Tractor Oil

WoW ventured south for January, hitting Mornignton Peninsula on what was a lovely Wednesday afternoon. A couple of the boys and I hit out a morning game of golf and then Ten Minutes by Tractor for a long late lunch. Truly excellent food and wine in a quaint, slightly understated setting. Although the restaurant has an extensive wine list (with options from all over the world), we stuck with a drop from the winery at hand and just had the one bottle - 2007 Ten Minutes by Tractor McCutcheon Vineyard Pinot Noir - very smooth (a red that played both big and small, which suited perfectly the meal we each had). Definitely one to check out if you're ever in the area. I needn't say anymore.

2012: To Women and Song

Borrowing the words of Hugh Johnson, prolific wine writer, in his book "The Story of Wine" I wish you a happy new year. WoW went distinctly missing there in the second half of last year. Let's call it a hiatus and shall we approach this year with ever more vigour and gusto, well, kind of. The thinking with Wine on Wednesday this year is for it to be a little bit more laid back than it has been (if that's possible), understated and unassuming, whilst still remembering the reason for it initially - simply honouring the ritual that is an honest wine on Wednesday with a mate. Cheers to that.

WoW's first hit-out in 2012 will be on the Mornington Peninsula next week. Pinot Noir country and I can't think of a better place to welcome WoW back. Looking forward to having a wine with you at some stage over the course of the year.

3 4 5

Last Wednesday was excellent. Exactly as WoW was intended. Later on, on a Wednesday, after work is done for the day, five people happened upon a great little basement bar serving wine and food to enjoy a quiet sip and chat. Hope you can join us next time.

Brisbane Supper Club Wine Boutique is certainly one to try. Out of the way, it's a fantastic little space down the stairs. Although not a huge number of patrons last week, it's not big so will fill up (in fact their wine tasting this week has 60 people going... that's busy). Regarding their wines - we tried the Mornington Pinot Noir, Ocean Eight (from those who brought us Kooyong), just received in that day. Not bad. Then, a Malbec from Mendoza in Argentina in aid of an upcoming trip to South America. Solid also. We finished with the best? It was a lovely, smooth, chocolatey aptly named Undercover Shiraz from McLaren Vale by Petaringa - a solid drinking and value wine. All, the perfect warming reds on a winter's night and lubricated conversation just enough - three bottles between five people seemed the perfect storm in fact. As for the food, unluckily the kitchen was closed, but the menu read very well, and the bruschetta and bread and olive oil and caramelised balsamic we convinced Sheldon to give us was superb.

Reds

Reds are synonmous with winter, and in Queensland it seems there's no exception. Not only is the local super rugby team performing, the nights are cold and require a winter warmer. So, with no State of Origin next week (22 June), if you're looking for a tipple, WoW is going to try out the Brisbane Supper Club Wine Boutique.

As ever, a few things are up in the air: I haven't been able to make a booking as yet; I have a late meeting that night so could be delayed getting there; and we potentially have international guests in attendance (Prue and Chuck if they don't sneak away to Melbourne beforehand). Not to worry, we'll have a wine regardless.

WoW has turned in to a quarterly affair it seems (going on recent form), so I perhaps ever so slightly more keenly look forward to this one next week. See you there I hope. 22 June, head to Macrossan Street in Brisbane City, around 7:30/8pm.

Cheers

Tuesday is the new Wednesday? Not WoW

It feels that way a little of late - I have found myself out on Tuesday nights sipping wines (and other drinks). It seems this has cannibalised the tradition that is Wine on Wednesday. So, back to task, let's enjoy some wines on a Wednesday soon - 22 June 2011 is the date I'm thinking for this next, so if you and/or others are keen, please come along. Venue to be confirmed.

Anto

Cru for Two

Fresh-faced on the wine front after a last minute trip to McLaren Vale (which was excellent) the weekend before, I headed to Cru Bar + Cellar with my brother for a wine on Wednesday, 30 March. This place, a Brisbane institution by most accounts, has eluded me to date (I think I've stopped in there for one beer once before). It seems it was the same for Jono, my brother, having never been. In any case, I've been keen to test their wine list as it is award-winining. Yes, Cru was Queensland state winner in Australia's Wine List of the Year Awards for 2009.

