Those who say that too much gewürztraminer (aka traminer) is too much of a good thing are probably right. It’s one of the most instantly recognisable of wines and a joy to drink in small doses. But it’s hard to find the good ones because Australia grows so little of it – about six thousand … Continue reading Top-shelf Aussie gewürtztraminer — it’s there if you look
A long, thoughtful email from a reader, Maureen Hickman, raised many interesting wine points including the role of additives in wine. Maureen wrote of a much-enjoyed tipple, “… looking at the label recently I was shocked to see that it contains ‘egg, milk and fish products’ along with sulphites. I wonder, is it really wine … Continue reading Waiter, there’s a fish in my wine
There’s something about Hunter shiraz that reminds me of Chianti – the sangiovese based wines of Tuscany. No, it’s not the firm, drying, tart tannins of sangiovese – that’s a pure contrast to the soft, almost tender character of Hunter shiraz. It’s more the medium body and earthy, savoury flavour that both share in contrast … Continue reading Old boots, sweaty saddles and Hunter Shiraz
In 2001 brewer Lion Nathan acquired Petaluma, the upmarket wine company founded by Brian Croser in 1976. In January 2003, Croser — in partnership with, Jean-Michel Cazes of Château Lynch-Bages, Bordeaux, and Société Jacques Bollinger, the parent company of Champagne Bollinger — purchased the Koppamurra vineyard at Wrattonbully, near Coonawarra. The partnership — Tapanappa Wines … Continue reading Petaluma’s Brian Croser joins Bollinger, Lynch-Bages in Tapanappa venture downunder
Last week’s article on the success in Germany of Rich Prosecco — the Paris Hilton endorsed Italian sparkling wine in a designer can — attracted an email from Melbourne based Barokes Wines. Barokes say that in the last year, even without the help of Paris Hilton, they sold over 2.3 million cans of Australian wine … Continue reading The argument’s in the can
Ah, wine shows. They seem to be everywhere. Canberra alone has five that I know of: in chronological order, Winewise Small Vignerons Awards, Canberra Regional Wine Show, Murrumbateman Cool Climate Wine Show, the Hyatt International Riesling Challenge and the National Wine Show of Australia. Different people with different objectives operate them, but each one aspires … Continue reading International riesling challenge 2006 points to huge value for drinkers
Despite a reputed $2million public subsidy, Hardy’s bailed out of its reported $10million Canberra wine investment after just six years. So, has the Kamberra venture turned from white knight to white elephant? Or can the legacy be sustained under new ownership? Whoever the new owner might be, there’s one thing for sure: Hardy’s winemaking experience … Continue reading Kamberra — a legacy we can’t afford to lose
Pewsey Vale Eden Valley Riesling 2006 $15 to $18 Pewsey Vale 2006 earned a bronze medal winner at last week’s Barossa Valley Wine Show. As with so many bronze-medal, current-vintage rieslings, a sip in passing on the tasting bench reveals far less than a chilled bottle consumed at a leisurely pace. What started as a … Continue reading Wine review — Pewsey Vale & McKellar Ridge
In the last few years the very best Canberra district wines have increased in number and quality. Importantly, more wines have streaked away from the me-too ranks to stand comparison with the best of similar styles from Australia and, in one instance, the world. Having judged the local regional show for some years the lift … Continue reading Canberra wine region — a judge’s perspective
Shortly after keying last week’s column on the glories of the 2003 rieslings, I received a note from Petaluma’s Brian Croser. Like the other makers referred to in the column, Brian expressed excitement at the quality but, at the same time, was aware of what scepticism might attach to claims of two consecutive vintages of … Continue reading Why the 2003 rieslings are so good