McPherson Family Series Alex Verdelho 2016

No more waiting in the wings for Verdelho – the obscure grape behind Portugal’s Madeira (and some of Australia’s finest ‘stickies’) has emerged as a star performer in its own right. It turns out Verdelho can retain its freshness even in the warmest Aussie summer, producing intense yet crisp whites not unlike a good quality Sauvignon. This moreish example, from the cellars of our old mate Andrew McPherson, was crafted by his multi award winning Chief Winemaker, Jo Nash. It’s named after Andrew’s daughter, Alexandra – the black sheep of the family who chose the law instead of wine. Citrusy with a suggestion of ripe, tropical fruit and a sherbet-like freshness, it’s great with marinaded baby octopus, swordfish steaks or spicy Thai noodles.