Who better to ask what’s trending in the vino world right now than knowledgeable wine buffs at restaurants, bars and wineries around Australia?
Welcome to our ‘Wine of the Week’ series, where we highlight particular wines on the radar of restaurants around the country.
Located in the historic grounds of Admiralty House overlooking Darwin Harbour, Char Restaurant on The Esplanade is a must-dine Territory destination. A go-to for locals and visitors alike looking for a special night out, the refurbished glass-fronted steakhouse with a courtyard, offers select grilled meats and Modern Australian dishes.
Functions Wrangler Louis Cox, who is WSET certified and a huge wine and cheese lover, recommends trying a dessert wine this holiday season, such as Yalumba FSW Botrytis Viognier.
"Yalumba’s FSW (Fine Sweet White) is a prime example of the beautiful effects ‘Botrytis cinerea’ can have on a grape,” Louis explains. "The dewy mornings of Watonbully in South Australia allow this incredible fungus to work its magic on the Viognier grape vines, producing a sweet golden nectar with hints of honeysuckle, musk and vanilla.”
Botrytis cinerea, also referred to as noble rot, can have devastating effects on vineyards, often causing complete loss of grapes. However, when managed correctly, this fungus draws out the moisture in the grapes and leaves behind the residual sugar, making this wine both sweet and complex.
"We pair this wine with our deconstructed lemon meringue pie for a sensory experience which will not only linger on the palate but also on the mind,” Louis says.
