.

Criticauthor and publisher