Words from a Wine Glass

This was one of three I presented to a group of punters at a barbecue.  The reason was to get a objective view of the three wines where food was also a player in proceedings.

There was not much said about the colour.  “Is it a pinot?”, “It’s a pretty colour isn’t it?”  I thought bright, clean and clear.

The “smell” responses were interesting.  “Is that strawberries in there?”, “No, you’re wrong. Raspberries.  Fresh picked. Love that smell”.  This told me the Grenache was on point.  True to the variety.

The proof is always in the pudding and that is where taste comes into it of course.

“It’s a light wine I reckon”, “You know those raspberry lollies we used to buy, it’s like that but not as sweet”.  They were right to a certain extent.  It appears light weight but I actually thought it had a bit of weight on the palate.  Yes, it comes across like raspberry lollies but, with some dark cherry flavours and a slight spicy/peppery edge, you end up with the ideal balance to that sweetness.

“It such an easy wine to drink” was another comment.  It is a delicious, slurpable wine and the 15% alcohol is not grandstanding at all.  Very nice thank you.

1847wines.com

Region: Barossa Valley     Price: $27     Source: Sample

It’s no secret that rosé is on the comeback trail.  It’s been dubbed a “Rosé Revolution” if you like.

I can remember watching a documentary back before the Y2K panic when a group of winemakers, sommeliers and chefs got together and discussed this wine style.

One of the topics was, which variety is ideal for producing rosé?  Not that he was among the group, David Lowe realised more than one popular variety can contribute to a quality, delicious, dry, food friendly rosé.

The lightish salmon pink colour does not prepare you for what your smell and taste senses are in for.  Grenache is the undeniable star of the group.  Aromatic red fruits with a hint of savouriness on the nose and palate.  There’s a bit of body too which would have to be credited to the support roles of Zinfandel, Cab Franc, Merlot and Shiraz (apparently there is a white variety in the mix but I doubt that is the case).

Now, I don’t often find this in a rosé but it actually has a bit of length to it.  Seriously!

Definitely a leader in what I think is more of a rosé rampage.  There should be more of it.

lowewine.com.au

Region: Mudgee     Price: $28     Source: Sample (thanks to Define Wine )

A small family operation, alternate variety, amphora, 90 days skin contact, unfined, unfiltered.  There’s lots to love about this wine even before you undo the screwcap!

The inevitable happened next.  The screwcap became inexplicably loose.  Who would’ve thought?  I may have had something to do with it but um…let’s move on shall we.

Lookin’ smart, sharp, and bright, presentation is spot on.  Great start.  From there it just flows so easily into the aromas.  Attractive that they are.

It certainly makes its point at this stage of the game…tasting it that is. Fresh red berries, juicy dark cherries, not at all shy.  Very good palate weight and texture, brings everything into line nicely.  To finish it all off add smooth, svelte and satisfying.  A nice all round package.

mainandcherry.com.au

Region: Adelaide Hills     Price: $25     Source: Gift

I’ll bet London to a brick that nobody has ever walked into a bar of any description, or even a cellar door and said, “I’d like to try the Petit Verdot”.  I’m not saying this as a blight on the variety.  I’m saying it because, and I think I’m safe in saying, it’s not a variety that springs to the wine drinking punter’s mind…anywhere.

In it’s defense, it’s not a variety that usually finds itself in a bottle on its own.  There is usually a couple of other red varieties in support.  When it gets thrown into that 750 millilitre receptacle called a bottle, you know the winemaker has confidence in it.

On this occasion, so he should.

It’s young, fresh and quite vibrant on the nose. Kinda ‘eyes wide open’ in anticipation aromas and it doesn’t seem to want to go away.  I like that in a wine.

Now for the serious spot. Tasting it.  Okay not that serious, but it has a certain ‘spunk’ about it.  Lively on the palate, blue fruits, dark cherries get in a groove and stay there.  As I said, spunk.  Okay, it may not be complex but it throws plenty at you, spade in hand. Another upside, it gives more than you get back when you open your wallet and that’s what I think should be the case with any wine.  It ticks all of those boxes for me.

1847wines.com

Region: Mount Lofty Ranges     Price: $27     Source: Sample