Pizzini Verduzzo 2009

Pizzini Verduzzo 2009 (King Valley, Vic)
$25, Screwcap, 13.3%
Source: Cellar Door 
www.pizzini.com.au

It's apparently somewhat of a minority player in the world of Italian grape varieties, but Fred Pizzini believes that the balance of structure and texture that Verduzzo can offer mark it as a quite attractive drink. Based on this wine he could well be right.

This Verduzzo is arguably a simple wine, but that's probably not accurate, as it's more pure than simple (a fine line I know). If it needs a reference point, think Pinot Grigio, proper North East Italian Pinot Grigio, but a dry and tannic version, done with some lees work to give texture.

It's a very pale coloured white, water green and bright. It smells pure and light, with pear, white flowers and custard apple. The palate is dry, chalky and zippy, with just a flick of honey and cream richness, finishing dry, sour and warmish with more green apples.

Clear, refreshing, slightly angular, but pleasingly textural, I think this would be so very great with fresh seafood. Like it. 17/90