Thursday 27 September 2012

Seeking the best Independent Australian Winemakers


Media Release

NAKED WINES HOSTING $1 MILLION GLOBAL WINE COMPETITION

The renowned UK online wine retailer, Naked Wines, has launched a global competition to discover the world’s most talented underground winemakers. Judged by hundreds of consumers, the competition will reward the best independent Australian winemaker with a £50,000 listing on their site – and the chance to win a $500,000 investment fund.

The contest, deemed The $1million Zero to Hero Wine Awards¸is free for winemakers to enter and will consist of six preliminary rounds which will accept entries from countries around the world including, Chile, Spain, the UK, Argentina and France. The leg for Australian entries will take place on 3rd October at Australian House in London. Finalists from each country will receive a £50,000 listing on the Naked Wines site and will compete for a $500,000 investment fund in the grand finale this December.

“Our goal as a business is to reward genuine winemaking talent, not marketing budget, as there are thousands of top-drawers producers who don’t have the means to make give their wines presence on our shores,” explained Rowan Gormley, Founder and CEO of Naked Wines. “Zero to Hero puts every winemaker who enters the competition on a level playing field, being judged by everyday wine drinkers rather than experts or critics, on the juice inside the bottle, rather than the size of their wallet.”

Winemakers must sent samples of their wines the Naked Wines’ UK office in addition to submitting their information via the website. To find out more and enter the competition, interested winemakers can visit http://www.nakedwines.com/zerotohero-aus. Don’t delay! The deadline for entries is Friday, 28 September.

“As a parochial Australian, I'm anticipating an Australian winemaker to scoop the awards,” quips Luke Jecks, Managing Director of Naked Wines Australia. “This competition is a once in a lifetime opportunity for independent Australian winemakers to gain recognition for their craft and to show the rest of world how talented we are.”

Naked Wines (www.nakedwines.com.au) launched in Australia on July 1, 2012 with the mission of ensuring that up-and-coming winemakers without big brand budgets are able to reach consumers on a personal level with investments and distribution. Naked Wines will invest $1.5 million over the next year in Australian vineyards from different regions as part of its first international expansion. The site has also released iPhone and Android apps that allow users to chat to the winemaker of the wine they are drinking, view videos and tasting notes and access exclusive deals.

For more information please visit www.nakedwines.com.au

Twitter @NakedWinesAus

Wednesday 26 September 2012

Hunter Valley Uncorked Balmoral Heats Up With MasterChef 2012 Winner



 


Media Release


 

Hunter Valley Uncorked Balmoral will celebrate its seventh year of showcasing the region's best wines and produce with crowned 2012 MasterChef Andy Allen cooking up a storm on Sunday November 4 between 11am and 5pm at Balmoral Beach.

Offering 21 of the Hunter Valley's finest wineries and a dozen or more Hunter Valley restaurants and food providers, Hunter Valley Uncorked Balmoral has something for everyone. Whether you're a wine lover eager to savour one of the region's acclaimed Semillons or a wine novice wanting to discover what the fuss is all about, this year's event is packed with delicious and exclusive surprises.

The food and wine extravaganza will include tastings from well-known wineries such as Brokenwood Wines, McGuigan Wines, McWilliam's Wines, Mount Pleasant, Tempus Two and Tyrrell's Wines to boutique artisan producers including Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard, De Iuliis Wines, Glandore Estate Wines and Thomas Wines.

"The Hunter Valley produces wine that can comfortably sit alongside the world's best, with our Semillon and Shiraz in particular winning international acclaim," said Andrew Margan, Hunter Valley Wine Industry Association President. "Our wines tend to be medium bodied and food friendly, so they're perfect for Hunter Valley Uncorked Balmoral. This event is the ideal way to get a taste of the region, and then come and discover for yourself why the Hunter Valley is the most popular wine region in the country."

Hunter Valley born and bred, Andy Allen will conduct two live cooking demonstrations for fans and cooking enthusiasts. Find out what is in season for Christmas lunch with Andy's seafood feast at 1pm and catch him whipping up a meat lovers sensation at 3pm.

"I grew up going fishing with my Dad most weekends and love cooking seafood. At Hunter Valley Uncorked Balmoral you can enjoy the freshest seafood with some of the region's best Semillon by the seaside – now that's as good as it gets!" says Andy Allen, winner of MasterChef 2012. "I also love cooking and eating quality beef. Of course, it always tastes better washed down with a great Hunter Shiraz."

