Marsanne

The red is made from syrah grapes, or shiraz as they are called in Australia, while the white is a blend of marsanne and viognier varieties.

Rhone-style whites are typically based on roussanne and marsanne, sometimes with viognier, and they are often flabby and dull, with the sensation of drinking melted candle wax.

Fans of minerality in wine will want to seek out this terrific white blend of organically farmed roussanne and marsanne grapes.

Wash it down with a flinty Marsanne wine from Âmevive, made by noted vigneron Alice Anderson, whose vineyard is located on a regenerative farm nearby.

Amelia Wynn Winery 2020 marsanne, Yakima Valley, $28: Bainbridge Island winemaker Paul Bianchi’s deft touch with Rhône varieties is repeated with this rich and fascinating delivery of pear, cinnamon, sliced almond, beeswax and apricot pit that’s ideal with prawns.