Stoney Rise 2025 Savagnin

There is not much savagnin around. Originally from the Jura region of France, where it is used to make the famous vin jaune oxidative wines, in Australia it was originally erroneously marketed as the Spanish grape albarino. Nowadays it is often confused with sauvignon blanc. In the right hands it makes white wines that are very textural, in this case with salinity and length added by three days of maceration. Stoney Rise winemaker Joe Holyman, a former wicketkeeper for Tasmania, has very steady hands and this is an interesting wine; grippy, food friendly with apple/nutty notes and savoury/spicy hints. You'll find Holyman's sense of humour on the front foot on the back label with nonsense nods to broadbean hotpot, Palatschinke and yodelling. Pair with a cheese platter, or quiche lorraine. $42. https://www.stoneyrise.com/  

Stoney Rise 2024 Trousseau

 
I was going to write about the excellent Stoney Rise 2025 Chardonnay before being captivated by this unusual offering from the ever-eclectic Joe Holyman, a winemaker who is always happy to push the boundaries. I believe this is the only Tasmanian take on the trousseau grape, also known as trousseau noir, bastardo and merenzao. The grape variety originates in eastern France and is also used to make port in Portugal. If you enjoy wines made from gamay, or cabernet franc, then this crunchy number will be right up your drinking alley. It is a delightfully brisk, no-nonsense red from 10-year-old estate vines in the Tamar Valley. It has what Holyman describes as cranberry and red cherry fruit flavours. He recommends pairing with tuna ceviche and kimchi pancakes. Who am I to disagree? $42. https://www.stoneyrise.com/