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Ferngrove have been producing wine in Frankland River since its inception in 1998. In the short amount of time between then and now, they have built their reputation as a leading premium wine producer in the region. Their significant medal haul began in 2004, when they received 11 gold medals, including a trophy at the Perth Royal Wine Show, and the accolades have increased exponentially each year going forward.
Frankland River, which is located 360 kilometres south of Perth, is one of Australia’s fastest growing wine regions. Grapes have been grown here since 1969, but its reputation as a premium wine producing region has only come to light in more recent times. Ferngrove take advantage of the cool climate of the region, which produces wines of lower alcohol content, with intense varietal characteristics. Shiraz and Riesling are the two varieties noted to be the icons of the region, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc following closely behind. Ferngrove are taking advantage of these assets, and producing some great wine.
The one I am looking at today is from Ferngrove’s ‘Symbols’ range, which, according to Ferngrove, “offers fresh, flavoursome and distinctly easy-drinking wine”. And on that point, I would tend to agree with them. The wine I tasted was the Ferngrove Symbols Sauvignon Blanc Semillon, from the 2009 vintage. The nose presented delicate tropical fruit characters, passionfruit and guava, which is varietally characteristic for Sauvignon Blanc. A hint of lime leaf, and a subtle green pea aspect are also present. On the palate, the wine is very light-bodied. The fresh, yet understated tropical fruits are true to the bouquet, with a crisp, grapefruit acid lift and lingering passionfruit on the finish. The delicate flavor profile of this wine definitely makes for an easy drinking style.
Pick this wine up from your local wine retailer, and you should pay around $14.99 a bottle, and even less if you hunt around for a bargain!
Kristy Schmidt is a veteran of the wine industry and has developed a love of drinking the stuff and a knack for selling it. She writes about the drop, and the business, and fits it around a busy life of study and family that spans both the South West and the Perth metro area.