Real Men Do Drink Rosé

David Ellis

THERE'S something of a revolution underway in the world of wine, with markets from Australia to Europe, Africa to the USA, and just about everywhere in-between, recording phenomenal growth in the sales of pink rosé.

Leading liquor retailers in Australia say they've seen sales of rosés leap more than twenty per cent over the past year, in the US the figure is nearly double that at forty-one per cent for the year, while UK rosé sales doubled last summer over those of 2016… and in France last year makers in Provence alone sold a staggering 176,000,000 bottles of the wine on local and international markets.

And so popular is the pink drink becoming in Australia, especially offered chilled for outdoors partying and dining enjoyment in our warmer Spring and Summer months, that some experts are predicting rosé will actually outsell white wines in this country within the next ten years.

Proving ideal on hot summer's days for being crisp, cool, tart (and even sometimes fruity,) rosé is a wine that can be enjoyed on its own as a refresher, or as "Frosé" – a concoction that's grabbed attention world-wide, and is made by freezing rosé with lemon juice and sugar, creating as some say, a kind of grown-ups' Slush Puppie.

And the most interesting thing in all of this, is that makers and sellers alike say that it is men who are now leading the charge in rosé sales, happily ordering it by the glass at the bar, by the carafe to share as a group, and particularly in America, in magnum size bottles in restaurants and hotels.

And they no longer have any concern about being seen tossing down this one-time "girlie" pink drink, readily letting the world know that these days Real Men Do Drink Rosé

As a food companion, rosé is ideal with everything from antipasto to party finger foods, pate, salami, calamari, and for something more substantial, a prawn curry.

[] IN FRANCE last year makers in Provence (pictured,) sold a mind-blowing 176,000,000 bottles of rosé on local and international markets.

Canowindra’s Pig in the House

JOHN ROZENTALS looks at a new pig entering the house to join the ranks of organic wine,

One of NSW's leading organic wine producers, Canowindra's Pig in the House, has released two new wines in time for the summer break — Pig in the House 2017 Organic Rosé and Pig in the House 2017 Organic Chardonnay.

Both wines retail for $25 at full margin.

The growth in sales for Pig in the House correlated with the growth seen in the organic wine market over recent years, with figures revealing that the number of consumers who claimed to have purchased organic wine increased from 13per cent in 2012 to 20 per cent in 2016.

"We are also seeing this increase in consumption through our distribution channels," said winery owner and vigneron Jason O'Dea.

"This growth, along with increasing demand for rosé made it an easy decision to make the new Pig in the House Organic Rosé."

Visit www.piginthehouse.com.au.

WINE REVIEWS

Pig in the House 2017 Organic Rosé ($25): Winemaker Anthony D'Onise chose mainly sangiovese, blended with just a touch of shiraz, to make this wine, which is resfreshingly crisp, enticingly flavoured an quite dry. "Stylistically speaking, we were aiming to capture the varietal characters," said D'Onise. Mission accomplished.

Pig in the House 2017 Organic Chardonnay ($25): I like this modern style of chardonnay, with its just subtle of oak gained through 15 per cent barrel fermentation. D'Onise likes the "white peach purity" of chardonnay from the Cowra district. So do I.

Calabria Bros Sophie Rosé 2016 - Barossa Valley

FROM Calabria Bros Wines in Griffith NSW
an exceptional 2016 Barossa Valley Sophie Rosé,
that at $18 is ideal with Italian antipasti tapas,
or a coconut prawn curry.

ONE TO NOTE: GRIFFITH-based Calabria Bros Wines have an almost magical rosé in their Barossa Valley Sophie Rosé 2016 that maestro Bill Calabria crafted from Barossa Shiraz, Grenache, Mourvedre and a touch of Pinot Grigio.

With flavours suggesting fresh-cut apples and succulent red forest berries, this wine named after Bill's first granddaughter Sophie, has a nicely savoury and dry finish to enjoy slightly chilled with a coconut prawn curry, or with Italian antipasti tapas. And at $18 it's nicely priced for family enjoyment.

30 Oct 2017

Eloquesta’s Olsen challenging our wine industry’s norms

Doing it the old-fashioned way … Stuart Olsen uses his feet to stir up a red ferment.

John Rozentals
The Australian wine industry may be brimming with characters but it is essentially a fairly conservative place, with just about everyone pursuing clinically perfect wines. It's a goal that Stuart Olsen, who makes wine at Dubbo under the Eloquesta label, principally using fruit from Mudgee and Orange, reckons leads to a boring sameness.

REVIEWS

Eloquesta 2014 'A Boy with Fruit' Orange Chardonnay ($32): Winemaker Stuart Olsen certainly thought laterally when he made this wine and consumers will have to do likewise when they taste it. The fruit comes from the Orange district, in two equal-size batches — from Gordon Hills Estate on the Cargo Road and from the warmer, lower-altitude Belgravia Vineyard near Molong.

