David Franz Sémillon

Franz' wines are the essence of the Barossa and this Sémillon, while not grown extensively there, represents how in the hands of a gifted winemaker, this underrated variety excels.

With Lehmann blood running through him, David Franz knows the Barossa better than just about anyone.

He chooses his sites and provenance carefully, eyes always on top quality grapes.

This bio-dynamic Sémillon is a ripper wine. Lucky us we tried the 2017. It aged beautifully.

Newer vintages will do the same.

Paired with a classic French dish, poulet à la moutarde (chicken with mustard sauce), it danced the light fantastic.

With typical buttery aged Sémillon aroma, its vivacious youth was transitioning to more minerality, less crisp apple, greater depth and an exquisitely long quince-y finish.

More than a match for strong Dijon mustard!

Pan fried rainbow trout with brown butter, lemon, parsley and capers would make another perfect match.

So too an omelette with Gruyère and ham.

Or a barbecued veal chop with a smoked tomato and butter sauce.

Or grilled garlic, chilli and lemon marinated butterflied quail.

Or a stuffed with bread, orange, onion, spinach roasted spatchcock.

Or tagliatelle with pork sausage and peperonata.

Hell! This wine is so good, duck liver parfait on toasted sourdough would quack with delight if you can't be bothered cooking.