Wine Code Breaker #422

To white ant someone is to subvert or undermine from within. It is an Australian slang expression often used in reference to political groups. Of course, it comes from the action of termites that surreptitiously eat away at wooden structures from the inside, only for you to discover too late that all support and strength has crumbled away. To white ant is also an Australian way of making a nod to International Stab Someone in the Back Day. Not heard of this day? Surprising. It is better known as the “Ides of March” that is celebrated on March 15. I have found a glass of wine is the preferred way to drown the urge to white ant or stab someone in the back.

The 2020 Tonic Chardonnay is from the Yarra Valley in Victoria. It is a light yellow golden-coloured wine begins to soften the urge. The nose is all lemons and stone fruits with a ginger spice. The palate brings in peaches, oatmeal, buttered toast and lemon curd. Its creamy tannins lead the way to bliss and its persistence is the perfect tonic against any thoughts of white anting or stabbing.

Enjoy!