WINE OF THE WEEK: d'Arenberg The Hermit Crab Viognier Marsanne 2024, McLaren Vale, Australia

£13, Tesco

This an old favourite I had rather forgotten about and one that hasn’t appeared here before. It’s a Rhône-inspired Australian white wine that is pale, bright and crisp, but which also has some engaging textural richness.

It smells of apricots, freesias and lemons, layered with Russet apple, lime juice and a light touch of toasty oak, but the oak is more about adding texture and complexity than oak flavour.

A small proportion of both the Viognier (60% of the blend) and the Marsanne were fermented and matured in French oak for eight months and a small percentage was also fermented with wild yeasts – again, to add complexity.

It was back in 2005 that Chester Osborn, fourth generation wine grower in the McLaren Vale, made the first vintage of The Hermit Crab and there was nothing else like it in Australia. 20 years on, there still aren’t many Viognier and Marsanne blends.

The combination of breezy freshness and juicy brightness with texture makes for a food-friendly white, particularly with shellfish and Asian spices and especially when both are put together. You could also pair it with pork with spices and/or peaches or apricots. 14%

d'Arenberg The Hermit Crab Viognier Marsanne 2024, McLaren Vale, Australia

£13, Tesco

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