It's made in an "antique style", as they did hundreds of years ago in places such as Croatia and Slovenia — foot-trodden on skins for two-to-three weeks, and pressed into old, new and reconditioned French oak and brand-new Hungarian oak, and matured for nearly two years. The barrels were stirred monthly on gross lees. It was only lightly filtered at bottling and retains some yeast sediment and hence potential cloudiness if stirred up —just like the best of Coopers ales. It shows a complex blend of fruit and associated flavours — Stuart sees dried stonefruit, mango, honey and acacia flowers in the bouquet, and I'm not going to disagree with him. It's a deeply golden-coloured, complex brew that won't be to everyone's taste but keen wine people will mostly love it for its uniqueness in Australia and the honesty of the winemaking approach.

Grab a couple of bottles and share them with wine-loving friends over some hearty, strongly flavoured eastern Mediterranean seafood dishes. And please excuse the lengthiness of this review, but it's a provocative white wine worth study, contemplation and much discussion about whether our wines are generally overly pure and too sanitised. Visit eloquesta.com.au.

Eloquesta 2015 ‘A Boy with Fruit’ Mudgee Rosalia ($22): This is another one out of left field. In Australia black muscat grapes are usually used to make frivolous pink moscatos and muscat liqueurs. Instead, Stuart Olsen has made a dry, quite aromatic rosé showing nuances of Turkish delight. It’s light, flavoursome, and good just about anywhere that doesn’t demand anything too serious. Rosalia, incidentally, is a Hungarian rosé festival — and the name of Stuart’s grandmother. Visit eloquesta.com.au.

Blue Wren No. 516 Rosé - Mudgee

Blue Wren, nestled amongst the vines and situated in one of New South Wales' premium wine regions – Mudgee - has just released their first ever rosé label, Blue Wren No. 516 Rosé.

Joining the Rosé Revolution this is the first time that Blue Wren has produced rosé, using Merlot grapes from The Lost Block. The Lost Block is located in the Mudgee region, situated on a small four-acre block that produces low yielding yet high quality fruit and having never  been utilised for a decade - hence the title of The Lost Block.

The result of this is the Blue Wren No. 516 Rosé exhibiting a delicate wine that is clean and crisp with a subtle pink colour and fresh lifted with red berry fruit of the raspberry and a slight hint of strawberry.

At 13.5% alcohol, Blue Wren's rosé is a tran-seasonal drink, that is crisp, dry and savoury on the palate with a sharp dry quick finish making it the perfect dinner aperitif or equally a pleasant light dessert wine.

"We are very happy with the result. Mudgee's grape growing conditions are well suited to traditional rosé varieties, that give rosé produced in Mudgee a distinct ripe and savoury taste that goes with a range of dishes," Says Blue Wren owner Kip Harris.

Today, Rosé wine is among the fastest growing wine styles in Australia because of its refreshing drinkability, and suits the warm climate and it goes with a wide selection of foods.

"We have seen the popularity for rosé grow in and around the region and the exceptional quality of grapes produced here in Mudgee. We are now a part of the Rosé Revolution and have created a vibrant and tran-seasonal wine," says Harris.

For further information please visit: www.bluewrenwines.com.au

Mr Mick 2016 Rosé - Clare Valley

ONE TO NOTE: TIM Adams and Brett Schutz, winemakers at the Clare Valley's Mr Mick Wines, have released a 2016 Rosé that Mr Mick himself (the late and legendary Mick Knappstein who had a great passion for Rosé,) would be more than delighted with.

Because this one's been made in the style Mick Knappstein enthused over – fresh, easy-drinking and in his words "for everyone to enjoy." And particularly so with food, yet at the same time also being a great drop to enjoy on its own as an aperitif.

With subtle apple, raspberry and strawberry fruit flavours and nice fresh acidity, this is a Rosé that will go perfectly with Asian dishes, or any other foods with a little spiciness. Pay $17, and while enjoying this one raise your glass to the late Mr Mick.

[] A ROSÉ made equally for enjoyment with food, or on its own as an aperitif.

Margan Shiraz Saignee Rosé - Logan Weemala Shiraz Viognier

TRY something different with this Rosé
– like barbecued all-pork sausages and a tossed salad
jazzed up with a touch of spice and saltiness.

SHIRAZ SAIGNEE'S A ROSÉ BY ANY NAME

David Ellis

THE Hunter Valley's Andrew Margan is a dab hand with Rosé, and a 2014 Shiraz Saignee Rosé he's recently released is a nice creamy drop whose aromas and flavours are almost akin to a romp through a lolly shop.

Saignee is a French term referring to the juice that's run-off from the soaking red grape skins to make a wine that's pink rather than full-on red, although in this case the wine's more a brilliant ruby red than pink.

