2023 Somos Biodynamic Vermentino

Vermentino rarely gets this kind of love. But in the hands of the Somos crew - Mauricio Ruiz Cantu and team - it becomes something way more serious (and way more interesting) than your average salty sipper.

This 2023 release comes from Paxton’s biodynamic vineyards in McLaren Vale, where the fruit is hand-harvested and treated with the kind of care usually reserved for Chardonnay royalty. After a short stint on skins, it’s pressed straight into old French oak for wild fermentation and aged on lees for nine months. Occasional bâtonnage adds creaminess without blurring the variety’s natural brightness.

There’s still that classic sea spray vibe we love in Vermentino, but layered with lemon curd, subtle spice and a gently chalky grip that brings the wine firmly into food wine territory. This is a beach wine with brains.

One of the most compelling Aussie Vermentinos going around, full stop.