Andy will join some of the Hunter Valley's top restaurants, such as RidgeView Restaurant, The Verandah and Restaurant Cuvée, and food producers, including Hunter Valley Cheese Company, Pukara Estate olives and Nelson Bay Seafoods also making their mark on the day.

Hunter Valley Uncorked Balmoral is the ultimate springboard into the festive season where you can discover new Hunter Valley wines for $3.50 (60ml tasting) or enjoy a glass from your favorite producer from $7 (120ml), once you purchase your souvenir glass for only $7 as you arrive. Why not replenish your home cellar on the day by purchasing in single or six-case purchases to take away or complete an order form for delivery to your home on a later date.

Complimentary shuttle buses will be in action and will depart from Mosman's Spit Junction to and from the venue. For more information please visit www.huntervalleyuncorked.com.au

Bottle purchases cannot be consumed at the event

Glasses and vouchers must be purchased by 4.15pm with last drinks poured at 4.45pm


Monday 24 September 2012

BOOK A GOOD CATHOLIC GIRL FOR THE CHRISTMAS PARTY

HARD to beat with party-room
oysters and other seafoods.

Wc24Sep12


David Ellis

WE missed seeing a Riesling under Julie Barry's delightfully-named Good Catholic Girl label last year, but 2011's vintage in South Australia's Clare was one that could simply be summed-up as lousy, with above-average rainfall and the associated humidity-driven diseases that come with it.

But she's certainly made up for it with her 2012 Good Catholic Girl Teresa Riesling that, unlike some previous vintages, she's crafted entirely from fruit from the renowned vineyards of Barry Marsson high above Watervale, rather than blending fruit from several vineyards.

This one bursts forth in the glass with explosive yellow peach, apricot, lychee, passionfruit, apple and lime aromas, and on the palate has stand-out tropical fruit, apple and citrus flavours. If you are a good Catholic girl or a good Catholic boy (or not) this is one to consider getting now for Christmas partying – it's an ideal drop with party-room oysters and other seafoods.

But a word of warning: Julie only made 200 cases at $25 a bottle, so get in now and order online through enquiry@goodcatholicgirl.com.au or by phoning Julie on 0419 822 909. Freight charges apply for this delightful drop, whose label alone is worth it to get the conversation going…
TASTE of Spain with green-lipped
mussels grilled with parsley butter.


ONE FOR LUNCH:
Albarino is a popular white variety that's native to the Galicia region of Spain's Atlantic coast, recognised by lovely dry stone-fruit and citrus flavours and a mineral finish.

A Vionta label Albarino that's now available in Australia sells for $25 and is an ideal seafood wine: in its home country it is often matched with salted cod soaked in milk and roasted, while in America where it's rapidly gaining popularity it's partnered with Maine lobster rolls. Try either of these, or with green-lipped mussels grilled with parsley butter.



NEED A FOOD/DRINK IDEA? Check out  http://www.vintnews.com

                                              




Friday 21 September 2012

Challenges create champions at Lerida Estate


Media Release


 
Lerida Estate has been awarded the Top Gold and a Trophy at the 2012 ActewAGL Canberra Regional Wine Show, and also the Deb Downey Trophy at the NSW Small Winemakers Wine Show, for its 2012 Lerida Estate Pinot Grigio.

"The wines we have previously made from Pinot Gris have been a slightly sweeter style and have always been very popular with customers," said owner Anne Caine. "But we also love of the dryer version of this variety, and the challenging weather during the last two vintages dictated that we pick earlier, benefiting the lighter, more elegant 'Grigio' style. Our 2011 Pinot Grigio was the first vintage where we created this style, and we were really pleased with it, and now we are delighted to see in 2012 that our decision to change has been endorsed by the wine show judges."

According to Lerida Estate's joint owner Jim Lumbers, "there are no secrets in winemaking, only unrelenting attention to detail in every activity, from manicuring the vines, hand picking and sorting all fruit, to oak selection and temperature control.  While medals are not the only thing that most people consider when they are buying wines, it is reassuring to know that wine judges around Australia have recognised the quality of the wines made at Lerida Estate. This is a vote of confidence in both Canberra's Lake George terroir, as well as the winemaker's skills."

