Capel Vale (Australia) Verdelho 2001
Australia has become the home of white table wines made from the Verdelho grape, though originally this is one of the four varieties used to make the finest Madeira wines, on the Atlantic Island off the coast of southern Portugal. Verdelho down-under normally makes a full-bodied, rich style of wine with plenty of fruit and good acidity; a perfect alternative to Chardonnay in many ways. This example, from the fine Capel Vale winery, enjoys a little American oak maturation, which adds just a background of hot-buttered toast on the nose over brazil nut, citrus and fuller, pineapply fruit, as well as subtle hints of aromatic floral notes. On the palate it is juicy and quite richly-textured, with mouth-filling nectarine and tropical pineapple fruit, all sharpened by a cut of fresh lime acidity into a long, powerful, finish where the spice of the oak ageing adds a little enriching note. Lovely stuff that will cellar for a few years, and will match with Thai or Chinese food too. Everywine, Majestic, Booths 7.99
