#australian wine

[mounttowrongvineyard]

Sipping Perfection: Mount Towrong Winery — A Gem in Macedon Ranges, Australia

The Idyllic Setting:

Mount Towrong Winery is strategically located amidst the undulating hills and lush vineyards of Macedon Ranges. The serene atmosphere and cool climate provide the ideal conditions for cultivating high-quality grapes. Visitors are treated to sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, making it an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The vineyard’s commitment to sustainable practices further enhances its appeal, creating an eco-friendly haven for both wine lovers and nature enthusiasts.

A Rich History:

Founded in 1994, Mount Towrong Winery has a rich history deeply intertwined with the evolution of winemaking in the Macedon Ranges. The winery’s founders, George and Deirdre, were visionaries who recognized the region’s potential for producing exceptional cool-climate wines. Their dedication and passion laid the foundation for what is now considered the premier winery in the area.

The Terroir Advantage:

Mount Towrong Winery’s success is attributed to its unique terroir, characterized by cool temperatures, diverse soil types, and optimal elevation. These factors contribute to the distinctive flavors and aromas present in their wines. The vineyard carefully selects grape varieties that thrive in these conditions, resulting in a diverse range of wines that showcase the best of the Macedon Ranges terroir.

Signature Wines:

Awards and Recognition:

The accolades bestowed upon Mount Towrong Winery underscore its commitment to excellence. The winery has garnered numerous awards for its outstanding vintages, solidifying its status as a leader in Macedon Ranges’ winemaking. The dedication to quality and innovation is evident in every bottle, making Mount Towrong a name synonymous with exceptional wine.

Visit and Experience:

For those looking to experience the magic of Mount Towrong Winery firsthand, a visit to the cellar door is a must. The welcoming ambiance, coupled with knowledgeable staff, ensures a memorable tasting experience. Additionally, the winery often hosts events, including vineyard tours, blending sessions, and seasonal celebrations, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of the winemaking process.

Conclusion:

Mount Towrong Winery stands tall as the epitome of winemaking excellence in the Macedon Ranges. Its captivating setting, rich history, and exceptional wines make it a destination that transcends the ordinary. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, a visit to Mount Towrong promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Australian winemaking perfection.

[myaussiestory]

🍷 Explore the World-class Australian Wine Industry 🇦🇺🍇

Australia's wine-making legacy runs deep, and it's a source of national pride!

Discover why Australia's wine industry stands out in the link above.

[wonderingwendy]

We included a visit to the ACMI (Australian Centre for Moving Images) in our Melbourne CBD activities. Again this was a great opportunity to take the time to learn something about how media came to be. From shadows to flip books to film to colour and sound to storyboards, set making to gaming. It was fascinating and a little overwhelming to think we now all walk around with the power to film anything anytime.

Funny story time - being Friday and all, we kept with our tradition of pizza 🍕 night. We chose to check out SPQR, followed our google maps and found the building with the sign on it, went in and asked whether they had a table for two and she replied “yes but only for an hour”. Feeling smug that we snagged a table, we quickly replied “sure”. After all we can eat a pizza in an hour.

Found ourselves tucked in a corner with a book of a wine list and a couple next to us eating a thick slab of meat - no pizza in sight or smell for that matter. And the glasses of wine start at $17.80 with premium pours up to $68. Apparently we had a seat at a quaint little wine bar/restaurant, Punch Lane for the next hour and not SPQR. Well do you leave or not?

What the heck, we ordered the $17.80 Rose each which was super tasty, stayed for an hour and then went to get our pizza. As an aside, the server gave us a very generous pour “because no one’s looking right” and shared some interesting info on an orange wine from Tassie.

Our chosen destination was down the lane from the sign on the building. By this time on a Friday it was hopping with a DJ playing and jam packed with people so we took our eggplant pizza and meatballs to go (known as “take away” here). Kinda blew the daily budget but it’s just an average right?

Sometimes making mistakes turns out for the better.

[thewondermentofillustration]

Great Western Sparkling Wines, Imperial Reserve, The Bulletin, January 26, 1922

[wine-porn]

Original Sin

This is some dirty dirty dirty-ass eucalyptus shit, man. Holy wow. I love eucalyptus, but this pushes my comfort level a bit, gotta say. Muddy peat and eucalyptus is pretty much the entire nose. And plenty of air doesn’t do much to alleviate it. Gradually, thick leather and salted licorice take form. It’s purple, too–not showing any of that girly-man Pinot-esque garnet Santa Barbara digs. The…

[paulpingminho]

[liquorwinecave]

Grosperrin MMC 1 Mistelle-type Pineau des Charentes 7 years 17% 750ml

A unique French fortified aperitif, perfect gift for the wine or spirit lover who has tried everything... MMC1 stands for "mout mute au Cognac" or must blended with Cognac. It is made from fresh grape musts, added to Cognac, and aged together for 7 years minimum in french oak barrels. The MMC1 was made at a small estate in Petite Champagne. Bottled without any addition of sulphur nor sugar. Limited quantities.

Straw yellow colour. On the nose, lots of fruit and minerality. On the palate, very soft, not very sweet. Nice acidity, balanced.

