Christmas Tipple

Compliments of the season to all.

In lieu of a Christmas Wine on Wednesday, I thought I'd give you a few good value wines you might like to keep an eye out for when you're in the bottle shop looking for a drop to try over the Christmas/New Year period. Earlier in the year, on a Wednesday night (of course), I went to a wine tasting by Matt Skinner, co-founder of Fifteen Restaurant with Jamie Oliver, so I'll share a few insights he has for wines in 2011.

1. Cono Sur, Casablanca Valley, Chile
You'll know their wines by the distinctive bicycle on their label. I first came across this producer in London and really wasn't sure what to think of it. They do a number of wines, and Matt likes a few of them, particularly the Cabernet Sauvignon Camenere (if you want red) and Sauvingnon Blanc (for a white). Apart from being decent quality wines, I thought these guys definitely worth a mention because they're also very reasonably priced (at $10-$15 a bottle).

2. Ad Hoc Middle of Everywhere Shiraz 2008, Frankland Valley, WA
Only fitting that I include a Shiraz - for me, I will remember 2010 as the year I truly discovered the brilliance of Australian Shiraz. I like the name of this one and it's a good drop according to Matt. In particular, Matt likes the producer behind this wine, Larry Cherubino - "well-versed in the art of producing seriously drinkable value-for-money wines." So much so, Matt named Larry Producer of the Year. This one's priced nicely at $20.

3. Morris Rutherglen Liqueur Muscat, Rutherglen, Victoria
Now, it's Christmas after all, a time of a little indulgence, late nights (and maybe a lot of rain this year). Enter sweet wine - Muscat to be precise. Perhaps the idea doesn't grab you at first, but give it a go - having tried it with him at the tasting I can vouch for Matt's recommendation on this one. In particular he says, buy and drink these wines before they disappear forever. It's good value at around $17 for 500mls too. As far as smell and taste - think dried fruits, Christmas pudding, spice and spirit. Yum yum.

Once again have a tremendous Christmas, savour the wine and company you share it with. Thanks for your support of WoW during 2010, and I look forward to enjoying some more vinos with you in the New Year - there's going to be plenty going on wine wise in Brisbane in 2011.

Cheers

Ant

Three Blind Wines

It wasn't a blind tasting last Wednesday, but it was a tasting which had the potential to get you blind. While the three wines we tried were high in alcohol, they each held it well, testament to top quality drops. Perhaps it was because they were organic and biodynamic. Emma, the young, knowledgeable, good value, Mondo Sommelier ran us through them...

1. 2010 Calei Green Vineyards Pinot Gris
Cardinia Ranges, Port Phillip, Victoria
2. 2009 Lethbridge "Menage a Noir" Pinot Noir
Lethbridge, Geelong, Victoria
3. 2007 Kelleske Greenock Shiraz
Barossa Valley, South Australia

Emma had us identifying citrus fruits, red fruits, floral and earthy notes, spices, chocolate, chemicals. All the wines were distinct, and the great thing, I thought, was that everyone seemed to have a different favourite out of the three. Again, you would surely say - testament to good quality wines. Is it a coincidence then that they're organic and biodynamic? What does that mean? One thing is for sure that biodynamic is more obsessive than organic, but both signal stringent and meticulous winemaking techniques, with a lean towards natural, traditional, and ecological farming which tend to accentuate the vineyard's charateristics.

A few takeaways perhaps... (i) check out Nectar, wine and beer shop at West End for a selection of organic wines (and antique beers); (ii) Austrian Dr Rudolph Steiner is credited with biodymanic farming; and (iii) keep an eye on Mondo's Wine Snobs Wine Appreciation Classes.

Now, we're not going to do WoW during the silly season. There's enough on. Instead, I will be in touch before the end of the year to suggest a few wines for the Christmas and New Year period.

'til then, cheers.

Organic, Biodynamic & Preservative Free

Hi all, on 24 November I've arranged for Mondo Organics to host us for a formal wine tasting, looking at the why, how, what & where of the green wine industry. I understand it's a cracker, with some great local suppliers discussed. And, organic is what Mondo pride themselves on after all.

If you want to come, please let me know in advance so I make sure there's a place for you (we are limited in the numbers). The cost is $35 which I'll ask you to transfer to me before the night to confirm your attendance.

I'm looking forward to it. Hope to see you there (it's at 166 Hardgrave Road in West End).