So far this year Lerida Estate has been awarded 3 Trophies and 23 Gold, Silver & Bronze medals.  While this is a great result by itself, what is more impressive is that the medals have been awarded across the range of wines made by Lerida Estate including Shiraz Viognier, Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Botrytis Pinot Gris.

For a full list of the awards see www.leridaestate.com.au/pages/Awards.html

Thursday 20 September 2012

Wine Lovers Get a Taste of Style With Sip Your Noir

Media Release

Pop-Up Wine Bar during the Crave Sydney International Food Festival this October

Discover what makes Pinot Noir one of the most stylish and supple red wine sips today at the Sip Your Noir: Pinot Noir, the New Black event, co-hosted by online drinks publication Sip Your Style and wine/lifestyle PR specialists, White Ink. On Friday 19 October during the Crave Sydney International Food Festival (SCIFF).

Sip Your Noir provides an opportunity to sip on over 20 stylish Pinot Noir wines from some of most iconic wineries in Australia & NZ including Akarua, Brokenwood, Brown Brothers, Grant Burge & Holm Oak. Pinot Noir, or simply 'Pinot' as its referred to by its devotees, is definitely the next big thing in red wine, loved for its medium-bodied, cool-climate elegance and finesse; and broad spectrum of flavours  – from bright red cherry fruit characters, to earthy and savoury goodness.  Be seduced by this lighter style of red wine with timeless appeal – definitely the new black.

"Pinot Noir is arguably one of the most popular red wine styles being sipped by the stylish set, with its origins in Burgundy France," said Katrina Holden, editor and founder of Sip Your Style. "We'll present a broad range of styles to explore, from Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia, New South Wales and New Zealand. What many tend to love about Pinot is its light-to-medium body, making it an ideal choice for those craving a lighter-style of red wine still packed full of complex flavours," said Katrina.

"Pinot Noir is becoming a hot favourite as a go-to when craving a lighter style of red. My thoughts are as the event title suggests 'Pinot Noir is the new black'. So why not showcase a range of Noir for all Pinot Noir lovers," said managing director of White Ink., Kylie White.

Sip Your Noir (and all three events) will be hosted at a funky and cool secret location in The Rocks setting the mood for a Friday night of stylish indulgence and discovery. In addition to the wines, the event will feature musical beats creating ambience; reasonably priced and themed food from a food vendor; and wines enjoyed in Riedel glassware.

Tickets cost just $30 and can be purchased online through www.sipyourstyle.com.au or www.whiteink.com.au/crave2012

Sip Your Style and White Ink. have partnered during the popular SIFF festival in October on this event, Fifty Shades of Gris and also Sip Your Modo: Australian flavour, Italian style (Fri 7 Oct); and Sip Your Noir: Pinot Noir, the New Black (Fri 19 Oct).  Highly publicised, SCIFF is presented by Citibank and is a landmark on the Sydney calendar, enhancing and consolidating Sydney's status as a world-class food city and global dining destination.

Monday 17 September 2012

Fifty Shades of Gris | Crave's most seductive and sexy wine experience

Media Release

Tickets are now available to Fifty Shades of Gris – one of the Crave Sydney International Food Festival's most seductive and sexy wine experiences happening this Spring.

Spend a scintillating Saturday night on 13 October taking a revealing look at Fifty Shades of Gris, co-hosted by online drinks publication Sip Your Style and wine/lifestyle PR and event specialists, White Ink., during the month-long Crave Sydney International Food Festival in October.

There will be more than 50 takes on Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio wines to arouse the senses at Fifty Shades of Gris. Make a night of it as you discover the sensuous, textural, fresh and crisp styles of Pinot Gris and Grigio from around the world including some of Australia and New Zealand's most iconic wineries – Petaluma, Brown Brothers, Tyrrell's, Peter Lehmann, Angullong, Akarua, Cumulus, Tempus Two, Grant Burge, Optimiste, Kirrihill & Villa Maria – definitely some of the hottest white wines the stylish set will be sipping this Spring and Summer. Not only will there be titillating wines, music and food but who knows – Mr Grey may even be in the crowd!

