Three white wines you should be drinking right now
An early-autumn white, particularly when it’s still warm, should be light and dry, fruit-accented – nothing too complicated – probably unwooded, alcoholically mild and, above all, refreshing.
That, to me, spells riesling; sauvignon blanc; semillon (or a blend of the last two); newer-to-Australia varieties, such as fiano, vermentino and albarino; and light, dry Italian wines, such as Soave and arneis.
These are wines that go with fish, crustaceans, light meats and the season’s bounty – tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, cucumbers, capsicum and sweetcorn – as well as all those late summer stone fruits so often found in salads.
Three to try
- Leeuwin Estate Art Series Riesling 2025, Margaret River (12 per cent alcohol); $25
Brilliant aromas of cut herbs, lemon blossom, lavender and a hint of snowpea. The acidity is soft and the palate seamless. Can also be aged. - Vasse Felix Filius Sauvignon Blanc 2025, Margaret River (13 per cent alcohol); $30
Straw, smoke, mineral and lemon aromas; crisp and delicate. Good weight of flavour and very food-friendly. - First Creek Limited Release Fiano 2025, Hunter Valley (12.5 per cent alcohol); $40
Light to pale green-yellow. Fresh-cut grass and Granny Smith apple on the nose, the palate crisp, dry and mouth-watering. Green-apple acidity tingling the tongue through a long aftertaste.
Got a drinks question for Huon Hooke? thefullbottle@goodweekend.com.au
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Huon Hooke is a wine writer.Connect via email.