I spent the last week of 2011 and first week of 2012 staying at the Kent family's vineyard in Victoria, Australia. It is always an eye-opening experience to see just how much blood, sweat and tears go into producing wine. We take it for granted that we can buy decent wine really cheaply in New Zealand, but after drinking their gorgeous, icy nectar for the past two weeks, I fear my taste buds have been spoilt for life.
Perched up high on the Bellarine Penninsula, just at the start of the Great Ocean Road, their vineyard (You Yangs View) is one of the prettiest I have seen and grows what is now (thanks to them) one of my favourite varieties, Verdelho. Originally from Portugal, a good Verdelho is rich and dense, like Sauvignon Blanc on steroids. We paired ours with everything from fresh oysters to spicy fried rice to seafood pizza (not all on the same night), but it really stole my heart served icy cold on the hottest day I have ever experienced without air conditioning...39.5 degrees. It was literally double the high in Auckland that day, and my skin felt like melted cheese. Mmmm, coincidentally, cheese also went well with Verdelho.
Although still pretty niche, there are a few Verdelhos around, but if you want to know more about You Yangs View in particular, have a look here. And next time you're out for dinner and spot one on the wine list, have one for me. Is it wine o'clock yet?
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