N/V Angove Zibibbo

Maybe I'll cop some criticism for writing up two similar (non-serious?) wines in the Quaff Newsletter. I've been mightily impressed by both and they are attracting a great deal of attention from Australian winemakers, and the Australian public. 'Zibibbo' is the Sicilian name for the muscat of alexandria white grape. Jancis Robinson notes that these are less common in Italy (which invented the style) than moscato which is made from muscat à petit grains. The only other Zibibbos that I've seen in Australia are made by Brown Brothers, although recently I've found these pretty sweet.

The Angove Zibibbo is lightly fizzy and fresh with vibrant sweet grapey characters, good balance before a crisp, clean finish of considerable length. There's only 8% alcohol which makes this a great refreshing afternoon drink (I'm thinking of the weekends.) At 75 grams of residual sugar per litre it is sweet, but there's plenty of acidity to provide balance so it doesn't appear overly sweet or cloying. It has an attractive mouthfeel and delicious flavour. At the price, it's a steal.

Rating: Bloody Good

Cost: $ 9.95

Winemaker: Tony Ingle and the team.

Wide availability in all Australian states. www.angoves.com.au

Reviewed: 5 February 2010

As an aside, Angove have done well in this year's Sydney International Top 100 with one of the Quaff favourites, the 2009 Angove 'Nine Vines' Shiraz Grenache Rose $14.95. It's in line for Top Rose. Results out on Saturday 20 February.