NEIL’S WINE MADE WITH THE GIRLS IN MIND

David Ellis

THE Hunter Valley’s McGuigan Wines has released an interesting Shiraz that’s actually made from fruit from South Australia’s Langhorne Creek – and which has a touch of Viognier in it to give a softer mouth-feel than a straight full-bodied Shiraz.

The French have been blending Shiraz and Viognier for yonks, and there are plenty of other Australian makers have done the same thing to soften their fuller-bodied Shiraz. But what McGuigan’s Chief Winemaker, Neil McGuigan did with their 2012 Expressions Shiraz was to give his winemaking team a free rein to create a wine that particularly appealed to younger, female consumers.

“We were thinking of those 25 to 44 of age who don’t profess to be connoisseurs, but feel wine enjoyment is a part of enhancing their lifestyle, and who are not afraid to try things new,” said Neil. “We’ve actually taken the concept to a number of varietals under the Expressions label, including Moscato, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio.”

But it’s the Shiraz with that touch of Viognier that we found particularly enjoyable, and which we’re sure will appeal as much to plenty of males as it will to Neil’s female target audience. This one has nice juicy berry flavours with suggestions of vanilla in the background, the Viognier adding a floral dimension and a silky soft finish.

Pay an easy $16.99 and enjoy with roast duck and plum sauce.

ONE TO NOTE: A Goose Island label 2012 Sauvignon Blanc from South Australia’s Serafino Wines highlights the wonderful fruit to be had from the small Mt Benson area about 15km north of Robe on the Limestone Coast – a region that enjoys an excellent Mediterranean-like climate, with this wine full of tropical fruit, fresh lemongrass and zesty citrus flavours and suggestions of gooseberry and fresh-cut grass on the palate.

Winemaker Charles Wish used fruit picked in the cool of night to create this wine that’s well-priced at $15, and is a nicely refreshing drop to enjoy on its own, or to match-up well-chilled with salads and white meat dishes.

(NEED A FOOD/DRINK IDEA? Check out  http://www.vintnews.com )