Andrew used 100% Shiraz from his 40 year old Fordwich Sill vineyard for this one, and when poured into the glass it's all about lovely strawberry, cranberry and milk lolly aromas; on the palate it's strawberries again (with perhaps thoughts of straw-berries and cream,) with the Shiraz also giving off some Allspice notes as well.

We normally like matching Andrew's Rosés with spicy Indian dishes, but on this occasion we paired it with barbecued all-pork sausages from our local butcher, and a tossed salad we'd jazzed up with a touch of spice and saltiness. At just $15 a bottle for Rosé, it was a match we didn't regret.

THIS one with its wonderful flavours and tannins
is made for enjoyment with your favourite steak.

ONE TO NOTE: NSW Central Ranges maker, Peter Logan reckons 2013 was the best vintage for Shiraz he's seen in his 20 years in the region, so that a Logan Weemala Shiraz Viognier he's just released is a wine that after putting in the barrel he pretty much left there for a year to evolve itself.

"It was a breeze," he says of this 2013, "and with 70% Mudgee and 30% Orange Shiraz and a just a small portion of Viognier, it is quintessentially Mudgee, with a floral perfume over red and dark berry and cherry aromas, and a rustic palate."

At $19.95 this is a wine to enjoy now, or to leave in the cellar for long into the future – making a 6-bottle buy a great idea so you can enjoy noting its development over the next few years. With its wonderful flavours and tannins, it's made to consider with your favourite steak.

                                                    

for week beginning 25 May 2015

Banjo's Run Merlot - Chateau de Sours Rose Bordeaux

COOL: BANJO'S RUN A HIGHLANDS' WINNER

David Ellis

NSW Southern Highlands' Banjo's Run Merlot
great with so many food options.

WE happily admit to a fondness for Merlot, an easy-drinking, food-friendly drop that today is the second-most consumed red in the world after Cabernet Sauvignon, with around  260,000ha (640,000 acres) planted to the variety globally.

And while it thrives in warmer regions it can do exceptionally well in cooler climates too, and where because it doesn't ripen too quickly, it develops a beautiful softness along with lovely fruity varietal flavours. One such cool climate label we suggest is worth trying is from the boutique Banjo's Run at tiny Exeter in the NSW Southern Highlands, around half way between Sydney and Canberra and 1.5hours from each.

Their 2013 is medium bodied with nicely recognisable Merlot red berry and blackcurrant fruit flavours, and with its suggestions of spicy tannin makes for a great match with a Italian tomato-based pastas, herbed chicken or osso bucco.

Banjo's Run 2013 Merlot is just $25 a bottle by the 6- or 12-bottle pack: order direct, and check cellar door hours if thinking of visiting the Southern Highlands, with vigneron Bill Hall on bill@banjosrun.com.au, 0408 228 724 or banjosrun.com.au. Freight begins from just $10 per pack depending on distance.

MATCH this with special-occasion grilled lobster,
or maybe Thai or something similarly spicy.

ONE TO NOTE: THE late (great) Auberon Waugh, writing for The Spectator Magazine's Wine Club,  once described Chateau de Sours  Rosé as "probably the greatest Rosé in the world" – somewhat high praise indeed.

And be it so or not, this company has been producing exceptional wines (not just Rosés) out of Bordeaux for some 200 years, yet remarkably a 2013 Chateau de Sours Rosé that's just been released here sells for an extraordinarily modest $23.95.

A blend of Merlot and Cabernet, it has a palate akin to strawberries and cream, a wonderfully sparkling freshness, and with 12.5% alcohol it's a ripper drop for that special-occasion dinner to go with grilled lobster… or maybe a more everyday Thai or something similarly spicy.

 for week beginning 11 May 2015

Shaw Isabella Riesling - AIX Rosé

THIS ROSÉ MAKES FOR A PERFECT PICNIC

David Ellis

TAKE this one on a picnic with cold chicken,
turkey and salads, or simply sandwiches and
crispy bread rolls with these as fillings.

FOR those of us with a passion for Rosé it was great news to learn that a drop from one of the largest and most prestigious wineries in France's Provence region is now available on shelves here.

Maison Saint AIX that was founded in the early 1900s on a one-time truffle farm has long been hailed as producing amongst the most popular Rosés in France, a not-bad accolade in a country where Rosé consumption easily outstrips that of white wine.

A blend of organically grown Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault, the 2013 that's just been released here is a slightly dry wine with vibrant apple and citrus to the fore and secondary rich spicy notes. There's also a nice crisp acidity, and as Rosé buffs we liked the creamy finish that puts this one up there with the best for enjoyment with a range of foods, or simply on its own as an aperitif.

