The Story Wines Skin Contact MRV 2021 is an adventurous, textural white from Victoria that takes the Marsanne–Roussanne–Viognier trio into serious “amber wine” territory, with extended skin contact and a no‑fuss, minimal‑additions approach in the cellar. It’s made to be characterful, layered and utterly moreish rather than squeaky‑clean.

The blend sees Marsanne (part‑fermented on skins), Roussanne and Viognier bringing waves of stone fruit, ginger, pear, custard apple and ripe tropical hints, alongside honey, citrus peel and a gentle amaro‑like bitterness. Fine phenolic tannins from 12 days on skins, time in ceramic egg and old oak, full malolactic and extended lees ageing give a waxy, textural palate that’s dry, complex and persistently spicy.

Food‑wise, think strongly flavoured, spice‑driven dishes: Middle Eastern mezze, roasted pumpkin with tahini, rich seafood stews, miso‑glazed eggplant or aged hard cheeses that love that phenolic grip. The Story Wines Skin Contact MRV 2021 has already picked up silver and 92 points from Halliday, and is best served slightly cool in a white‑wine or Burgundy glass to let those layers of flavour and texture unwind slowly.