A little Italy

A quick roundup of some cheaper wines I have had recently.



Casillero del Diablo Viognier 2005 - A cheap $12 Viognier which is very drinkable, unlike the Yalumba Y series I had several months ago. Pungent spice and apricot on the nose, well rounded and dry. A hint of rubber, but not enough to spoil it. Excellent value Viognier.

Casillero del Diablo Shiraz Rosé 2005 - Again cheap and Chilean. Soft red fruit bouquet, a touch flowery, and some nuts, nicely rounded and dry on the finish. Not as good as the Spanish and French Rosés I have had recently. A bit mediocre for my liking.

Jim Barry Watervale Riesling 2004/2005 - Both vintages similar, 2004 a bit drier, and have fresh lemon/lime flavour, with a very soft, vanilla/mineral backbone and quite good length. I like this Riesling a lot, is easy to drink, and is again a bargain at $12.

Lost Valley Cortese 2005 - I was curious to try this one, as had good reviews and have never tried Cortese. Quite citrussy on the nose, with hints of melon and pineapple. Finishes bone dry. I did like this but suspected too much Sulphur Dioxide as gave me a headache the following day. Apart from that an interesting dry dry white, but I think a little overpriced.

Cusumano Insolia 2004 - Again never tried the Sicilian grape insolia, but was very impressed. Spice, vanilla and peach on the boquet, very soft and rounded on the palate, but tight and minerally. A very well balanced wine, and a bargain a $11. I love this wine. Great value.

Ruffino Lumina Del Borgo Pinot Grigio 2004 - A great cheap Italian $10 Pinot Grigio. Soft vanilla and white fruit on the nose, tight and minerally on the palate which shifts towards a savoury peppery - smokey quality and is nicely dry. Suits shellfish.

Suavia Soave Classico 2004 - Again I don't think I have ever had Garganega from Soave. A big tropical nose with nectarine. Well bodied with minerals, more stones perhaps. Similar but different to a french Chardonnay, but I felt the acidity was not balanced with this wine. It got a bit sharp and plonky towards the end. Interesting, but I think overdone.

Seppelt Coborra Pinot Gris 2004 - I've had this twice recently, and I do like it. Quite French in style, very floral, Spicy, and good minerality. Not bad for Australian Pinot Gris and is fairly good value for $17.