In this post I thought I'd nerd things up somewhat with a white grape variety that is rare worldwide: Clairette.
After some grape varieties were rescued from the brink of extinction in the recent past such as Viognier, Clairette appears to be doing the opposite. With a change in modern wine drinking culture and its supposedly unloved status with winemakers, the variety appears to be heading towards the exit door. At least Spinifex is flying its flag.
For those not bored with wine geekery, Clairette is a variety that predominantly grows in the Languedoc Roussillon and Rhone regions in France. It dates back to the 1500's in
France and is one of the oldest grapes used in wine production. Of the thirteen grape
varieties permitted in Chateauneuf-du-Pape wines, Clairette is the most common white variety.
This is the first release of a 100% Clairette from Spinifex, the variety previously used as a ccmponent in their renowned Lola blend.
The fruit comes from a 20 year old southern Barossa Valley vineyard.
Hand harvested, fermented with indigenous yeasts and bottled without filtration.
A pale straw coloured wine. An aromatic mix of apples, guava, citrus blossom and fennel coming through on the nose with hints of florals and herbs adding further interest.
The fruit comes from a 20 year old southern Barossa Valley vineyard.
Hand harvested, fermented with indigenous yeasts and bottled without filtration.
A pale straw coloured wine. An aromatic mix of apples, guava, citrus blossom and fennel coming through on the nose with hints of florals and herbs adding further interest.
Light- to- medium-bodied in weight, good texture and mouthfeel. Broad flavour profile with stone fruits, mandarin and herbals
The second glass tasted prettier with the stone fruit, mineral and grassy herbaceous character shining through. It's textural, dry, delicate but ultimately uncomplicated.
The grapefruit acidity holds reasonably well throughout, providing freshness and length to the dry finish.
A dry citrus bitterness on the aftertaste. It's an interesting wine possibly best suited to blends.The second glass tasted prettier with the stone fruit, mineral and grassy herbaceous character shining through. It's textural, dry, delicate but ultimately uncomplicated.
Vinodiversity is an excellent resource for rare varietals in Australia including Clairette.
Website: http://www.spinifexwines.com.au