Anto

Wines @ Limes

"Look up to the Sky"

So, I'm hoping this current bout of inclement weather won't dampen our spirit come 27 October 2010 - the next WoW is going rooftop. Head to 142 Constance Street in Fortitude Valley (just near the Jubilee Hotel for those who know it) for a wine or two at the Roof Top Bar of The Limes Hotel. While the wine list on first glance doesn't have me in complete awe, it's less about that and more about an appropriate place to enjoy a wine during Spring in Queensland. Hope to see you there around 7:30pm.

http://www.limeshotel.com.au/rooftopbar/

P.S. In terms of BCC travel, I think Brunswick Street is the closest transport hub. So, consider bus, train, CityCycle*, skate, walk, or otherwise.

* I understand there is a CCycle station just opposite the hotel on Constance St. Why not ride for a wine?

Stinging Nettle

The fact that I found myself back at Ortiga again only a week after WoW on 29 September is perhaps testament to its general appeal if not the extensive wine list on offer. The wine list is impressive, goes around the world, and we simply did not do it justice - sampling only one white (from memory a Verdejo, a white grape variety long grown in Spain, although originating from North Africa) and one red (from Rioja, the quintessential vino tinto). That said, we did follow the Ortiga Spanish influence and both were extremely tasty. I also noticed their house wines are are a little bit more than most - produced in Spain and show off the Ortiga label. I stole a taste of the white - it's not a bad drinking drop.

The food plates are quality offerings, but don't expect clichés. (And, though I didn't try them, the meats look to be highlight). All in all these mini dishes seemed to be a window in to the restaurant downstairs which looks amazing.



So, what's Ortiga??? I didn't think to ask while I was there, and I'm by no means a Spanish linguist, but I understand it means "nettle" as in stinging nettle. There must be more to that story - will have to go to the bar to find out.....

Simon Hill

Seems this man knows what he's doing. From Isis to Ortiga he's impressed people. In fact, in 2008, when it was Isis, his bar won Gourmet Traveller's Qld State Award for Wine List of the Year. The judges have recently concluded their findings for 2010, and he's followed that up by winning the award again this year, this time as Ortiga. It's worth noting too that he didn't have his doors open in 2009. Not bad. Here's a tid bit of what they said:

"The presentation and impeccable service led by Simon Hill and sommelier Matt Brooke rounds out the wine experience with world-class attention to detail. Guests can tap into any section of this extensive wine list with confidence, knowing they’re in experienced hands."

So, let's check it out. Next Wednesday, 29 September, 7:30pm - head for Ortiga for a glass, a chat, a mingle. It's at 446 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley. Look forward to seeing you there.

Pause

And so it was, a quiet moment with a German - Villa Wolf Pinot Gris from the Pflaz. This is the Palatinate region which is home to Germany's oldest wine road. The wine was a nice white - crisp yet soft as well as sweet. The bar is good too. Worth a visit. The perfect place for a pause. There's atmosphere, but you can still hear yourself think. A great space and a cool ceiling fan. The wine list is brief, but if it's a bottle you're having, you can access the full wine lists from The Euro and Urbane restaurants (downstairs), which are very solid.



The night finished up at home with a fantastic Shiraz chosen by Si. Part of Wirra Wirra's range, an RSW McLaren Vale Shiraz. This is one of their flagship wines named after Robert Strangways Wigley who established Wirra Wirra wines back in 1894. Not surprisingly, this is a very fine drop. And once again, I was reminded why Australian Shiraz has such a renowned name.

Low Key Vino

With the demands on our time ever present and there seemingly being a busy couple of months coming up, what with an election, Riverfire, festivals, concerts, parties, weddings, and all the rest of it, I thought it might be timely for a slightly subdued WoW. So, it will be a quieter than usual wine that we go for on the last Wednesday of August, one where we can perhaps pause, and take a breath as the days fast roll by. If that sounds appealing, head to The Laneway (it's the wine bar at Urbane restaurant on Mary Street) on 25 August around 6:30-7pm.

Automatic. Systematic. Hydromatic.

The machines at Fifth Element were v cool. It's a novel way to sample a few different wines, and it can be as expensive or cheap as you like. For instance, they had a 2004 Grange Hermitage on offer at $24.00 for a taste. One observation I would make is that trying wines in this fashion certainly presences the size of the glass and the amount of wine we're used to drinking versus what is standard. I think that's part of the reason why at Fifth Element, from the Enomatic machines, you appreciate the wine you're drinking that little bit more.


There was plenty of variety to choose from - over 50 bottles are hooked up to the card-operated vending-like wine machines - so we were spoilt for choice. There's two I tried that I'd like to mention:

One is a Gamay Noir. Now, I'm familiar with (and quite partial to) a Pinot Noir, likewise a nice Beaujolais (produced from Gamay grapes) - both lighter, fruitier red wines. However, I haven't seen a Gamay Noir before. It was delightful and I think is just my introduction to New World versions of Burgandy's Beaujolais. This particular one was from Hawkes Bay in NZ.

