Tulloch Verscato NV (Hunter Valley, NSW)
$16, Crown Seal

Like a proverbial Phoenix, the Tulloch name continues its successful family revival, with this very smart, market driven product the perfect example.

This wine is, broadly, a low alcohol, sweet, fizzy pink. In contrast to the other Moscato styles on the market, this however utilises existing strengths to good measure – full flavoured Verdelho with the addition of silkyShiraz. The end result is hardly serious, but will sell by the trailer load. Good packaging too.

The nose is actually slightly Muscaty, almost like the autosuggestion of a Moscato style has me picking up honeyed Muscat fruit. Also on the nose is fairy floss, raspberries & a suggestion of citrus. From here, the palate is very sweet & full, with green apples, strawberries & pear fruit, with actually quite good acidity. It’s actually quite well balanced, with the RS kept to a point that prevents it becoming overly sweet, although its still unequivocally driven by sweet fruit.

In the end, its quite an admirably drinkable, fun and simple wine. 16.8