"This event will be an excellent start to a night out with the girls – what better way to do it than an evening inspired by the global Fifty Shades phenomenon" said Kylie White, Managing Director of White Ink.  "There may even be a few cheeky surprises in store, but these will all be 'exposed' in good time".

"The events which Sip Your Style co-hosts are all about helping people discover new drinks styles in relaxed, stylish and contemporary settings," said editor and founder, Katrina Holden. "While Fifty Shades of Gris may have a slightly 'naughty' tone, the messages about the wine styles will be delivered to our guests, who will meander their way through the 50 wines in accordance of style – from the crisp and fresh end of the Pinot G Style Spectrum to the more luscious, full-bodied & curvaceous styles," said Katrina.

Sip Your Style and White Ink. have partnered during the popular SIFF festival in October on this event, Fifty Shades of Gris and also Sip Your Modo: Australian flavour, Italian style (Fri 7 Oct); and Sip Your Noir: Pinot Noir, the New Black (Fri 19 Oct).  Highly publicised, SIFF is presented by Citibank and is a landmark on the Sydney calendar, enhancing and consolidating Sydney's status as a world-class food city and global dining destination.

Fifty Shades of Gris (and all three events) will be hosted in a secret & sexy location in The Rocks - setting the mood for a sultry evening spent discovering your G-style! In addition to the wines, the event will feature live music; fabulous food; wines enjoyed in Riedel glassware and Santa Vittoria water will be available to refresh and please your palate.

Tickets cost just $30 and can be purchased online through either www.sipyourstyle.com.au  or www.whiteink.com.au/crave2012


HOUGHTON’S STILL A CLASSIC 75 YEARS ON

A CLASSIC 75 years on
– enjoy with roast chicken and
green olive and prune stuffing.

Wc17Sep12

David Ellis


IT'S amazing enough that a white wine should continue to be made to basically the same style as it was when launched 75 years ago, but more so that at around just $11 it has the potential to also develop beautifully over 10 years in the cellar.

Houghton's White Classic was conceived by the legendary Jack Mann at the company's winery in Western Australia's Swan Valley in 1937, using basically Chenin Blanc with a blend of several other white varieties. The same year it won First Prize in the 'Dry White Table Wine' class at the Royal Melbourne Wine Show, with the judges saying they were "taken-aback by its bold new style."

And when one described it "as like the great White Burgundies of France," the company jumped on the quote and labelled it Houghton's White Burgundy. The name stuck until the European Union banned the use of their regional names by other countries in 2006, and it was re-named Houghton's White Classic.

Today it's making is in the hands of Senior Winemaker, Ross Pamment who deviates little from Jack Mann's original criteria, still using Chenin Blanc with a mix of several other varieties to result in lovely tropical fruit flavours of grapefruit, passionfruit, lime and rockmelon, complemented by peach and green apple.

Pay around $11 and enjoy with roast chicken and green olive and prune stuffing.

BEAUT drop to go with a beaut steak.

ONE FOR LUNCH: Steven Kurtz has put to good use fruit off 10- to 45-year old vines he deliberately pruned for low yields for his Kurtz Family Vineyards' Boundary Row 2009 Shiraz, a knock-out drop at $24 for those who like a beaut steak and a beaut wine to go with it.

The Kurtz family are 4th generation Barossan growers and vignerons of German descent, and winemaker Steve has coaxed wonderful black plum and cherry flavours to the fore with this drop. Ready to enjoy now, it's also one to consider for that special spot in the cellar over the next few years for future extra pleasure.

(NEED A FOOD/DRINK IDEA? Check out  http://www.vintnews.com )

                                                    




Thursday 13 September 2012

All Sweet and no Sour @ 2012 ISWC

Media Release
 

ALL SWEET AND NO SOUR AT 2012 INTERNATIONAL SWEET WINE CHALLENGE

On Saturday the Griffith Showground in Riverina NSW was full of sweet-talk with the 2012 International Sweet Wine Challenge announcing the winners of this year's competition and shining a light on the variety and quality of sweet and medium-sweet wines from around the world.

A record number of entries to this year's challenge highlighted the diversity of sweet wines available; wines not just for special occasions or to have with desserts but to enjoy at many different times. Riverina Winemakers' Association President Les Worland said, "Australia is the perfect location to host such a showcase of sweet wines as we are known for pushing the boundaries with wine and bending traditional drinking rules. And of course the Riverina is also well-known for its ability to produce world-class sweet wines."