The other is a red wine from the Bekaa Valley in Lebannon. You see, I hadn't tried one of these before and my brother and my cousins were travelling in Lebannon last week, so I thought a toast was in order. It smells like chocolate and tastes like a red wine - a v rich and distinct red wine. Wine-making has been going on in this area for about 6000 years apparently and I have heard the red wine referred to as "a serious Bordeaux/Rhone combination". Think CabSav+Shiraz. Serious indeed.


Thanks to all who came last week. See you next time.

Ant

Enomatic

For the next Wine on Wednesday, on 28 July, we're going to head to Fifth Element at 188 Grey Street, Southbank. This is not far from the Goodwill Bridge, so I'd encourage considering the walk if you're coming from town.

I keep hearing about this wine bar, so I'm keen to check it out. I think the hype's because of the whizz-bang pre-pay wine-dispensing machines that feature. These are from Enomatic, Italian designed and manufactured and having tried them out elsewhere, they are rather cool. They dispense a 'taste' (25ml), a half glass (75ml) or a glass (125ml), all at proportionate prices which come off your special wine card charged with credit, so it is a fabulous way to sample a few different drops. At Fifth Element, it sounds like it's not just the novelty of this wine vending machine technology that has people drinking their wine, as I understand "the number and depth of by-the-glass selections is unparalelled in this city." It sounds worth it, so we'll have to see for ourselves. Look forward to it. Hope to see you there from around 7pm.

Anto

Brisbane Wine Placemarkers

Just thought I'd mention a couple of local events on the wine calendar:

The first is on Wednesday night this week (14 July) - Barossa in Boardshorts. Sounds like wine with a marked Queensland twist. 2010 will be the 3rd of this annual event. It starts at 6:30pm at the Strand at Rugby Quay (123 Eagle Street Brisbane). Barossan winemakers in "one room" for "generous tasting and canapes." Tickets are $39. It's put on by Purple Palate, so if you're keen to get along, contact hayley@swws.com.au or ph: 1300 1GRAPE (1300 147 273).

Wine on the Wharf this Sunday, 18 July (from 11am to 5pm). It's being held at Moda Events at Portside, Hamilton. Apparently more than 400 wines will be available for tasting. It's an opportunity to support quality, small producers. Unfortunately, I'm not going to make it, but if you're interested in tickets for the different sessions:

http://www.stewartswineco.com.au/index.php?act=viewCat&catId=68

See you soon

Anto

Crowded House

It was the crowd that made the night last Wednesday at Claret House for Wine on Wednesday. Thanks to all for coming.







In the spirit of "Claret", we wanted to try out a few wines produced from the varietals traditional to the Bordeaux region. In that regard I found it slightly surprising that only one wine from Bordeaux featured on the menu, and not many other international versions of these classic varietals were present either... that I noticed anyway. Not to worry, the wine list is quite extensive otherwise, and we certainly did Claret justice with the new world versions of the Bordeaux varietals - trying wines produced out of the "ANZAC" regions renowned for these, namely, Margaret River (WA), Coonawarra (SA), and Hawkes Bay (NZ).

It began with a quick Sauvignon Blanc (a white to loosen up) before the heavier, bolder reds and blends involving Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. For reference, the Cabernet Sauvignon is often added to Merlot to add tannin, acidity and aromatic fruit. The Merlot on the other hand supplies softness and body. And further, in talking these grapes and the particular regions famous for them, my reading tells me that some good Cabernet Sauvignon is coming out of Bulgaria - so one to look out for in the future maybe.

I trust all enjoyed the evening. Hopefully the conversations about, around or just over wines mean that we can say it's wine appreciation. At the least, I certainly appreciated the catch-up, and look forward to seeing you for good wines and good times at the next WoW.

Claret + Nicky Buckley

Sale of the Century had one for years... why not one for WoW too. A co-host is better looking and adds interest where the host fails..... So, WoW is on the look out for a different guest co-host to help proceedings along each month, starting next week with the lovely Kelly Murdoch. She is well qualified - she knows the venue well, she's an old hand at WoW, she'll be brimming on the back of her birthday (only a few days prior) and she's recently polished her wine tasting skills too. Please make her feel welcome.

Next WoW, on Wednesday 30 June, is at Claret House (at the London Woolstores, 36 Vernon Terrace in Teneriffe). 7 for 7:30pm. Consider public transport options (CityGlider Bus again. Also from Adelaide Street, bus 199. From Eagle Street, bus 270. Don't forget Teneriffe Ferry for anyone Bulimba way.).


As for the venue, I don't know much about it at this stage. Perhaps more interesting... some background on the word "Claret"? My understanding is that it was popularised by the English way back in the day when referring to the Bordeaux reds, specifically the appellation Bordeaux Clairet. In more recent times, Claret has been bastardised somewhat, being synonymous with the blood-like colour of the now more common richer reds of today that come out of Bordeaux.

