Pizzini Verduzzo 2012 (King Valley, Vic)
12.5%, Screwcap, $22CD
Source: Sample
www.pizzini.com.au

Who would have thought that phylloxera could be a good thing?

It certainly was for Pizzini, whom in many ways used the shock of phylloxera (which hit the King Valley in the 1990s) as an opportunity to rip out those unsuitable old rootstocks and the bog standard mix of Cabernet, Merlot and Shiraz in favour of more interesting French and Italian varieties. Like Verduzzo. 

Perhaps the only challenge with wine is its hint of greenness – a hint that the extra texture of lees and barrel fermentation can’t quite cover up the very neutral and phenolic palate. There is a nice hint of green frogs, honeysuckle and melon, but otherwise it’s just neutral and in need of varietal persistence and concentration to combat the acidity.

Didn’t quite float my boat.

Drink: 2013-2015
Score: 16.3/20 87/100
Would I buy it? Not really. I’d prefer the similarly priced Pinot Grigio.