Grillo (GREE-low) is a white grape variety of Sicilian origin. While it is the principal grape used to make the famous fortified wine Marsala, as a still white wine many consider it a Pinot Grigio for the grown-ups. Ideally suited to our warming and drying vineyard with a south aspect, this is second estate release of this zingy and slightly textural wine and, as we thought, it’s better than the first release. As with most of our whites, the Grillo sees some time on skins to deepen the color and broaden the flavours for your enjoyment. This time, our Grillo was aged in a concrete egg-shaped tanks. Unfiltered, unfined.

The 2023 Yellow Grillo is sold out now and our lastest review from Wine Front can be read here: 2023 Grillo

Well, grillo seems apt for McLaren Vale, and here grown organically at Inkwell for this purpose. More the power to those who make seaside whites in a seaside wine region. I mean, shiraz and King George whiting might work for some, for the fetishists, but texture, salty whites, well… at Inkwell they removed 1.5 hectares of shiraz to plant this. It sees some skin contact during fermentation too, which is ideal really.

A textural salty white indeed. Has this beautiful, high tone. Alto voices flapping around with salt bush, dried seaweed, rock salt while drinking pitchers of real lemonade and green apple juice. It’s so frisky, so mouth-watering and palate resetting, you can feel the chisels of crystalline salinity invading every nook and cranny of the palate. Then, lightly chalky texture in a shroud across the palate and a zestiness to finish. It does complexity too? Impossible. No. Brilliant. This is one for a dozen purchase and busting out all summer.

Rated : 94 Points
Tasted : OCT24
Alcohol : 12.1%
Price : $32
Closure : Screwcap
Drink : 2024 - 2026