So, if I'm to propose a theme for the night, I'd like to suggest a more French flavour to our wine choices, and in particular, to keep an eye out for those from Bordeaux (or the new world versions thereof). Think Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc.

I look forward to it. Kel and I hope you can make it.

Anto

Nashi Pear and Earthy Olive Tapenade

No, these weren't on the platters we enjoyed with the wines, but in fact the wine itself. At least the flavours according to Brad, one of the owners of Era and our wine connoisseur and guide for the night. He added that little extra bit of service, providing us with a brief run down on a few of the wines we tried last Wednesday night - which was most enjoyable, if a little hazy come Thursday morning (at least for some).

I thought Era put on an impressive opening performance and I will certainly rely on it in the future as a wine bar to frequent in Brisbane. I would say the same about its accompanying wine store next door.

Apart from the venue, the night was of course made by the people and wines present. Thank you to all who made it to the first one - there were some old and new faces alike.


As for the line up of wines... for written reference, we started with a move away from the typical white of choice down under (Sauvignon Blanc) to a similar tasting grape which is coming in to vogue here - Pinot Grigio. It was an Australian version - Point Leo Road 2008 from Mornington Peninsula, Victoria. A tid bit - although the wine is white, these particular grapes tend to be a grayish-blue ("grigio" is "grey" in Italian, and "gris" means "grey" in French).

On to the reds, which we did in the form of Sangiovese - one from the new world (Kangarill Road Sangiovese 2008 from McLaren Vale, South Australia), and one from it's home in the old world (Fugnano 'Donna Gina' Sangiovese 2004 from Tuscany in Italy). A good contrast, both solid in their own way. Remember, this is where the "earthy olive tapenade" came in to play on the back of the palette.

To finish, Jimmy chose a lovely Zinfandel from WA - McHenry Hohnen Rocky Road Zinfandel 2007 of Margaret River. Zinfandel is America's answer to Italy's Primitivo red grape and I am continually and unexpectedly impressed by them. This Australian version was another delicious one and a nice way to end.

'Til next time.

WoW: A New Era

For Brisbane WoW's first appearance next week, we're going to head for wines at Era on Melbourne Street in South Brisbane. It was in Gourmet Traveller's 2009 Wine List of the Year Awards, so it's got to be worth a look and taste.

Era was started by the owners of Circa, who, following the closure for redevelopment of their award-winning restaurant, relocated their team from the city to South Brisbane and went for a slightly more casual feel.

Remember, it's on Wednesday, 9 June 2010. We'll try for a 6:30pm start this time and see how we go. The bar is number 102 Melbourne Street, on the corner of Merivale Street. By public transport, I can highly encourage Translink's new CityGlider bus service, which runs between Teneriffe and West End - from Adelaide Street in the city, heading towards Southbank, it goes along Melbourne Street right past Era.

I look forward to seeing all those who can make it for the first of many.

Cheers

Anto

Care for a vino?

I’ve recently returned to Brisbane from a few years overseas and apparently (I hear) there’s not much nightlife during the week in this “big country town” where I grew up. I’m not convinced.

How about a wine on Wednesday then? Once a month, enjoy a wine, catch-up with friends, check-out a different wine-serving establishment somewhere in Brisbane, and perhaps, in the process, learn a thing or two about wine. It will be very casual and may involve one glass or several bottles*, entirely dependent on the mood and your agenda on the night. We’ll do formal tastings sometimes, specific wine-themed nights, solve the problems of the world or just keep it low key. It’s obligation free, just for fun, and a tiny little bit wanky… as with all things wine-related. And, as a regular calendar fixture, it will, if nothing else, provide an excuse to anyone for a mid-week night out and catch-up. Please come along as often as you like if you care for a vino.

I'll use this blog to keep you updated with dates, times, venues, formalities, debriefs, the occasional photo and anything else of interest wine-wise as we go along. Pencil in Wednesday, 9 June 2010 for the first one of these nights appreciating fine wine and chatter. Details to follow soon.

Anto

*As much as possible I’d like WoW to encourage responsible drinking as well as not encourage widespread drink-driving. So, to get to and from the venues we choose, I’ll be advocating alternative modes of transport – whether it be use of the excellent (really) public transport options in this river city of ours, car-pooling with a designated-driver, group taxis for a common suburban area, or perhaps simply walking or riding a bicycle (carefully)…..and, so, hopefully, as a by-product of these WoW nights, we embrace the transport systems the BCC so desperately wants us to utilise, other than our own car, and thereby avoid any DUI and even save the environment just a little too.