The Little Wine Company Vermentino 2022

Not sure that when thinking of Sardinia I would immediately be reminded of the Hunter Valley, but they certainly have one thing in common. They make excellent Vermentino, a white variety which is becoming more and more popular in this country. That is no surprise, but what might stun some who remember the glory days of the old Rosemount Roxburgh Chardonnay, the grapes for this wine come from old Chardonnay vines in that famous Upper Hunter vineyard, which were grafted across to Vermentino. Also a little surprising is that the variety is such a late ripener that the grapes are harvested after the team have picked all their reds. The free run juice is separated from the pressings. 20% of the former and half the latter are naturally fermented in two and three year old French oak. The rest is fermented in tank with cultured yeasts. To enhance the texture, the wine spends a further four months on lees before bottling.

A very pale yellow in hue, we have a mix of minerals, nuts and stonefruit here. Impressive concentration and a good line of juicy acidity, which travels the full journey. The texture is a highlight, rather hedonistic, and the finish is a long one. Good drinking now, this should surely age another five to six years if you prefer older whites with some development. Personally, I like this wine as it is. Undoubtedly, a versatile food wine.