Priced at $29.95 we'd suggest matching the 2013 AIX Rosé with a shellfish lunch or dinner, or take it on a picnic with cold chicken or turkey and salads – or even simply with easy multi-grain sandwiches or crispy rolls with these as fillings on that picnic.

ENJOY with Thai and Mexican dishes
whose heat will be tamed
by the lovely fruit flavours.

ONE TO NOTE: THE Canberra District's Shaw Vineyard Estate has been producing some cracker wines for a decade now, and a newly-released 2014 Isabella Riesling lives up well to the company's reputation despite coming from a vintage that suffered some minor frosts in the growing period, and was then subjected to extreme summer heat in the lead-up to harvest.

Located higher than most of its neighbouring vineyards at Murrumbateman 25 minutes north of Canberra, the company has earned a deserved reputation for fresh, crisp and balanced Rieslings, with their 2014 Shaw Vineyard Estate Isabella a lovely Germanic style whose apricot, apple, pear, sweet honey-like and citrus flavours make it great to enjoy with – and tame-down – the heat of Thai and Mexican dishes.

At $30 it's good buying.

for week beginning 20 April 2015

Peter Logan Rosé - Tim Adams Pinot Gris

GREAT with tomato-based pastas,
pizzas and Indian curries.

WINE'S SURPRISE RECEPTION AT WEDDING

David Ellis

WHEN winemaker Peter Logan married Hannah Murphie back in October 2003 he had a special surprise for her: he'd created a Rosé for the day he labelled Hannah, and not only had it served at their wedding reception, gave a bottle to every guest…

Awww Shucks, you may say – and then, Oh Wow when you hear what a success it's gone on to be, today rating as one of the most popular labels from Peter and Hannah's Logan Winery at Orange in NSW's Central Ranges (and where Hannah, incidentally, is now General Manager.)

A blend of 52% Pinot Meunier, 21% Shiraz, 15% Cabernet France and 12% Pinot Gris, the latest release 2014 Hannah is a lovely easy-drinking drop, one its namesake says she loves for its "freshness, red fruit and spice flavours, appetite-whetting brininess, and a crunchy finish that makes you want just a little more…"

It also has a nice touch of refreshing tannin. At $23 you'll find it delightful with pastas and accompanying tomato-based sauces, a range of pizzas with tomato and mushroom influences – and with our favourite Rosé match, Indian curries.

WITH warmer months near, think
this one with seafoods and salads.

ONE TO NOTE: TIM ADAMS has released a 2014 Tim Adams Pinot Gris that's his tenth as he continues his vision of creating a benchmark Pinot Gris from the Clare Valley – with this one a blend of fruit from both his own vineyard, and that from other local growers with whom he works closely for consistency of quality and style.

Pinot Gris was virtually unknown in the Clare when Tim planted his first vines, and today he can be proud of what he's achieved in the development of this wonderfully food-friendly drop. His just-released 2014 has dominant pear, lychee and peach flavours, a subtle citrus zest, fruit sweetness and cleansing acidity.

Pay $20 and as we go into our warmer months, start thinking along the lines of this one with seafood and salads, or a range of Asian cuisines.

NEED A FOOD/DRINK IDEA? Check out Vintnews We're also on Australian Good Food Guide in main blog.

Wc29Sept14

Shaw Vineyard Estate Shiraz 2012 - Jacob's Creek Sparkling Lightly Rosé

A CAPITAL SHIRAZ FROM CANBERRA REGION

David Ellis

GREAT drop from a difficult vintage that's ideal with
barbecued red meats and pan-fried mushrooms.

THE Canberra wine growing region is interesting in that while it doesn't always leap to front of mind, it does boasts something like 140 vineyards and 33 wineries, and produces cool climate wines that are more often than not, wonderfully rewarding.

And while it was first planted in the 1840s, those early pioneering efforts around Gunning and Yass didn't last long, and it took a long-awaited 1970s "rebirth" to lead to today's many successes there. Amongst them is Shaw Vineyard Estate that, at Murrumbateman, is amongst the highest-elevated in the region, and has been producing exceptional and affordably-priced premium cool-climates since the 1990s.

A particularly rewarding, just-released 2012 Shaw Shiraz (a variety the region is renowned for) is possibly one of owner Graeme Shaw's best-yet – despite coming from one of the region's wettest and more-difficult vintages. Graeme has coaxed wonderful ripe berry-fruit aromas and forward Shiraz spice and pepper notes from this, and these are reflected nicely with ripe tannins on the smooth palate.

Pay $25 and enjoy with barbecued red meats and a side of pan-fried mushrooms.

FEWER bubbles for those who say regular
sparkling's give them "a full feeling."

ONE TO NOTE: JACOB's Creek has added an interesting new drop to its diverse portfolio of Aussie sparkling's that it has been making for some 40 years – a "less bubbly" called Sparkling Lightly that it says will "dance lightly on the palate."

