Tasting Notes: Word of the Week “Zesty”

So we’ve arrived at the end of our wine vocabulary journey, the end of the alphabet that is, don’t worry though there are still plenty of wine words out there for you to discover!

Zesty is a word used to describe wine with lively flavor characteristics, with noticeable acidity and citrus notes. We find this characteristic in varitals known for having crisper qualities such as sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio. You’re much less likely to find this trait in white wines that undergo malolactic fermentation ( such as many  chardonnays). Malic acid is what gives granny smith apples their tart quality and lactic acid is the more subtle acid found in milk, butter and chesse. Wines that undergo malolactic fermentation convert the malic acid to lactic acid, and create those buttery Chardonnays you are always hearing about.

So if you are in search of some wine with zest, in addition to avoiding wines that undergo malolactic fermentation, you will want to steer clear of wine aged in oak. Oak barrel aging will only add to a buttery, vanilla quality that is direct conflict with the acidity and citrus notes you expect from a Zesty wine. Look instead for wines aged in stainless steel or in other alternative (non oak) methods.

A Refreshing and not to mention zesty choice for this summer :

2015 Groom Lenswood Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc

Wine Spectrum 92: This wine is made with no oak and no ML, allowing the zesty varietal characters of the grape to be expressed. The nose is a myriad of citrus, apple, pineapple and fresh ripe tropical fruit aromas which are vibrant, but not overpowering. The palate is fresh and retains a nice medium mouth watering acidity which gives the wine a clean crisp finish.

Lenswood, in the Adelaide Hills appellation of South Australia, is where our Sauvignon Blanc is grown. It is a very cool climate with relatively high winter rainfall. Our Lenswood vineyard is dedicated to Sauvignon Blanc and is producing stunning Sauvignon Blanc grapes. What emerges from this clean, uncomplicated winemaking approach is a wine with brilliant acidity and flavors that balance citrus with floral. Brighter than California Sauvignon Blanc, and a little less pungent than New Zealand, this wine exemplifies the Adelaide Hills appellation as a world class Sauvignon Blanc producing region. Our wine is 100% Sauvignon Blanc fruit, 100% stainless steel fermented with no oak contact and 0% malolactic fermentation. Daryl’s aim is to get the incredible, intense fruit flavors from the vine into the glass. This wine showcases pure Sauvignon fruit at its very best.