The wine that claimed the ultimate title of the 2012 International Sweet Wine of the Year was the 2011 Forrest Wines Noble Semillon from New Zealand. Judge Ben Edwards (co-contributor to James Halliday's Wine Companion and President of Sommeliers Australia) said, "This year's winner showed amazing purity of expression and is a beautifully balanced wine with a long future. It is exciting to have an international winner this year as it validates the Challenge and provides a benchmark for local wines."

After claiming the top trophy last year, local Riverina winery Lillypilly Estate also gave another strong performance in 2012, taking home two Trophies, 'Best Mature Sweet, Other Varieties & Blends' and 'Best Sweet Wine from the Museum Class'.

FULL LIST OF TROPHY WINNERS:

Best Sweet Moscato styles ~ 2012 Deakin Estate Moscato
Best Medium Sweet ~ 2012 Josef Chromy SGR Riesling
Best Young Sweet, Floral styles ~ 2011 Osawa Wines Noble Gewurztraminer
Best Mature Sweet, Floral styles ~ 2010 Nepenthe Winemakers Selection Riesling
Best Young Sweet, Semillon predominant ~ 2011 Forrest Wines Noble Semillon
Best Mature Sweet, Semillon predominant ~ 2008 De Bortoli Deen Botrytis Semillon
Best Young Sweet, Other Varieties & Blends ~ 2011 The Ned Noble Sauvignon Blanc
Best Mature Sweet, Other Varieties & Blends ~ 2008 Lillypilly Noble Blend
Best Sweet Wine from the Museum Class ~ 2006 Lillypilly Noble Harvest
2012 International Sweet Wine of the Year ~ 2011 Forrest Wines Noble Semillon

The Riverina Winemakers Association created the International Sweet Wine Challenge seven years ago to showcase the quality of sweet wines around the world and allow Australian sweet wines to be judged alongside their international counterparts.

Judging was held at Woodside Hall, Griffith Showgrounds, overseen by Judges Ben Edwards, Jeremy Dineen and Sue Bell, and the winners were announced at the Awards Presentation luncheon on Saturday 8 September 2012.


For information on the Riverina Winemakers' Association:

www.riverinawinemakers.com.au

 

Tuesday 11 September 2012

NO ARMCHAIR CRITICS AT 2012 RIVERINA WINE SHOW


This weekend was a special celebration for McWilliam’s Wines when the Riverina Winemakers Association presented two of their wines the highest awards at the show. The 2010 Zeppelin Amelie Shiraz (Eden Valley) was named ‘Best Dry Red’ of the show and the 2010 Armchair Critic Chardonnay (Tumbarumba) claimed the ‘Best Dry White’ Trophy. And it was the Chardonnay that impressed the judges the most and was awarded the ultimate title of ‘Best Still Wine of Show’.

Jim Brayne, Chief Operating Officer at McWilliam’s Wines said, “We are obviously over the moon to win these awards. Zeppelin and Armchair Critic are relatively new brands to our portfolio so to receive this recognition is a really strong endorsement of our work in these regions and with these wines. The results really reward the team’s hard work and spur us on for the future.”

The other highly anticipated Popular Premium category saw a Trophy awarded to De Bortoli Wines’ 2010 db Petite Sirah. The Riverina Wine Show is unique in its aim to specifically recognise the quality of “Popular Premium” wines - those wines which are widely available to the general public, with production runs of at least 45,000 litres (the equivalent of around 60,000 bottles). As Chair of Judges Ben Edwards (co-contributor to James Halliday’s Wine Companion and President of Sommeliers Australia) puts it, “Trophies that highlight to the consumer that big really can be beautiful!”

De Bortoli Wines not only collected the ‘Best Popular Premium red wine’ Trophy but were also awarded the title of overall ‘Most Successful Exhibitor’ (as well as ‘Most Successful Exhibitor of Still Wines made from Local Fruit’) flying the flag for local producers at the show. Full list of Trophy winners below …

Judging was held at Woodside Hall, Griffith Showgrounds on Tuesday 4th and 5th September and the winners were announced at the Awards Presentation luncheon on Saturday 8th September in conjunction with the Griffith Jockey Clubs race day.

