Monday 16 December 2013

WINE GUIDE FOR NOVICES AND EXPERTS

USEFUL gift idea for wine novice or expert alike.

Wc16Dec13

David Ellis

A GREAT Christmas gift idea for those hard-to-buy-for relatives or mates who are maybe just taking their first steps along the fascinating road of wine, or are already somewhat of experts on the subject, is Jeremy Oliver's Australian Wine Annual 2014.

For here is a handy-sized guide for pocket, purse, glove-box or home bar or cellar, that details wines from over 300 Australian wineries, has invaluable tasting notes on some 1,400 current releases, and more than 14,000 ratings of back vintages. And it's also packed with loads of useful advice on what to drink, what to cellar (and what not to cellar) – and Jeremy's always highly-anticipated opinion on what are our Top 100 Aussie-made wines, and his equally-anticipated best buys for under $20.

You'll also find plenty of interesting observations on how we're over-supplied with local product yet at the same time saturated with cheap imports, Australia's ever-evolving diversity of blends, local wineries to keep an eye on, and why Jeremy considers the best wine released this year was Wynns John Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon 2010.

This 17th edition of The Australian Wine Annual is available from most book stores, select fine wine outlets and cellar doors, and at $32.95 great as a gift – or for yourself.

SCREW-CAP bubbly sure to
be a hit over the festive season.
ONE TO NOTE: WHILE the traditionalists will doubtless look down their noses – as many did both here and overseas when Australian winemakers starting putting their wines under screw-caps – we think one of the best ideas to hit the market in 2013 is the just-released Yellowglen Yellow Brut Cuvée that's got a resealable screw cap.  

It means no more wrestling with stubborn corks or losing some of your bubbly when it fizzes up and overflows with the release of the exploding cork – and best of all if you enjoy just a glass or two with dinner at night, simply screw the cap back on to keep the remainder fresh and full of fizz for subsequent evenings.

And it's just $14.99… while for those who can't bear to break with tradition, yes, Yellow Brut Cuvée will continue to still be available with a cork seal.

NEED A FOOD/DRINK IDEA? Check out  http://www.vintnews.com We're also on Australian Good Food Guide http://www.agfg.com.au  in main blog.
                                                  

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