The wine is the result of surveys revealing there are some amongst us to whom the enjoyment of sparkling beverages can, sadly, have a down side: it results in some-what of a full feeling. So by limiting the sugar in the second fermentation, Jacob's Creek have achieved a very delicate sparkling character that has fewer bubbles.

Made from grapes as diverse as Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, White Frontignac and Fiano, there's a choice of a Sparkling Lightly White that's all about suggestions of peaches and lychees, and a Sparkling Lightly Rosé that's more raspberries and strawberries. Pay $14.99 if you like your bubbles, but with a less-full feeling.

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.

                                                 

Wc08Sept14

Rosemount MV GSM - Cherry Tree Hill Rosé

GSM A GREAT WINTER’S RED-MEAT WINE

David Ellis

WONDERFUL drop with
winter-time red meat
or game dishes.

CHIEF Winemaker, Matt Koch and his team have done a fantastic job with their recently-released Rosemount MV Collection of top drops from McLaren Vale, a region that's been an essential part of the company since the 1980s – and the more-so since it acquired the 100-year-old Ryecroft winery and vineyards there in 1991.

They've four wines under the MV label, a Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon from the 2012 vintage and a Chardonnay and GSM from the 2013 – and it was the GSM that really grabbed our attention: here is a wine that absolutely bursts in the mouth with raspberry and strawberry flavours foremost, followed by some spice and nice earthiness to round out to a lovely soft finish.

Matt Koch readily talks-up McLaren Vale as one of the company's most dynamic regions, producing fruit of regular consistency and quality. And that certainly was the case for this 2013 GSM (Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvedre,) which came from a particularly hot vintage, but was shielded to a nice degree by a strong leaf canopy resulting from heavy winter rains and a mild spring preceding a hot summer.

A wonderful drop for winter-time red meat or game dishes, and with a good jug on the side of a pepper- or mushroom-heavy gravy. Well recommended at $25.

CURRY favour with this one: an ideal
wine served chilled with Indian curries.

ONE TO NOTE: USUALLY thought of as a great slurper on hot summer's days, Rosé in our book is equally one that we like to take along any time of year to share at the table with warm to hot curries at our favourite Indian eateries.

And one we found a ripper just recently was a 2011 Cherry Tree Hill label blended from Cabernet, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc fruit off that company's vineyard at Sutton Forest in the NSW Southern Highland, its flavours a perfect foil when served chilled with our spread of curry choices. Priced at $18 plus $12 freight (for any number from 1 to 48;) for full range, prices and "Club Discounts" of up to 30% check out www.cherrytreehill.com.au A Cellar Door is planned for opening in Spring.

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.

WcO4 Aug 14

A HIGH NOTE FROM DEEPEST SOUTH AFRICA

ALL the way from South Africa – history
in the naming, rewarding in the drinking.

Wc03Feb14

David Ellis

WE'RE certainly not averse to a nicely chilled Sauvignon Blanc on a hot day – nor any other day for that matter – and one we particularly enjoyed over the recent holidays was not from Australia nor even from New Zealand… it hailed all the way from South Africa.

And interestingly from near Cape Agulhas, the cool-climate, southern-most point on the African continent, and made from grapes grown on what was found in 2001 by a group of friends looking for a vineyard site, as a decrepit, run-down, one-time wheat farm.

Bottled under a First Sighting label this 2013 Sauvignon Blanc is a rewarding drop that reflects it's slow-ripening from one of the region's wettest winters with accompanying cool and frosty nights, and followed by a dry January with top summer temperatures of just 29C. With 15% Semillon blended into its base 85% Sauvignon Blanc, it's a wine with nice tropical and citrus fruit flavours that takes well to chilling.

At $18 match it with fish, pork chops, other white meats, or even sushi; the First Sighting name comes from the "first sighting" of the African continent by Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias way back in 1488. If you have difficulty finding it, get onto importers Africape Wines who have offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.

QUAFF this one on a hot summer's
day, you'll not be disappointed.

ONE TO NOTE: ADELAIDE HILLS' Chain of Ponds has released another great quaffer for hot weather enjoyment, a 2013 Novello Rosé to simply enjoy on its own or to put on the table with summery seafood salads, cheese platters, tapas or as a nice foil to curries and other spicy dishes.

Really vibrant pink in colour, it has a bouquet all about strawberries and cream and suggestions of fresh raspberries, with strawberries and raspberries on the palate, and all balanced with a quite subtle spicy finish and a sweetness that's not-overpowering.

Good buying at $18 it's a rewarding blend of Sangiovese (72%) and Pinot Noir (28%) for summertime enjoyment.

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

                                                   

2013 Apple Tree Flat Rosé - 2011 Frankland River Cabernet Merlot

WE don't take to Rosé as enthusiastically
as the Europeans do– but Apple Tree Flat's Peter Logan
hopes to change that with this rewarding drop.

