By Fergal Gleeson
Cape Grace Chenin Blanc 2019 RRP $25
Cape Grace craft a crisp and dry Chenin, which makes for beautiful summer drinking with seafood and salads. Lovers of Clare Valley Riesling and Hunter Semillon will get this style immediately. Cape Grace also make a method traditionelle sparkling Chenin and a delicious cane cut Chenin dessert wine. This a versatile grape!
Cape Grace are a highly awarded family owned winery (3 trophies and 175 medals). Their range spans sparkling, white, rosé, red wines. Part of the Small Family Wine Trail. Cellar Door open daily. Variety of wine experiences on offer. If you’re visiting also look out for the 2014 Museum Release Cabernet Sauvignon. Very special!
http://www.capegracewines.com.au
Flowstone Wines Gewürztraminer 2016 RRP $32
If you think all white wines taste the same you haven’t met Gewürztraminer! The Flowstone 2016 is an excellent rendition from Stuart Pym capturing the varietals Turkish delight and rosewater flavours but with a clean and dry finish. Plantings of Gewürztraminer in the region are scarce so this a rarity.
Stuart has had a stellar career as Winemaker at Voyager Estate, Devils Lair and Stella Bella Wines before starting Flowstone Wines. Halliday Wine Companion 2020 rated one of Stuart’s Sauvignon Blancs the best in Australia. The Cabernets and Chardonnays are also noteworthy. Cellar Door visits can be arranged by appointment.
Wines of Merritt Chenin Blanc 2018 RRP $40
Nick and Sarah James- Martin make small batch, natural style wines from single vineyard sites. The range includes Sauvignon, Vermentino, Cabernet Franc and a Chenin Blanc. Production is tiny. The commonality is the focus on building texture in the wines through time on skins, wild fermentation and aging in old barrels.
The Chenin is a good example. It’s a wine with a chalky, dryness and lots of complexity though the fruit is not overshadowed. There’s no fining or filtration. There’s a cloudiness towards the end of the bottle. Take a walk on the wild side!
http://www.winesofmerritt.com.au
From Your Margaret River Region Magazine
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