Stoney Rise 2023 Trousseau

Joe Holyman enjoys marching to the beat of a different drum with his minimal intervention winemaking, as is evidenced by this, the only wine made from the trousseau grape in Tasmania. Holyman planted the vines at his Tamar Valley site nine years ago and makes a very appealing lighter red that can be enjoyed chilled over summer. Trousseau originates from the Jura region in eastern France and is also known as bastardo and merenzao. It is a close relative of the white grape savagnin, which Holyman also grows, and produces wines that are cherry red with high-acid, very bright and attention grabbing minerality. Matured in amphorae, this is lively, juicy, gluggable and just 12% alcohol. Such fun. Give it a whirl. $40. https://www.stoneyrise.com/

Giant Steps 2023 Coal River Valley Pinot Noir

 

This is the only wine in Giant Steps'  single vineyard collection that is not made from Yarra Valley fruit. Grapes from two small portions of the Nocton Vineyard in the Coal River Valley are handpicked and loaded onto a refrigerated container parked by the vines. The fruit is then driven to Devonport, put on a ferry and delivered to the winery in Healesville the next morning for Mel Chester and her winemaking team. The clay soil produces pinots that are floral and elegant with minerality and serious poise. A wine with concentrated power, subtle French oak and some benchmark bright acid. Enjoy now, or cellar for up to a decade. $100. www.giantstepswine.com.au