Australia's newest wine variety

Galicia in North West Spain, divided from Portugal by the Rias Baixas and looking west to the Atlantic, is the natural home of Albarino. For a few short years it seemed Australia would become the variety's second home, except that in April 2009 the CSIRO determined by DNA testing that what we all took to be Albarino in this country is in fact a variety called Savagnin.

How this mix up occurred is still unclear but it is thought that Savagnin may be planted in Galicia where it is mistaken for Albarino even by the Spaniards. It seems the cuttings for Australia's mother stock were taken by mistake from Savagnin and not Albarino. Some soures suggest Savagnin has been in Galicia for 700 years having been transported to the region by French monks making the famous pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela which is nearby.

Even those in the know have difficulty telling the two varieties apart which is why there is so much confusion, both in the wines made and also the general appearance of the two vines side by side. One thing is for sure; whatever it's known as it makes a pretty fine wine!

So where does that leave us? Much soul searching has taken place over the past few months, not only by "Los Hermanos" but by a whole raft of people growing the variety in Australia. It is well establsihed that ALL the plantings in this country are Savagnin; an outcome with which we don't have a problem providing consumers don't mistake it for Sauvignon Blanc.

We have a deep attachment to Spain and as you most likely know make Tempranillo and have a very exciting red Spanish blend in the pipeline. So this is why we are givning the sobriquet "Tributo a Galicia" to our Savagnin and this is what it will be known as from now on.

Our 2009 Savagnin wine displays lifted aromatics of peaches, lemon zest and a slight floral hint. These traits continue through the palate with characters of green apple, nashi pears and a crunchy dry finish with fresh zingy acidity. Without the benefit of a current benchmark we are unable to indicate whether our version is representative of the varietal characters of Savagnin. We can, however, confirm that the wine is a truly enjoyable drink.

Amongst the favourable media reviews, some of which you have already seen via our ennewsletters, the "Tributo a Galicia" also picked up the top award in its class at the "Alternative Varieties" wine show.

Oh, and another thing, you will see that my Hermana (Zoe) and I have re-christened our little boat!  

Zoe and Rollo (Los Hermanos)