An Aromatic Wine Tasting

I love aromatic wines and therefore when a ‘floral’ tasting appeared on my radar, I had to check it out.  In particular, I wanted to taste the Gewurztraminer, the Viognier and the Torrontes.  These ended up being sadly disappointing and my favourite wine of the tasting was actually a Pinot Noir from Central Otago.

Yalumba The Virgilius Viognier 2023

Wanting to support the Australian wine industry, I am on the hunt for a really good Australian Viognier that displays the fabulous floral aromas and richness that you get from Viogniers from the Rhone (where their role is to add floral intensity to Syrah – and yes, I am a big fan of Condrieu).  My hunt unfortunately continues as this was not it. 

This wine was early picked – definitely on the dry side – and therefore missed out on the development of those gorgeous floral flavours which is the sheer beauty of this grape variety.  It had very few aromas, was very watery, and had lost the round mouthfeel I associate with Voignier.  There was very little discernible fruit.  Such a disappointment!

Rating: Meh       Price: AUD 55

Zind Humbrecht Gewürztraminer Turckheim 2024

I am a fan of Alsatian Gewürztraminers as I love their floral intensity, especially rose, which is beautifully balanced with acidity, the off-dry nature, and the round mouthfeel that goes so well with Asian food, and therefore was excited to taste this wine. 

It took a few minutes for the smell of sulphur to blow off so that I could smell and taste this wine.  I found that it was a dry wine, had very little floral aroma and was quite muted in taste.  What I did find was that this wine had a strong flavour of ginger (well ‘Gewürzt’ means ‘spice’ in German).  It would still go well with Asian food but not those that have strong flavours.  Another disappointment.  I will not be buying this wine.

Rating:  Okay    Price: AUD 58

Terra Sancta Mysterious Diggings Pinot Noir 2025

My favourite wine of the tasting.  After the reduction blew off, I found it incredibly juicy.  It was redolent of fresh red cherry, raspberry and juicy plum with a slight green dried herb hit on the back palate.  Very quaffable.

Rating: Delish     Price: AUD 38