Calabria 2015 Private Bin Vermentino - NSW Riverina

STRANGELY named but at $15 an enticing match
to crab linguine with chilli and parsley.

DROP THAT'S THE RABBIT'S FAVOURITE

David Ellis

PUT your money on it, a variety to watch in this country in the not-too-distant future is Vermentino, a hugely popular drop in Europe where its somewhat bizarrely known under 41 different synonyms – including Favorita de Conegliano, that for probably good reason for those who fight them in the field, translates to "the rabbit's favourite."

And interestingly in some regions of Europe, it's proving the first wine in years capable of knocking Sauvignon Blanc off its perch.

The principal white grape of Sardinia and Corsica, Vermentino has only been grown in this country with any real intent since around the year 2000, which is a bit strange because it's a variety that can handle the extreme heat of some of our hottest vineyard regions with ease.

In the largest of these, the NSW Riverina, Calabria Family Wines at Griffith has just released a 2015 Private Bin Vermentino that's all about delightful lemongrass and lime zest, and a palate of green apple, lime and almond, and a racy acidity.

At an enticing $15, this is a great drop to serve chilled with bruschetta, tomato, basil and red onion, or with seafoods such as crab linguine with chilli and parsley.

for week beginning 01 February 2016