McGuigan, Classic Semillon Blanc 2012, Australia
Declared on the label as coming from 'South Eastern Australia', this 12% alcohol Semillon doesn't come from one of the famous Australian single appellations for this variety, the Hunter Valley or Barossa Valley, homes to a classic style of Semillon wine that performs a bit of a magic trick: low in alcohol and light as a feather, the wines when young are the ultimate in lemony, fresh, bright as a button styles, normally made without any barrel-ageing. Yet somehow these gossamer-delicate wines also age remarkably well, and after 10 years of careful cellaring (lying on their side, in a dark space with a constant and preferably low temperature) they transform into much richer, toasty, honeyed examples with quite a different character.
McGuigan's 'Classic' is a delightful example that is indeed fairly typical of the classic style. Feather-light, citrussy, with a shimmering freshness, some ageing on the lees also gives a bit of creamy texture and depth in the mouth, as well as hints of more exotically juicy fruit. It is a pleasure to drink this now for its exuberance and tight, youthful drive, but you might want to tuck a bottle or two away to see how it develops over the next several years. Watch the video for more information and for food-matching suggestions. I scored it 87/100, and it costs £7.99 from Tesco and Sainsbury's.
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