REMEMBERING THE JOYS OF A GOOD PORT

SERVE slightly chilled with fruity desserts,
cakes, chocolate pudd and cheeses.

Wc22Oct12

David Ellis

THE Symington family in Portugal's Douro Valley have been making Port for more that 350 years, with currently twelve Symingtons working in the family business – six of them the 13th generation of the family, and one, Paul being named Decanter Magazine's Man of the Year 2012, the first time anyone from Portugal has ever received such recognition.

With 920ha (2300 acres) under grapes for Port making, the family is the biggest landowner in the Douro Valley, and when it recently acquired major competitor Cockburn's it pushed combined sales of all the family's Port companies to over one-third of all premium Ports world-wide.

Dan Murphy's boasts it has virtually a Port from the Symington stable for every taste and every budget, with some five Cockburn's ranging from just $19.99 for a Fine Tawny, to $59.99 for the top-of-the-range Cockburn's Quinta dos Canais Vintage Port, plus three Blandy's Ports that are also sourced from Symington's – a Madeira Five Year Old Malmsey and Aged 5 Years Bual Madeira ($29.99 each) and a Blandy's Madeira 10 Year Old Malmsey at $49.99.

Many of us seem to have forgotten the enjoyment of a good port, but with Spring and Summer coming up, it can be a most delightful drop served lightly chilled with everything from fruity desserts to cakes, chocolate puddings and cheeses.

PUT on the table young with
slow cooked lamb shanks.

ONE FOR LUNCH: VICTORIA'S    BlackJack Vineyards in the Harcourt Valley just south of Bendigo got more rain between January and March 2010 than they'd seen for the same period in around a decade, yet amazingly it did little damage and actually seemed to refresh the vines and nicely slow ripening just a tad.

Amongst the results is a 2010 BlackJack Block 6 Shiraz that's come up as a really good red to drink young, particularly if you team it with something like flavoursome lamb shanks done in a slow cooker. You'll find it at around $35-$40.


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WINEMAKER’S TIP: DON’T DRINK THIS (WELL, NOT YET)

Wc15Oct12

ONE to put to rest in the cellar till the mid-2020
– or enjoy now with creamy seafood dishes.

David Ellis

PETER Logan reckons you shouldn't drink his 2011 Logan Chardonnay from Orange in NSW's cold-climate central-west.

Rather he suggests you stock-up the cellar and watch your investment develop wonderfully over five, ten, even 15 years or more. "In two years this 2011 will open nicely to reveal savoury spicy and nutty aromas vying for attention with the primary fruit," he says. "In 10 years you'll find a wonderfully textured wine with a complex mix of spices, nuts, dried fruits and citrus peel and a long finish…" And after that – well, it'll simply develop even more-so until at least 2027 or beyond.

And he should know: Logan Wines' made their first Chardonnay back in 1997 and are now one of the longest-running Chardonnay makers in the Orange region, with Peter himself somewhat of an authority on what to expect from cellaring cold-climate examples of this varietal.

If you can't resist the temptation to put a bottle or three, or even a case or three away at the price, open it now and take-in the pear, orange rind and cashew aromas, lovely white peach and grapefruit flavours, and its wonderfully long mineral finish, and enjoy with creamy seafood dishes. Terrific value at $25.
 

ALL the best of Merlot flavours to savour
with venison, game or steak off the barbie.

ONE FOR LUNCH: WESTERN Australia's Amberley Estate sources fruit from across that State for its popular Merlots as demand ever-increases for this varietal, and one worth having a look at is their excitingly vibrant 2011.

Winemaker Lance Parkin has brought out the best of the fruit, this wine having plenty of typically Merlot rich ripe plum and juicy raspberry flavours supported by firm tannins. It's a wine to match-up with venison or game dishes, or to enjoy with a good sirloin or scotch fillet off the barbie; pay $18.99.



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TINTARA’S 150 YEAR TREASURE HOUSE OF TRADITION

Wc08Oct12

GENEROSITY of flavour make
this one ideal with rack of lamb.

David Ellis

ITS history goes back 150 years to when it was a pioneer in putting the wines of South Australia's McLaren Vale on the tables of the world.

Today Tintara combines what is literally a treasure house of tradition with the latest in new-age winemaking technologies, and its just-released 2009 McLaren Vale Shiraz is testament to its recognition of the past and embracement of the present.

Nestled between the Gulf of St Vincent and the Mount Lofty Ranges, McLaren Vale enjoys conditions akin to the Mediterranean, the Tintara 2009 Shiraz reflecting this in its somewhat bold style coupled with intensity of fruit flavours and silky fine tannins.

Right to the fore are delightful suggestions of blue fruits, fruitcake spice and chocolate, coupled with acid balance and a persistent finish – everything to look for in a top Shiraz. Pay $24.99 and enjoys this one's generosity of flavours with an equally generously-flavoured rack of lamb.

SUPER idea with scallops browned in butter
and sautéed with mushrooms and shallots.

ONE FOR LUNCH: AN excellent vintage in 2011 allowed Western Australia's Brookland Valley winemaker, Peter Dillon to do what he couldn't from the restrictive 2010 vintage – get his Chardonnay out into the market place, rather than having to contain sales of the few cases he had to the cellar door.

Located in the Wilyabrup sub-region of the Margaret River, Brookland Valley enjoys a quite distinct micro-climate influenced by the Indian Ocean just 2km away. Peter's 2011 Estate Chardonnay has a wonderfully rich palate with nice citrus notes to the fore.

Priced at $37.50 it's one of those somewhat special-occasion wines to enjoy with such Springtime seafood delights as scallops browned in butter and sautéed with mushrooms and shallots.

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AUSSIE BUBBLY CAPS OFF A BREAK FROM TRADITION

IDEAL Aussie bubbly
for the party room.

Wc01Oct12

David Ellis


VICTORIA's Chandon Wines has released an interesting bubbly that's been made without the use of the traditional sugar dosage after disgorgement – instead topping up each bottle after its disgorgement with its own wine.

And they've capped with a crown seal like those used on beer and soft-drink bottles, saying it'll ensure the wine can't be compromised by a dodgy cork.

This just-released  Z*D Blanc de Blancs 2008 is a bone-dry sparkler made from Chardonnay grapes sourced from vineyards in Strathbogie 90-mnutes north-east of Melbourne, the Yarra Valley also just a little way out of the city, and the King Valley in Victoria's north-east. Fruit from each region was fermented separately and then brought together into the final blend.

The result is a very elegant and balanced wine with a crisp and refreshing finish. The aromas are archetypal Chardonnay green apples and citrus, and the palate offering nice flavours of pears and white peach with hints of fresh-baked pastry.

At $39.95 it'll go well with most kinds of party-room canapés and finger food, or if you prefer it at the main table, go for oyster starters followed by grilled lobster.

A NEW ZEALAND red to go with
lamb shanks and rosemary gravy.

ONE FOR LUNCH: THINK New Zealand and we generally think the South Island and Sauvignon Blanc wines, but on the east coast of the North Island the Gisborne region makes some great other varietals, including Merlot.

One outstanding drop is from Giesen, whose 2010 Estate Merlot has bounce-from-the-bottle aromas of blackberry, boysenberry and hints of spice, attributes that are nicely reflected in the succulent palate.

Ideal at $18.99 to match-up with lamb shanks and a rosemary gravy – and while you're at it, to raise a glass to (then-Lieutenant) James Cook who first stepped foot on New Zealand soil in 1769 at what was to become the city of Gisborne.



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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.



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