JM 1ST APPROACH

From the unyielding plains of Castilla la Mancha comes this aromatic and textural white wine. The blend of Spanish native varietals Macabeo, Viura and Verdejo with just a dash of Sauvignon Blanc results in a uniquely Spanish wine.

Pale and fresh with a delicate green tint. The aromas are restrained but enticing with subtle stone fruit and citrus. The palate follows the theme with originally delicate mineral and stone flavours building to a textural mid palate that is mouth coating and persistent. Fine natural acidity provides length and finesse.

Elefante is still – I’m told – Australia’s number one selling range of Spanish wines. This 2012 Blanco is made from a mix of white varieties – macabeo (50%), verdejo (40%) and sauvignon blanc chief among them. Good intensity here. Really fresh and perfumed. Inviting. Textural. Almost chewy. Rose petals and green apples. Stonefruity power to the mid palate. Chalky finish. Has that ‘desperate for shellfish’ quality. Tending towards brineyness. Perfumed aftertaste. Very good – drinking and buying.90 points WInefront.com.au

And isn’t it great to see a chewy, briney white selling at pittance or quaffing rates? Glory be. It boasts lifted aromatics. Stonefruits and brine. And at every turn it comes across as highly textural. Accordingly it’s tight through the finish – phenolic and grippy. It has lift and fruit and yet it tastes old world. Tastes cool.

The Aussie winemakers who think they’re at the vanguard of savoury, drinkable styles need to taste this snappy little number. And note its price too. Bowled me over with how good it tasted. Rated : 90 Points winefront