A ROSÉ FOR SUMMERY ENJOYMENT 

David Ellis    

WE don't get into the Rosé here with quite the enthusiasm they do in Europe – there, most Rosés are quite inexpensive, with even the best quality ones cheap enough to enjoy nicely chilled as everyday quaffers in particularly warm regions. 

Apple Tree Flat owner and winemaker, Peter Logan is a Rosé buff, and would like to see Australians getting more into the European tradition of enjoyment of this wine… and hopes his just-released 2013 Apple Tree Flat Rosé will encourage at least some of us to do so – particularly as this is a quality drop, yet just $13 a bottle.

Made from Shiraz and Merlot fruit grown on Peter's Mudgee and Orange vineyards in the NSW Central Ranges, it has lovely cherry, red berry and spice aromas, and on the palate you'll find suggestions of mixed berries, rhubarb, nuts and a long spicy finish.

"Rosé is a fun wine," Peter says. "And a good one like this has to be dry, or it becomes like alcoholic cordial. But at the same time it has to have some sweetness from the fruit flavours, to give it that wonderful summery feeling."

IF you like grilled porterhouse steak and
garlic potato mash, here's a perfect partner.

He's certainly achieved his goals with this  drop; enjoy it chilled with an enormous range of food options – Spanish tapas, seafoods, summer-time cold meats and salads, paella, BBQ'd pork, chicken or veal, spicy Indian or Thai dishes, or simply with a good pizza.

ONE TO NOTE: WESTERN Australia's Ferngrove Wines have released a wonderfully easy-drinking 2011 Frankland River Cabernet Merlot under their Symbols label, one that's good-value buying at $16.50.

The result of what winemaker Kim Horton calls "a strong vintage" with a long, warm Indian summer, this is a wine with lots of juicy blackberry and red plums to the forefront on the palate, and with supporting vanilla oak and grainy tannins.

Just the drop to enjoy with a grilled porterhouse steak and garlic potato mash.

Wc13Jan14

MARGARET RIVER BLEND REALLY REWARDS

REWARDING blend with penne
pasta and a meaty tomato sauce.

Wc12Aug13

David Ellis

FORESTER Estate in Western Australia's Margaret River has released a very delightful 2011 Cabernet Merlot that's 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot and with a 6% splash of Malbec and slightly lower 5% Petit Verdot.

Fruit was sourced from several neighbouring properties in the Yallingup sub-region in the most northerly part of Margaret River, and crushed in small open fermenters to mature for eighteen months in French oak barriques.

The result is a rewardingly full-flavoured wine with identifiable blackberry, mulberry and blackcurrant fruit, hints of cocoa and a long dark-chocolaty finish. A lovely drop now, it's also showing all the potential to develop even further over the next five years.

Pay $23.99 and match it with penne pasta and a meaty tomato sauce.

LOVE it: Margan's 2013 Shiraz
Saignee Rosé chilled with Indian cuisine.

ONE TO NOTE: WE confess to a particular love: Indian cuisine matched with a chilled Rosé from Andrew Margan in the NSW Hunter Valley. 

His latest release, the 2013 Margan Shiraz Saignee Rosé is a grand drop to take along to your favourite Indian eatery, with aromas of fresh strawberries and candyfloss bouncing forth as it pours into the glass, and beautiful candied red fruit flavours and a soft dry finish on the palate. Great value at $18 for that next Indian nosh-up. 

ANOTHER ONE TO NOTE: AN enjoyable and nicely priced white is a 2012 Margaret River Barking Tree Sauvignon Blanc Semillon that's recently been released through the Local Liquor Stores of Independent Liquor Retailers.

With nice full-on tropical fruit and zesty lemon flavours and a fresh crisp acidity, at $14.99 this is a rewarding drop to enjoy with fish and salads, or if you like a bit of fire, with Thai chilli prawns. Local Liquor Stores have over 250 members mainly across Eastern Australia; to find a store hop onto  www.localliquor.com.au/storefinder

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

                                                   

SEARCH this one out to go with fish
and salads of Thai chilli prawns. 

SAUVIGNON BLANC AND AVOCADO – SUMMER HEAVEN

SIMPLY delicious: match this chilled with
fresh-sliced avocado, or avocado ice-cream.

Wc21Jan13

David Ellis

WE'RE not suggesting there's a new national dish in the offing, but when winemaker Phil Spillman invited us to try his 2012 Deakin Estate Sauvignon Blanc chilled with nothing other than a cold avocado on a very warmish summer's day – and vineyard manager Craig Thornton obliged with a couple of vineyard-grown fruit straight out of the fridge – we were blown away with the wonderful rewards of such simplicity.

