The climate and vintage conditions play key roles in determining the kind of wine that ends up under the Lubiana label. Over the years, they have favoured the crisp, fresh, aromatic Grigio style.
This is more of a smooth, nicely rounded Alsatian style that has good length, colour and persistence of flavour. Hardly surprising, really. More than 60% of the wine’s volume was barrel-fermented and aged in French oak (500-litre puncheons). Spending 2 days on skins prior to pressing has imparted a light blush colour.
The nose shows rose water, dried fruits, ginger spice and perfume. The palate has a balance of sweet and savoury characters echoing the nose with some creamy elements creeping in. Very complex mouth feel with subtle lees notes, older oak and fine phenolics all creating interest. Textural yet fresh.
Awards and Accolades
2016 Vintage: 95 Points - Mike Bennie, Wine Front "There’s some good colour to this wine, a touch of sienna in the glossy yellow, it says something about the shift in winemaking/growing at Stefano Lubiana. Geez, there’s been some wind in the sail on their estate in southern Tasmania. This is top notch stuff right here. Biodynamic farming underpins the winery stuff. Go Steve, go! Texture, energy, freshness and detail. It’s got everything any fine white wine lover could want. Green apple, nashi pear, musk and rose petal kick off the drinking – a vibrant, fragrant bouquet. The palate is a tight swoosh of firm-fleshed white pear hemmed in with powdery texture and a sluice of gentle spice. It’s long as, fine as, imbued with layers. Sheesh, this sits you back. Grand cru feel to the wine, so to speak. Epic gris."
From the Winery
Considered by the wine maker, Steve Lubiana, as a chameleon wine grape. Depending on where it’s grown and how it’s made, the variety has a range of different guises. Italian versions – known as Pinot Grigio – are generally crisp, dry, light-bodied and unoaked. Those from Alsace in eastern France often resemble riesling in their youth, but evolve into rich, full bodied and exceptionally complex wines.
