Riverina Estate Marsanne 2007 - Laithwaites

I had not had Marsanne before this Laithwaites Aussie white and only knew of it vaguely as a southern French grape - fairly anonymous and used for blending.

I was initially not sure what to make of this wine until it occurred to me to think of it as a dead-ringer for an Alsace Pinot Gris - honeyed, perfumed, full-bodied and sensual.

The palate is mouthfilling and aromatic with tropical fruit, a sprinkling of spice, some crisp acidity and reasonable (but sadly not great) structure.

Goes well with rich, Alsace-style food including roast pork, meaty fish and tarte flambée (see here for a recipe).

List price is £6.99 (plus delivery) from Laithwaites, I got it as part of a "mystery" case.

Links

Laithwaites - http://www.laithwaites.co.uk/