And the more-so at home on a late afternoon some days later when the nation's heatwaves were kicking-in, and we shared a bottle or two of Phil's wine with friends over whole avocados both spooned off the plate, and spread on sourdough… and one of those friends later told us that they'd whipped avocado through some  vanilla ice-cream – the result, they said, with the Sauvignon Blanc was sheer summer heaven.

CHILL out on this one served lightly chilled
or icy-cold with grilled fish and summer salads.

As well, at just $10 this Deakin Estate won't break the bank, and being light-bodied, fresh, zesty and brimming with fruit flavour, is ideal in summer with those avocados as an appetizer – before finishing-off the bottle over a main course of grilled fish and salad.


ONE FOR LUNCH: ANOTHER wine we enjoy in the warmer months, and which doesn't seem to get the recognition here it deserves, is Rosé – a drop you should best enjoy lightly chilled, but will find equally enjoyable from ice-cold to room temperature.

Terra Felix has a great La Vie en Rose 2011 Rosé from their Lake Marmal Vineyard in Central Victoria: with wonderful blackberry and raspberry fruit aromas and lively fruit flavours, its ideal lightly chilled with a summery Nicoise Salad, or again with grilled fish and salad. Available at Dan Murphy's and independents at $17.50.

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

                                                   

A LIGHT MOSCATO FOR YOUR JUST DESSERTS

Wc12Nov12

SWEET-tooths unite around this one
– with fresh avocados and chocolate.

David Ellis

FOR anyone with a sweet-tooth and a penchant for fresh-picked avocados, now's the time to indulge your passions – and the more so with a sweet, low-alcohol 2012 Deakin Estate Moscato that's wonderful buying at just $10.

Made from Muscat Gordo Blanco grapes from the Murray Darling region of North Western Victoria, this one's got just 6% alcohol, which is under half the norm, and has a nice light-bodied palate that's spritzy from careful use of CO2, a natural zingy acidity, and a finish suggestive of green apples.

This is a wine to enjoy with light desserts like meringues and cheesecakes, fresh home-made fruit salad, or even ice cream with fresh avocados whipped through it.

But we confess to a glass or three with an idea that came out of this year's Avocado Masterclass Series – a dessert of chocolate, avocado and lime. Oh yeah…

FLAVOUR-filled match with asparagus
salad or spicy Indian dishes.

ONE FOR LUNCH: WITH a 2012 vintage defined by extremely low yields that meant for great flavour concentration in the fruit, Peter Logan had everything going for him and the annual Rosé he produces at his cold climate Logan Wines at Orange in NSW's Central West.

"The fruit for our 2012 Hannah Rosé developed really vibrant flavours typical of our cold, high altitude location," Peter says. "It meant for a resultant wine that's light yet luscious, elegant and restrained."

Peter uses Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir and Shiraz in his Rosé that he describes as "being inspired by a combination of lovely southern French Rosé and Chardonnay."

At $22 enjoy with an asparagus salad, or for something hot, spicy Indian dishes.

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

PENFOLDS ICONS ARE HOME ON THE GRANGE

2007 GRANGE heads-up this year's
Penfolds Luxury and Icon Collection.

Wc21May12


David Ellis

MAY is the month when investors and connoisseurs alike look to Penfolds annual release of their Luxury and Icon Collection, a $1750 parcel this year of stalwarts led by the latest Grange to go into the market place, similarly a Yattarna Chardonnay and the finest Cabernet Sauvignons and Shiraz.

And this year an inaugural release of a new contemporary Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon, the Bin 169 from the 2008 vintage ($250 from Cellar Door only.)

The Grange is the 2007 that's priced at $625, the Yattarna Chardonnay the 2009 from the best cool-climate regions ($130 Cellar Door and select on-premises only,) while there is also a 2010 Reserve Bin A Adelaide Hills Chardonnay that's got a $95 price tag.

Also at $95 is the 2008 St Henri Shiraz, and at $250 a 2009 Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2009 RWT Barossa Valley Shiraz ($175,) and a 2009 Magill Estate Shiraz that's available Cellar Door and select on-premises only at $130.)

Penfolds Chief Winemaker, Peter Gago describes these wines as "classic Penfolds with a solid track record for cellaring performance… the collection spans four vintages and includes the best of the new, together with the inaugural 2008 Bin 169 Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon – a wine style that is reflective of our winemaking team's search for diversity and excellence."

HERE'S a perfect match with antipasto
to get that lunch humming.

ONE FOR LUNCH: WE attended a Mother's Day fund-raiser lunch for breast cancer research, and on arrival all the ladies were presented with a nicely chilled glass of Domaine Chandon Pinot Noir Rosé, a pink bubbly that proved not only moreish but very appropriate in colour for the occasion.

This cool climate drop from the Yarra Valley was full of red berry, cherry and spicy aromas and flavours, and ideal at $24.95 to get the lunch humming – and you'll find, a great match with antipasto.


