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

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

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

                                              

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

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.

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 )