Aaron Mercer gets hip with the cool kids with this “Pet Nat.” There’s a big of Chardonnay thrown in for some flesh as Picpoul by itself is a bit straight up and down.

Mercer Wines, Picpoul,  Petillant Naturel, Central Ranges, 2021

Straw yellow with a cloudy appearance. Luckily this one wasn’t a gusher. Chicken brine, salt, chalk, dried lemon, sand, yellow melon and lemon myrtle. Dry and clean. There’s actually some good fruit underneath the (expected) chalky texture and sharp acidity. Aperitif style that is pleasantly classy.

RRP: $30
Alc: 12.5%
Rating: 17.75/20 (91/100)

Wine sample courtesy of Mercer Wines