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

LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON – BUBBLING WITH SUCCESS

NICE drop for that
next big celebration

Wc30Jan12


David Ellis

BEFORE he passed away in 2004, Malcolm Logan loved nothing more than donning his North Sydney Bears beanie and scarf, grabbing a bottle of his own bubbly and cheering-on his team on TV.

Today his son Peter has inherited his dad's skills in creating sensational sparkling wines from fruit from the Logan premium, cool-climate vineyards on the frosty hilltops outside Orange in Central Western NSW.

His latest release is a 2009 'M' Cuvee named in honour of his dad and interestingly, and unusually, made from equal portions of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier – with two-thirds being from red grapes its got a nice salmon pink colour and brims with strawberry and spice characters on a creamy palate.

Beaut buying at $35 for that next big celebration.

ENJOY this with barbecued prawns
or pork chops with sweet 'n sour sauce

ONE FOR LUNCH: A FLAVOUR-explosive Rosé from Margan Family Winemakers shows just how good this style can be when it comes from a stand-out vintage such as the Hunter Valley enjoyed in 2011.

Made from Shiraz fruit from the company's 40 year old Fordwich Sill vineyard, winemaker Andrew Margan has labelled it Rosé, but with 'Shiraz Saignee' on the label as well – Saignee (which is pronounced sanyay) being a French term that refers to the juice run-off from the red grape skins.

The Fordwich Sill vineyard produced just 0.5 tonnes to the acre of fully-ripened fruit in 2011, giving Andrew Margan the opportunity to create a wonderfully-flavoured wine that's bright pink in colour, has vibrant berry and cherry aromas, a palate of juicy red fruits and a dry finish.

At $17 it's a great drop to enjoy with barbecued prawns, or pork chops with a sweet and sour sauce.

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

10 wines, 10 vintages - Optimism got them here

Media release:

For Steve and Sharlene Dadd their dream of planting a vineyard and producing their own wine seemed so far flung 14 years ago when they first bought the

picturesque 200 acre property at the gateway to Mudgee, now home to Optimiste Wines. But it seems that optimism has certainly paid off, and just as they release the wines from their celebrated 10th vintage they set to work on renovating the 100 year old, dilapidated Australian farmhouse on the property which this summer will become the Optimiste Tasting House.

A rustic setting with wide breezy verandahs and stylish and welcoming comforts, the Tasting House will become the long anticipated showcase for Optimiste wines. Overlooking the manicured vineyard across the rolling hills of Mudgee, visitors will be welcome to taste the 10 wines that form the Optimiste range, together with other daily 'tastes' on offer designed to match each wine; bringing a new cellar door experience to the Mudgee region.

The name was inspired by a concept which the Dadds openly admit to 'borrowing' from Helen Keller who was quoted as saying "Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence", and duly inspired by the challenges of farming as well as their young sons challenges with disability.  The unicorn which they have incorporated in their logo symbolizes this hope and passion.

This same spirit of optimism has inspired the Dadds to craft fine wine from their Mudgee vineyard, and to celebrate their 10th vintage they have just released three new tremendous wines in time for summertime  feasts:-

Optimiste Pinot Gris 2011 (RRP $20)

Optimiste "Paris in Spring" Rose 2011 (RRP $20)

Optimiste Shiraz 2008 (RRP $20)

All three wines reflect the superb conditions from the last 4 spectacular vintages on their perfectly elevated, sloping vineyard about 10km to the east of Mudgee. Idyllic growing conditions, spring rain and dry breezy summers, then cool mornings during harvest have produced to fully ripe, finely structured, maximum flavoured wines.

The Pinot Gris has been made in the Alsacian style, with a small portion fermented in old French oak barrels to give a certain richness.

Like Paris in the spring, the Merlot based Rose is bright and full of life and has been intentionally made to highlight the rich, spicy red fruit flavour typical of Mudgee Merlot, with a balanced dry finish.

The 2008 Shiraz is a knockout with elements of the typical savoury Mudgee Shiraz but winemaker Michael Slater has added a touch of elegance inspired by the Rhone styles of Shiraz.

Optimiste  Wines will soon release their first 100% Merlot from the exceptional 2010 growing season. Named 2010 Optimiste "Rooftops" Merlot (RRP $20) in honor of a close  family member,  a Merlot-loving  old builder who is undergoing cancer treatment, all profits from this limited first release will go to the Prince of Wales Hospital Cancer Unit.

The Optimiste range of wines includes: Semillon, Pinot Gris, Rose, Tempranillo, Petit Verdot,  Shiraz, Bordeaux Blend of Cabernet/Merlot/Petit Verdot, Botrytis Semillon and soon to come – Viognier & Merlot

Optimiste Wines sharlene@optimiste.com.au (0428) 640 800

www.optimiste.com.au       Is your glass half full…?