Have you noticed? Grenache is making a big comeback!
Here's how to get up to speed

New Alternatives in 2021

Every year we see some more wineries joining the movement to alternative varieties. Here are a few with new varieties for them in the 2021 Vintage

What new varietals has the stork bought to vintage 2021.

Aphelion in the McLaren Vale region are harvesting Grenache Blanc for the first time. There are just 4 producers of this variety so it definitely falls into the Rare Ozzies category

Bassham Wines in the Riverland are making Alfrocheiro, a deeply coloured red variety from Portugal. Another Rare Ozzies variety.

Brad Hickey aka Brash Higgins tells me that they are up to the fourth vintage of Crystal. This is a white wine variety, grown in China and Greece. It is used as the base for Ouzo in Greece. Brash Higgins use it in a blend with Chenin Blanc for a sparkling white wine.

Crystal sparkling wine by Brash Higgins in McLaren Vale

Mark Walpole's Fighting Gully Road in the Beechworth region now has Verdicchio for the first time this year.

Langmeil in the Barossa have their first vintage of Cinsaut this year, adding to their collection of Rhone red varieties.

Marnie Roberts of Matriarch and Rouge in the Clare Valley will be making their first Pecorino, under their Rogues of Resistance label. Pecorino, as well as being the name of a cheese is a red wine variety from Italy's Marche region. Another Rare Ozzies variety.

Vineyard 28, Italian variety champions in the Geographe Region of Western Australia have their first vintage of Fiano this year

Have I Missed any

I'm sure there are lots more! Contact me with any info please.

An Offer from our online Wine Shop Partner

Med Red offer. Includes two bottles of each of six wines, different producers, different regions, different alternative varieties and blends. Plus a bonus bottle. All at an affordable price.

Details here