Words from a Wine Glass

Grenache.  The poor bugger has been treated quite badly over the years.  Mainly used for fortified wines many years ago, it was one of the varieties that felt the wrath of the vine pull scheme in the mid 1980’s resulting in a lot of old bush vine material being lost. Thankfully, some of the gardeners kept theirs and we, us drinkers, are more than happy and very grateful they did.

What needs to be pointed out is, sometimes Grenache is made into a high alcohol drink that really needs food to help it out.  This one does not.

Get ready for a pinot-esque delivery of spicy cherries both when diving your nose into it or swishing it around your mouth.  The other thing that I loved about this wine is it is so juicy and a little bit sweet but the tannins brought it all back into a line.  They were a little dry but balanced the whole package out so well!  I described this wine on social media as “palate friendly”.  Let me tell you, there was not a drop left by the end of the night.

Andy Coppard & Ange Townsend have created a medium bodied, flavoursome version of Grenache that will please all and sundry.  Very “give-me-more” ish.

linoramble.com.au

Region: McLaren Vale     Price: $30     Source: Sample

From the research I’ve done, Zinfandel (aka Primitivo) sounds to me like a grape that should be avoided!  It has thin skin, ripens unevenly (green in appearance to raisins in the same bunch) and can over-crop if not closely monitored in the vineyard.

The guys at Hentley Farm are pretty smart buggers though.  They did the sensible thing and planted it in the ideal location and, coupled with the warm climate of the Barossa Valley, they have given the variety every chance to ripen properly and flourish.

Not having had many Zinfandels I honestly did not know what to expect.  The first thing was the nose.  Chocca block full of red fruits, little pepper & spice and smelling oh so very nice. On the palate, same but there was a surprise there waiting for me.  Medium bodied. Yep, I have to admit, I expected to be on the lighter side but, nope it has a lush mouthfeel. Plus, add the spicy cherry/plumminess on the mid palate and everything is rounded out very nicely.

Just like a problem child, given the correct environment, treated right and with respect, they tend to behave and provide results to be proud of.  If the result of this wine is anything to go by, it is worth the time, effort and commitment.

www.hentleyfarm.com.au

Region: Barossa Valley     Price: $39.50     Source: Sample

Two things captured my attention with this wine.  The label and the name. This wine is appealing on both counts.  The label is intriguing enough but the wine’s name drags me in from a nostalgic point of view too.

For those old enough to remember, how cool is the old lino print on the label?!  I don’t remember this one but it has reminded me of others that were so hip at the time.

The name, Tom Bowler, brings such a smile to my face.  When smart phones were not the norm in kids hands, you used to challenge your mates with a game of marbles and the ‘Tom Bowler’ was used to bring the game back to level pegging or complete the mission.  The marble that could end all marble games.

The wine.  Well, it seemed to be a bit shy to start with but the tendency was for it to want to show itself but needed some encouragement.  Surprise, surprise, all it took was a bit of patience, some nice food and voila!!

The aromatic nose reminded me of a, sort of, robust Pinot with dark cherries and was a bit earthy.  Add to that the juicy, plump, lush, generous and delicious fruit on the palate and you have a Sicilian wine that paired very nicely with a Russian dish, Beef Stroganoff.

Like the ‘marble to end all marble games’, this would go close to being the Nero to end all Nero games.  A winner for me!

www.linoramble.com.au

Region: McLaren Vale     Price: $30     Source: Sample