Trophy winning wines at the 2012 Riverina Wine Show:

1] Best Semillon - sponsored by the Riverina Winemakers Association

McGuigan Vineyard Select Semillon 2005 (Hunter Valley)
2] Best Semillon Blend - sponsored by the Riverina Winemakers Association
Tempus Two Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2012 (Hunter Valley)

3] Best Dry White, Floral Styles - sponsored by Braid Logistics Australia

Dorrien Estate Bin 4 Riesling 2012 (Barossa Valley)

4] Best Dry White, Other Varieties - sponsored by Amcor

Nugan Estate Frasca’s Lane Pinot Grigio 2011 (Riverina)

5] Best Chardonnay 1yo - donated by the Griffith Show Society

Tightrope Walker 2011 Chardonnay (Yarra Valley)

6] Best Chardonnay over 1 yo - sponsored by the Riverina Winemakers Association

Armchair Critic 2010 Chardonnay (Tumbarumba)

7] Best Shiraz - sponsored by Collier and Miller

Zeppelin Amelie 2010 Shiraz (Eden Valley)

8] Best Cabernet Sauvignon - sponsored by Patrick Portlink

Brand’s Laira One Seven One Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (Coonawarra)

9] Best Durif - sponsored by the AEB Group

De Bortoli Wines 2010 db Petite Sirah (Riverina)

10] Best Dry Red, other varieties - sponsored by Riverina Winemakers Association

The Wine Society 2011 Society Tasmanian Pinot Noir (Tasmania)

11] Best Dry Red Blend - sponsored by Diverse Barrel Solutions

Brand’s Laira August Tide Merlot Cabernet 2010 (Coonawarra)

12] Best Fortified, Sweet Style – sponsored by Tarac Technologies

Morris Wines Old Premium Liqueur Tokay (Rutherglen)

13] Best Fortified, Australian Fortified Red Style – sponsored by Collotype Labels

Angove 2010 Vintage Fortified Shiraz (Riverland)

14] Best Still Wine from Riverina Fruit - sponsored by the Wine Grapes Marketing Board

De Bortoli Wines 2010 db Petite Sirah (Riverina)

15] Best Popular Premium red wine - sponsored by Woolworth’s Liquor Group

De Bortoli Wines 2010 db Petite Sirah (Riverina)

16] Best Dry Red - sponsored by Riverina Winemakers Association

Zeppelin Amelie 2010 Shiraz (Eden Valley)

17] Best Dry White - sponsored by the Port of Melbourne

Armchair Critic 2010 Chardonnay (Tumbarumba)

18] Best Still Wine of Show - the Ian Bicego Trophy

Armchair Critic 2010 Chardonnay (Tumbarumba)

19] Most Successful Exhibitor of Still Wines made from Local Fruit - sponsored by A & G

De Bortoli Wines

20] Most Successful Exhibitor - sponsored by Sydney Ports Corporation

De Bortoli Wines

STELLAR DROP FROM NSW SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS


Wc10Sep12


David Ellis
STAR stand-out with Thai
dishes or a range of seafoods.

THE Southern Highlands wine region in NSW is one to watch for its often-stellar Sauvignon Blancs off vineyards that thrive in the cool-climate conditions that suit the variety so well.

And one truly stellar performer is the small Banjo's Run at Exeter at the very southern end of the Highlands region, its 2011 Sauvignon Blanc a wonderfully fresh and aromatic wine with plenty of varietal flavour. Owner Bill Hall bought the old and somewhat rundown vineyard around three years ago and has achieved wonders in his program of rejuvenation.

The 2011 growing season was cool throughout and with record high rainfall that resulted in vigorous canopy growth and subsequent slow-ripening of fruit that developed those intense flavours. With typically Sauvignon Blanc passionfruit and tropical fruits to the fore, its one to enjoy with Thai foods, or if you are not into spiciness, with a wide range of seafoods.

Value buying at $28 from the cellar door, or $308 a case – order on 0408 228 724 or www.banjosrun.com.au. Delivery charges apply to some areas.


VALUE buying to enjoy with barbecued
mint-marinated lamb steaks.
WINE OF THE WEEK: Take Old World wines from some of the best vineyards in France's Languedoc region, apply New World methods and philosophies in the winery and you can expect a top drop – and a top price.

