Who makes it?
Tahbilk is one of the star wineries of Central Victoria, specifically Nagambie Lakes. Today it produces not just this Marsanne, but also some very smart Shiraz and a wide range of other grape varieties. It was established in 1860 and the Purbrick family purchased it in 1925. This makes it amongst one of Australia’s oldest wineries that are still in production. The family are part of the Australia’s First Families initiative.
Being a family wine estate, it goes without saying that that is heavily invested in ensuring the vineyards health in the future. Indeed, their Shiraz, planted in 1860 by the previous owner’s, are still in production. And their Marsanne vines are also very old and were planted in 1927. They have recently added two more Marsanne wines: the sparkling Couseslant Marsanne & the dessert version Cane Cut Marsanne.
To me, this wine is one of Australia’s ‘little gems’. It is an honest wine that relies on the quality of fruit and the expertise with the variety to produce a wine that is enjoyable now, but even better with a few years of age. Those who know the wine are the ones snapping it up each vintage.
Please read more about this outstanding wine estate, please click below.
How do they make it?
This particular Marsanne, is created to be fresh and pristine. Even at this level, and this is just one of the Marsannes that the family produce, this wine will happily live the cellar for up to a decade. To maintain that pristine fruit, it was fermented in stainless steel and then bottled.
What does it taste like?
The Tahbilk Marsanne is lightly floral with aromas in the elderflower realm, with a whole lot of citrus zing. There is also a light smoky minerality that sweeps through particularly on the finish. It really does deliver freshness and is elegantly bodied. The length goes on and on and on.
This is a fresh young profile though. As time progresses with this wine, it develops a honeyed depth but it holds onto that fresh fruit before deepening gracefully.
What to drink it with?
As a wine with straight down the line acid drive it is very good for a wide range of food. From freshly shucked and unadorned seafood to a quiche, or a salad. Even fish and chips or any white fish would be great.
Cheese?
Tahbilk Marsanne is a very good match for fresh cheeses, chevre and feta and bloomy cheeses, such as brie and camembert.
Quickie review « This is an Australian classic take a Rhonish white grape and it is lightly floral, zesty and already complex. It is one to drink fresh or matured. »
Country of Origin: Nagambie Lakes, Australia
Tasting Date: April 2022
Price: UK £13 | AU$19
Drink: now – 7+ years
Needs food: no
Source: tasting
If you’d like to see more about Tahbilk Marsanne, why not check out:
Tahbilk – A bottled history in Marsanne
Visit Tahbilk for more.
0 Comments