Chalkers Crossing, Semillon 2013, Australia
The Semillon grape is something of an insiders' secret in Australian wine. Whilst Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay might have put Australia on the map for Britain's and the world's drinkers, the comparatively understated style of Semillon from the Hunter Valley in New South Wales and a few other regions registered with far fewer people. Yet those in the know understood that these are remarkable white wines: generally low in alcohol, unoaked, and yet capable of maturing and improving over decades in the cellar.
This example from Chalkers Crossing comes from New South Wales and has a nose of lemon meringue pie or lemon peel - it's not about sharp citrus, but something rounder, waxier and with more cream and weight. Barrel fermented and aged, it betrays almost no oak in the aroma, and on the palate just a gentle underpinning of honey and oatmeal to that wonderful fat lemony fruit. This has only 12.5% alcohol, but will develop with cellaring in a typically toasty direction gaining fat and depth over many years - though delicious for its exhilarating crispness now.
Watch the video for more information and food-matching ideas. £12.75-£13.75 from winepalate.co.uk, exel wines, and see all stockists on wine-searcher.
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