But quirky-named Arrogant Frog has achieved the Old World/New World combination with its 2011 Croak Rotie Shiraz, and put it on the shelves here for just $10.99. Smooth and quite luscious in flavour, it's a great and affordable drop with barbecued mint-marinated lamb steaks.

Available only through Dan Murphy's, BWS and Woolworth's Liquor.


(NEED A FOOD/DRINK IDEA? Check out  http://www.vintnews.com )




Monday 10 September 2012

TOP 1OO Wines Newsletter

Inline images 1

SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL WINE COMPETITION

Australia's International Wine Show. Founded 1982. European Union Accredited.

Only Major International Wine Show to Judge Finalists Alongside Appropriate Food.

P O Box 210, Wentworth Falls, NSW 2782, Australia

info@top100wines.com   tel +61 (0)2 4757 4400

"In Australasia, in China, USA, Britain and Europe, throughout the World! Our Awards are a highly recognisable, most effective marketing tool!"

In the past twelve months 650,000 real and potential consumers visited to review and digest our website's Judges' comments on our Competition's Award winning wines.

LAST DAYS for your wine's chance to wear one of the the 2013 Competition's distinctive Bottle Medallions

ENTRIES CLOSE for the 2013 SIWC Competition next Friday, 14 September 2012

Entry Forms

Sunday 9 September 2012

Savour a little taste of Italy at Sip Your Modo

Media Release

Savour a little taste of Italy at Sip your Modo: Australian flavours, Italian Style during the Crave Sydney International Food Festival this October

Spend a Sunday afternoon sipping wine aperitivo style at the second instalment of the popular Sip your Modo: Australian flavours, Italian style event, co-hosted by online drinks publication Sip Your Style and wine/lifestyle PR specialists, White Ink. on Sunday 7 October during the Crave Sydney International Food Festival (SIFF).

Be inspired by Australian wines made from Italian grape varietals. This one is for all the Italophiles out there who like a bit of stallion on the side. It's a different style of tasting, with an opportunity to try all things Italian - with over 20 wines from around eight Australian producers including the likes of Brown Brothers, De Bortoli, Oliver's Taranga and Dal Zotto to name a few. Guests will be able to sip on sangiovese, moscato, nebbiolo, barbera, moscato, prosecco, pinot grigio and many more.

"Our first Sip Your Modo event in April proved to be a relaxed, fun and laid-back way for sippers to spend a Sunday arvo exploring some of the most stylish and exciting wines made on home soil," said Katrina Holden, editor and founder of Sip Your Style. "It was rewarding to see our guests discover these styles of wines in a chilled-out environment and be able to chat directly to the producers behind the many quirky labels," said Katrina.

Sip Your Style and White Ink. have again partnered during the popular SIFF festival in October on this event, Sip Your Modo and also Fifty Shades of Gris (Sat 13 Oct); and Sip Your Noir: Pinot Noir, the New Black (Fri 19 Oct).  Highly publicised, SIFF is presented by Citibank and is a landmark on the Sydney calendar, enhancing and consolidating Sydney's status as a world-class food city and global dining destination. It's effectively Sydney's version of the month-long Melbourne Food and Wine Festival.

"As I'm a Italophile myself this event is one I enjoy, in April this year it was proven to be a popular afternoon. Exploring all the different styles and varieties of Italian inspired wines is  one to add to the bucket list for anyone who loves wine. We're hosting over 20 Italian inspired wines for you to try - it will be a fun relaxing way to spend a Sunday afternoon" said managing director of White ink, Kylie White.

Sip Your Modo (and all three events) will be hosted at a sexy and cool inner-city location setting the mood for an afternoon of aperitivo enjoyment. In addition to the wines, the event will feature musical beats creating ambience; reasonably priced and themed food; and wines enjoyed in Riedel glassware.

Tickets cost just $30 and can be purchased online through either  www.sipyourstyle.com.au and www.whiteink.com.au/crave2012


Pop some New Gen into your October


It has been a very busy year for the New Generation Hunter Valley boys. What, with an epic Caravan of Courage adventure, sell out wine bar and dinner events in every town and city they pop into, a very colourful #vinointhesnow trip in Thredbo, not to mention the myriad of trophy winning wines up their sleeves – and now, this October during the Crave Sydney Morning Herald International Food Festival, these six lads who have quite successfully made a name for themselves as 'ones to watch…but keep at a safe distance' are at it again...

