Keith Tulloch Shiraz Viognier, Hunter Valley is a magic combination of Shiraz and Viognier from Keith Tulloch.
Vintage experience in the Rhône Valley during 1996 showed Keith Tulloch the magic of Viognier co-fermenting with Shiraz. The great reds of Côte Rotie are reknowned for their small blended percentage of the white grape variety Viognier. Many of the beguilingly perfumed, silky textured, and finer tannin reds of the Rhône are made in this way, and this certainly contributes in part to their young-drinking charm. When blended, Viognier can stabalize and enhance the colour of shiraz, bringing a glaze or sheen to the wine. A silky texture rather than a taste with floral aromas, heighten the Shiraz characters. A Rhône Valley style, with the Shiraz co-fermented with 5% Viognier in open vats. Both varietal components are fully ripe when harvested late in the Vintage, producing bright richness of aroma and soft complexity to the palate. The wine is matured for 12 months in fine French oak barriques adding cedary complexity.
A Rhône Valley style, with fully ripe Shiraz characters of blood plum and ripe black cherry fruit balanced with the exotic Viognier aromas of citrus blossom and rose petal. In Keith's own words "Viognier is like Chardonnay on steroids!" and when married together with Shiraz, these two varieties combine magically to produce a palate with richer aromatic charm, warm briar berry spice and a velvety medium-bodied balance. With a rich, ripe black-fruit softness on entry, and smooth roundness and chocolatey softness onto the finish. Adding to the mix is the finely integrated weave of supple oak, and a delicate floral hint of violets and rose-petal resulting in a beautifully complete blend.
Great with any food that's equally rich and smooth yet also offers a gently kick of spice. Try with Chinese spare ribs, beef stir fry or barbecued fish.
Country: Australia
Region: Hunter Valley
Grapes: Shiraz 95%, Viognier 5%
ABV: 13%
Volume: 75cl
Vintage: 2020
Suitable for Vegetarians: No
Suitable for Vegans: No