The youngest regions or the ones with the least “prestige” have the ability to shift the paradigm. Think Ashley Ratcliff and the 100th Monkey Vignerons in the Riverland. This time, Berton in NSW’s Riverina have a Mediterranean staple, but grown 500km from the nearest ocean view. We’ll see more and more of these “alternative” varieties coming strong from these areas.

Berton Vineyards, Metal Label, The Vermentino, SEA, 2016

Light tropical fruit nose, lemon/lime citrus with a tiny hint of honeysuckle. Bright fruit profile, sunshine and yellow melon and lemons. Tart, almost sour acid profile which sits like a faint tremor across the tongue and teeth. Has a finish not unlike salt & vinegar chips/crisps. Chill it down and serve it with flash fried flathead fillets.

RRP: $12

Alc: 12%

Wine sample courtesy of Berton Vineyards