Back by popular demand, the next New Generation Hunter Valley Pop Up Wine Bar will be exposing the winemaking and hip-shaking talents of this #semsational sextet in a secret Sydney location on Friday 5th October. Tickets are NOW ON SALE and these events never disappoint, as for the measly price of just $30 not only do you get awesome live entertainment and fabulous food, but turns out the wines are pretty smart as well – and you can sample each and every single one of them while chatting to the maker himself (and their sexy side-kicks).

These Pop Up Wine Bars are known to get pretty… busy, so if you're after something a little more 'intimate' – then why not try a One Night Stand and get up close and personal with one of your favourites including David  'Hooky' Hook, Nick 'Dog' Paterson, Mike De Iuliius or Andrew "Thommo" Thomas. These smaller, but no less enticing tastings will give you a good feel for the individual style and personality of these iconic New Generation winemakers, and no doubt you'll learn a thing or two about what makes their 'booze' so deliciously good. Tickets for the one night stand events are also $30, including a free Riedel glass to take home and some other added surprises (including yet-to-be-released vintages, museum stock and other goodies!)

The best part of all of this is that you needn't leave Sydney to experience the best of what the Hunter Valley has to offer for little more than the price of a round at your local pub. Who knows though, once you do experience a New Generation Hunter Valley wine bar – you'll want to head north towards Wine Country and do it all again faster than we can say #semsational.

ALL TICKETS $30 NOW ON SALE VIA WWW.NEWGENERATIONHUNTERVALLEY.COM.AU


New Generation Hunter Valley Pop Up Wine Bar                            Friday 5 October 6-9pm

Up Close and Personal with David Hook Wines                                 Saturday 6 October 4-7pm

Up Close and Personal with Mistletoe Wines                                    Sunday 14 October 2-5pm

Up Close and Personal with De Iuliis Wines                                        Thursday 18 October 6-9pm

Up Close and Personal with Thomas Wines                                        Thursday 25 October 6-9pm


Details of the secret venue will be released in the weeks prior to the event – all ticket holders will be notified by email.

Make sure you're following @NewGenHV on Twitter and check out facebook.com/newgenerationhuntervalley for more clues and giveaways.

W   www.whiteink.com.au

Monday 3 September 2012

BOOK AND BOTTLE – TREASURES FOR WINE BUFFS

TREASURE-HOUSE of help for the
serious collector or total wine novice.

Wc03Sep12

ROB GEDDES' annual Australian Wine Vintages is often dubbed "The Gold Book," an apt description for what's a real treasure-house of information for everyone from the most serious collector to the total novice.

Rob brings together detailed tasting notes of 5000-plus wines that he's tasted in the past year from 320 of Australia's best wineries, indicative prices, and details about each winery's cellar door and other facilities. As well there's a quick guide to wine varieties, Australia's wine regions, and details about those wineries that make Certified Organic and Biodynamic wines.

This latest edition – the 30th – also includes a Gold Star list of what Rob considers the most-consistent producers in Australia, a list of his Top 100 wines tasted in the past year, and suggestions as to where to eat and stay in our many and diverse wine regions.

Great if you're looking for the best buy for your wine buck, and a handy pocket-size to slip in the jacket pocket, in the handbag or to have handy in the glove-box of the car; available at bookstores this month at $34.95, or order through www.thegoldbook.com.au where it's also available in App version as well.


SERIOUS stuff for grand celebrations,
and with a pedigree going back to 1734.
ONE FOR LUNCH: HERE'S Liquid Treasure: we don't often get the opportunity to pass the nose over a glass of $150 a bottle Champagne, never mind being encouraged to actually drink it, so we jumped at the chance when a 2004 Champagne Taittinger Brut Millesime came our way just recently. And what a chance – this absolutely sensational drop from a Champagne house whose history goes back to 1734 has intense yet delicate lemon and mandarin aromas, and typically dominant citrus on the palate coupled with a touch of quince.

A grand special-occasion Champers made with equal parts of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, its one that will give a magical sparkle to the coming Festive Season… or any other celebrations that call for something well beyond the norm from birthdays to weddings, personal achievements and goals, to new arrivals.

(NEED A FOOD/DRINK IDEA? Check out  http://www.vintnews.com )