Minimum ‘Colossus of Harry’ Skinsy Sauvignon Blanc 2023: Tasting Notes

WINE STYLE → Orange-wine & tea-like

This is Sauvignon Blanc with its sleeves rolled up: cloudy-gold, skinsy, savoury and properly textural. Expect peach nectar and guava, lemongrass and citrus peel, plus a faintly nutty, umami edge that feels more “snack table” than “lawn mowing white”. Dry and lively, it finishes with gentle, tea-like grip and a little pithy bitterness that makes it seriously food-friendly.

Highlights

• Certified organic and vegan-suitable
• Skin-contact Sauvignon Blanc with a dry, gently grippy finish
• Wild-fermented on skins, basket pressed, then aged in older barrels
• 12% ABV
• From Goulburn Valley (Nagambie Lakes), Victoria

Tasting Notes

Aromas lean into peach nectar, guava and citrus peel, with lifted lemongrass and a light floral perfume. The palate is dry but mouth-filling, with skinsy structure giving a gentle tug through the middle. As it opens, a savoury, almost nutty/umami note appears, then it finishes pithy and lightly bitter in the best “orange wine” way.

Winemaking

Made as a full skins-contact Sauvignon Blanc, fermented wild on skins in open fermenters before being basket pressed into older 300L barrels. It goes through full malolactic fermentation and then rests on lees, building that savoury, textured feel. Bottled without fining or filtration for a naturally cloudy, expressive style.

Vineyard & Vintage

Fruit comes from Victoria’s Goulburn Valley (Nagambie Lakes), an inland region known for generous flavour with the ability to hold freshness when picked thoughtfully. The 2023 release leans into texture and aromatic lift rather than sharp herbaceousness, showing Sauvignon Blanc in a broader, more experimental (and very snack-friendly) shape.

Why We Love It

Because it’s the kind of wine that makes a simple plate of good things feel like a plan. It’s not trying to be classic Sauvignon Blanc — it’s more textured, more savoury, and genuinely better with food. Keep a bottle cold, open it with mates, and let the snack board do the heavy lifting.

Food Pairing

This skinsy Sauvignon Blanc loves salty, crunchy and citrusy foods — think briny seafood, fried bites, herb-heavy salads, and anything with lemon, aioli or a little chilli heat. That gentle, tea-like grip also makes it brilliant with richer textures (hello, tempura).

Try matching this wine with →

• Tempura prawns (or tempura veg) — Find a Recipe
• Goat’s cheese & herb salad — Find a Recipe
• Anchovy toast / tinned fish toast — Find a Recipe

Mood or occasion to match this wine…

Late-afternoon drinks that turn into dinner. Put out chips, olives, tinned fish, good bread and one “fancy dip”, and let this be the glass that keeps everything feeling lively.

Cellaring

Delicious right now for its aromatic lift and fresh energy. If you like your skinsy whites a touch more mellow and integrated, stash a bottle for 1–2 years and it will soften and broaden through the middle.

Producer

Minimum Wines is a small, modern Victorian label known for minimal-intervention bottlings that lean into texture, drinkability and personality. The approach is light-handed — wild ferments, gentle handling, and a willingness to leave a little haze when it suits the style. “Colossus of Harry” sits in the more experimental corner, using skin contact and time on lees to build savoury structure rather than chasing classic Sauvignon Blanc sharpness. The result is a food-first white that still feels playful — especially when there’s a snack board nearby.

Related Wines To Try →

• Skinsy, aromatic and ridiculously fun — Delinquente Jaybird Macerato
• Golden, floral and chalky-dry — Das Juice Maceration
• Gentle ‘skinsy’ lift with a soft grip — Battle of Bosworth Dissident Skin Contact Field Blend

FAQ

What does this wine taste like?

Think peach nectar and guava, lemongrass lift and citrus peel, with a dry finish that turns gently pithy and tea-like. It’s savoury and textured rather than grassy or sharply herbaceous. If you like skinsy whites, you’ll get it straight away.

Is it an “orange wine”?

It sits in the orange/skinsy camp because the Sauvignon Blanc is fermented on skins. That contact builds texture and a lightly bitter, pithy edge, plus a cloudy-gold look in the glass. It’s still refreshing — just more structured than a standard white.

Is it sweet or dry?

Dry. The fruit reads ripe and peachy, but the finish stays crisp and savoury with subtle phenolic grip. It’s designed for food, not sweetness.

How should I serve it?

Chill it, but not icy-cold — around 8–10°C is ideal so the aromatics still show. Use a medium-sized white wine glass (or a universal glass) to give the texture room to move. It will open up as it warms slightly in the glass.

Do I need to decant it?

No decanting required, but a little air helps. Pour a glass, swirl, and you’ll notice the savoury layers and florals lift. If you love a softer feel, open it 10–15 minutes ahead.

What foods does it pair best with?

Salty, briny and crispy are the sweet spot: anchovies, olives, goat’s cheese, tempura, fried prawns, roast chicken with lemon, or herb-heavy salads. The skinsy grip loves fried edges and richer textures. It’s a cracking snack-board wine.

Is it organic and vegan?

Yes — it’s certified organic and vegan-suitable. An easy pick when you want minimal-intervention vibes without animal-derived fining agents.

Does it contain preservatives (sulphites)?

It isn’t marketed as preservative-free. Like most wines, it contains sulphites to help keep it stable in bottle. Refer to the Specifications on the product page for the exact details.

How long will it last after opening?

Re-cork and keep it in the fridge, and it will drink well for 3–5 days. The texture can become more integrated on day two. If it starts to feel softer and more savoury, that’s part of the charm.

Who will love it most?

If you like orange wine, skinsy Pinot Gris, or whites with a bit of grip and savoury edge, this is for you. It’s also a great bridge for IPA lovers who enjoy a touch of bitterness and texture. Perfect for anyone who’d rather build a snack board than cook a formal dinner.

(SKU: MN_COH_CV)