Exploring New White Wines? Sense of Taste Has You Covered!
As the Australian wine landscape expands so has the demand for something different or unusual, and a change from a market dominated in recent times by Sauvignon Blanc.
And while Pinot Gris and Grigios are seen as a great alternative and Chardonnay and Riesling have had a resurgence, here are a few other options you may not yet have explored.
Fiano
A southern Italian variety known for its full flavour and intense aromatic qualities.
Being a low yielding variety Fiano is used predominately in blends in Italy and contributes honey-like flavours (although not sweet!) and is often described as having a “nutty” characteristic. A great alternative for Chardonnay lovers.
Try: Bella Luna Fiano - $19.99
Jericho Fiano - $24.99
Semillon
Native to Bordeaux, possibly the most versatile grape variety, Semillon can be everything from bone dry, high acid to dessert styles, for example Botrytis Semillon.
The Hunter Valley is home to Australia’s best examples with Brokenwood and Mt Pleasant championing the variety over a long period of time.
Young Semillon is deliciously bright, has high acid and is “zingy” with lemon and lime zest characters. Try it on natural oysters instead of lemon juice, it’s life-changing!
Aged Semillon has a deep buttercup yellow colour typically, and the softening of the acid is balanced with an added minerality and a deep rich beeswax and toasty brioche flavour.
Try: Brokenwood Semillon - $32.99
Mt Pleasant Elizabeth Semillon - $27.99
Soave
Originating in north-east Italy, Soave is made predominately from Garganega usually blended with Trebianno and Chardonnay. It tends to have Chardonnay- like characteristics with an additional “nutty” character. So think peaches and cream if you’re thinking Soave.
Try: Monte Tondo Soave - $20
Still on the topic of wine, Bleasdale has a couple of very easy-drinking and delightful styles, the Adelaide Hills Pinot Gris and Langhorne Creek Potts’ Catch Verdelho.
Nashi, ginger and rosewater perfume in the Pinot Gris leads to a rich and textured palate with nutty complexity from the barrel ferment component, finishing crisp, fresh and balanced.
The Verdelho is a crisp white wine with great perfume and fresh fruit salad flavours. Enjoy chilled, it’s the perfect accompaniment to fish and seafood dishes.
The label on this bottle is particularly eye-catching. It features a photo of Henry Potts, grandson of Bleasdale’s founder Frank Potts, with a monster mulloway he caught, thought to be over 80kg. 
Henry was an avid fisherman and during the 1930s depression took to fishing in nearby Lake Alexandrina to supplement the family’s income.
Both are available at Tarragindi Sense of Taste.