It was good too. It seems there is sufficient emphasis on the cellar part of the business. We had a Hollick, Cab Sav Merlot from Coonawarra (South Australia) in a half bottle. Glad to continue the South Australian theme, this one was soft and smooth in the mouth for those juicy red grape varieties. The 375mls was a great way to do it too... for two.

McLaren Vale

Mystery Flight

Playing it by ear this WoW, 30 March. Granada it was to be, but alas, it seems there are so many options. A few of us will make the call closer to the time (around 7pm), so if you're interested in a glass tomorrow night, give me a call. At this stage, Cru bar on James Street is looking a solid chance - I've been wanting to check it out in terms of its wine for a while now (it's cellar and wine list are meant to be stellar). We'll see.... as there's another few other ideas I have on my list.

Ant

No Mylarkey

Really thought good things about this bar last week (The Lark, that is). And, apparently, they sell more wine than cocktails, so if you haven't, give it a go Keep an eye out for the nominee, who Lizzie introduced me to - a little bizarre - "Anthony Perry meet Perry Anthony".

 

Otherwise, its an abbreviated wine list on their blackboard, but very good. It does change frequently, so frequently it would seem that the nominee himself was catching up. In any case, the Tasmanian Freychinet Pinot Noir was fantastic. Very smooth.

On another note, I'm always scared of Alsace for sweet Reislings, but the French Pinot Blanc from Alsace was lovely. Likewise, had a sip of the Hunter Semillon Mitch chose - very good. Had some character, partiuclarly on the nose, but in the end, lovely and soft and balanced.

I'll leave the wanky wine chat there for now.

"Til next time

Frolic with an Old World Bird

The Lark. It's not even 3 years old. It's won one thousand awards. It's brought to us by the guy behind Bowery Bar and Lychee Lounge. And yes, while it prides itself on its cocktails, it also does wine. In fact they run an appreciation society.... or is that just for whisky? They don't give much away - the wine list is seasonal, changing so frequently, the chalkboard in the bar is the only place to find out about the fine wine they offer. So, next Wednesday, 2 March, from 7:30pm, let's have a look.

Address is 1/267 Given Terrace, Paddington

See you there any old how. Bus, walk or bike if you can.

Ant

February: the short month

It seems this month is fast getting away from us, or at least me. With only 28 days we might miss out on a WoW. So, next Wednesday, 2 March, let's catch up for a wine. Details to come.

In the meantime, I'll comment on the pleasant Australia Day afternoon at Sardine Tin. An eerie calmness. The sun out. Everyone seemingly still reeling from the flood and making the most of taking it easy on the mid-week public holiday. How good. And so, it was nice to call in there for a couple of quiet Aussie wines - red and white. They have a great little wine list actually. Not very big, but good variety. Nice drops. The food, I don't think, is as good. But, I did enjoy their namesake - the sardines were excellent. Solid little Brissie wine bar.

Talk soon

Australia and Wine v Beer

Hi to all in 2011. I thought I'd start us off on a good foot with the following article suggesting that, as a nation, we're appreciating our wines more than simply being beer drinkers...

http://www.smh.com.au/executive-style/top-drop/wine-takes-hold-as-beer-gets-coldie-shoulder-20110118-19vd1.html

there you go ...which leads nicely in to where we'll start this year - Australia Day. In the spirit, and particularly after last week's events, the plan is to keep it rather casual and relaxed. So, on Wednesday, 26 January, I'd encourage all to join and toast the day with at least one Australian wine from the list. Where? I thought Sardine Tin - a little local over on Little Stanley Street at Southbank - might be just the right venue for this type of enjoyment.

http://sardinetin.com.au/

Rach and I will aim to get there before the sun goes down so we can have some time in the afternoon light. Hope to see you there.

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.