Curious Case - March 2021 - Private

The Curious Case Selection

Coupon Code (for 10% off all of the below wines) - Curious0321
expires 27/05/2021

Did you know that grapes are harvested in the spring, well in the Southern Hemisphere at least. Celebrating harvest time (or vintage, as we say) is a great opportunity to learn about their lesser-known grape varieties because Australia doesn't just produce Shiraz and Chardonnay, just as New Zealand is not only about Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir.

Both countries grow more than their fair share of exciting grapes, so let's dive deep into the world of wine coming from Down Under.

If you missed the video reveal, don't stress, we've got you covered!

Pauletts Trillians Sparkling Riesling

In a nutshell: A rich, generous and zesty sparkling Riesling from South Australia's Clare Valley.

The lowdown: The Clare Valley, north of Adelaide is renowned as the home of Australia's best Rieslings. True, it's not seen so often as a sparkling wine, but this example from Pauletts with a gorgeous citrussy feel, lively mousse and snappy finish is a worthy addition to the ranks. It's full of classic Riesling character and complexity with rich and lively mouth-filling flavours of zesty lime and tropical pineapple along with nicely judged floral and honeyed notes. With a refreshing crispness, it hits a well-balanced pitch of fullness, liveliness and depth of flavour.

When to drink: Is this the ultimate refreshment? It's a wonderful aperitif and also a great accompaniment to rich seafood like lobster, or scallops.

Tabula Rasa #V18W

In a nutshell: A laid back, thirst-quenching, smooth and fruity South Australian white.

The lowdown: This 50cl bottle with a crown cap closure is a bit of a departure from the norm and while it's not a wine that takes itself too seriously it's quite delicious nonetheless. The blend is 70% Semillon with 20% Sauvignon Blanc and a little Arneis and Petit Manseng and it has touches of quince and preserved lemon aromas that lead to a really zesty palate of citrus elderflower, stone fruits and almond.

When to drink: For a wine where the idea is to just flip open the cap and share with friends there's certainly plenty going on.

Framingham Classic Riesling

In a nutshell: Elegant New Zealand Riesling from one of Marlborough's pioneers of the variety.

The lowdown: Framingham's Riesling vineyards date back to the 1980s when winemaking in the region was in its infancy and in that time they've earned a reputation as the region's leading exponents of the grape. This, their Classic Riesling has an elegant pale gold colour and, on the nose, is fragrant and complex with notes of honeysuckle, jasmine and quinine. It's rounded out with stone fruit flavours and a hint of beeswax and creaminess to give a welcome touch of viscosity.

When to drink: Classic in name and nature it's a perfect match to Asian cuisine and seafood.

Rock Ferry Orchard Vineyard Pinot Blanc

In a nutshell: An organic Pinot Blanc from Marlborough in New Zealand that's oozing personality.

The lowdown: Pinot Blanc is not a variety much seen in New Zealand, but at Rock Ferry, they've really got the measure of it. The fruit for this is grown entirely in their Orchard Vineyard in the Rapaura sub-region of Marlborough. Everything is hand-picked with most of the juice being fermented in stainless steel with a small proportion in going into seasoned oak puncheons which add an extra dimension and texture. The result is a big flavoured wine with aromas of pear, almonds, mandarin and a hint of floral. It has a beautifully concentrated palate which is creamy in the middle and laced with flavours of Meyer lemons and subtle toasty notes.

When to drink: With a bit of bottle age it's developed a real character and depth. When pairing with food it'll go well with rich fish and seafood dishes and also chicken, turkey and feathered game.

Alpha Box & Dice 'Enigma' Barbera, Adelaide Hills

In a nutshell: An interesting South Australian red from an idiosyncratic producer.

The lowdown: Italian varieties are becoming more of a thing in parts of Australia and we think that this is only a good development. Enter a Barbera from the Adelaide Hills made by modern and cutting edge winery Alpha Box & Dice. Here they don't restrain themselves stylistically by region or grape; they just produce good wine from good fruit. This Barbera is bigger and has riper fruit and more mocha notes than a conventional one from northern Italy. The soft, integrated tannins and lively freshness that runs through it make it a very smooth and rounded wine.

When to drink: Absolutely great by itself it also partners really well with gamey meat dishes.

Thistledown 'The Vagabond' Old Vine Grenache

In a nutshell: A beautifully balanced Australian red from the McLaren Vale.

The lowdown: Quite an unusually elegant take on Grenache which almost has a Pinot Noir like a delicacy. The fruit for this is from low yielding 70-year-old unirrigated bush vines from Blewitt Springs in the McLaren Vale region south of Adelaide. About 70% of the wine was fermented in concrete in layers of a whole bunch and crushed fruit while the remainder underwent wild fermentation in an open fermenter. It was then aged for 10 months in French oak puncheons. The wine is violet-scented with bright red fruit on the palate with a subtle savoury oak mingling through it. The crisp acidity and fine tannins give just the right balance and structure as it leads to a warm silky finish.

When to drink: It's an excellent match to foods with a North African influence or feathered game dishes.