[winemastery]

Unveiling The Exciting Journey Of Yellow Tail Pinot Grigio: Episode 408!

[mounttowrongvineyard]

Premium Australian Wine at Mount Towrong Vineyard

Experience the exquisite taste of Australian Wine with Mount Towrong Vineyard. Crafted with care and passion, each sip delivers a burst of flavors that will transport you to the vineyards of Australia. Indulge in the richness of this premium wine and elevate your dining experience. Dial 0488 155 088. 

[disappointedpotaaht]

Wine Review #3: McGuigan Reserve Pinot Grigio

Opening: Luckily, another wine with a screw cap, so I had no issues opening it.

Taste: It was okay. Again very mild and lacking crispness in my opinion. Where are those citrus notes? Have the vibrant tropical fruit aromas cancelled out the sourness of the citrus notes?

Headache: The next day I did have a slight headache but nothing major. So, you should be fine if you share the bottle with a friend and don’t drink it all by yourself as I do :)

Bought: ASDA

Price: 7£

Rating 3/5

[wonderingwendy]

Alrighty then - it’s 31 degrees outside going up to 33 today. Careful what you wish for I always say. 🥵 I’m wondering if it may be time for the Canberra Art Gallery or a Canberra wine tasting. Have I mentioned there’s no fee for the museums and art galleries but there is for a tasting? Incredibly backward if you ask me.

[wine-porn]

High Treason

I really should drink more Australian cab. I scrolled back and only found two or three in the past ten years. This thing drinks like a frickin barrel sample. Glass-staining crimson with considerable sediment. Decanted vigorously. Clean, precise nose of blockbuster proportions: heady burnt rubber, diesel and brushy briar, hot to touch and the fruit mired impossilby behind everything else. It’s…

[huariqueje]

Nasturtiums and Oysters  - Anna May Henry

Australian , b. 1980s -

Oil on canvas , 40 50 cm.

[liquorwinecave]

What is the Best Australian Wine for You

Australia is a wine powerhouse. We’re talking about the fifth-largest wine-producing country in the world! Australia is home to a talented community of winemakers championing all wine styles, from rosé wine to sweet wine and everything in between.

Australia produces a vast amount of fine wine, and although picking a nice bottle is easy, finding the right wine for you is a bit more challenging. After all, with so many alternatives, how to choose?

Here’s all you need to know about Australian wine and the grapes used to make it, from the robust Australian red wine made with Shiraz to the gentle Pinot Noir. Let’s find the right wine for you.

Australia’s Wine Regions

To understand Australian wine, one must first know how the 2156 wineries and 6000 grape growers are organized and how they label their wines.

Australia has a sophisticated yet straightforward appellation system. You’ll find distinct Geographical Indications (GI) under the umbrella term Wine Australia all along the country’s southern shore.

Vineyards run along Queensland’s southern shore, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia — grapes grow merrily in Tasmania as well! There are around 65 GIs in Australia, and they all focus on different wine styles depending on their climates, soil types and proximity to the sea.

To find the right Australian wine for you, let’s explore the most famous wine grapes where they are grown. Here’s a quick tour through Australia’s verdant vineyards. Our first stop? Australian white wine.

Australian White Wine

Chardonnay

Chardonnay is Australia’s most planted white varietal and the third most important after the red Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Chardonnay is a noble grape. The queen of white grapes is native to Burgundy, France, but arrived in Australia in 1832. Winemakers love the grape for a reason — it thrives almost everywhere.

Of course, Chardonnay vines prefer colder climates, so you’ll find the finest Australian white wines made with the grape up on the hills or near the coast, where temperatures are lower.

Expect a tight acidic backbone and scents reminiscent of golden apples, white flowers, citrus peels and oaky vanilla over a medium-bodied and creamy palate. These wines are best enjoyed with pasta, creamy sauces, chicken thighs and savoury pastries.

Regions for Australian Chardonnay:

Margaret River, Adelaide Hills, Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, Tasmania.

Wine to try:

Allandale Chardonnay 2021

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is the fifth most planted grape in Australia, and it’s often blended with Semillon, a style inspired by the white wines from Bordeaux. By the way, Semillon alone makes extraordinary wine in Australia as well, primarily in Hinter Valley.

Unlike Sauvignon’s European versions, these wines are brimming with tropical fruit redolent of passion fruit, lychee and kiwi, always with refreshing acidity. Enjoy Sauvignon Blanc with fresh cheese and seafood. For dry white wine, Australian white wine has you covered.

Regions for Australian Sauvignon Blanc:

Margaret River, Yarra Valley, Tasmania, Tumbarumba (Check the Sauv Blancs from neighbouring New Zealand as well!)

Wine to try:

Stella Bella Sauvignon Blanc 2021

Riesling

Riesling is the queen of cold-climate white grapes; it's easy to see why it thrives in Germany and Austria. Well, Australian grape growers have found great spots for growing the late-ripening and aromatic variety as well. The result is an elegant wine with floral and petrol aromas, often with hints of ripe peaches and mango. The sweetness in these wines may vary, so read the label carefully.

Riesling is particularly compatible with white meat, including pork and veal. It can be a great partner for spicy food like curries, too. Riesling is a wonderful summer sipper, and it’s easy to enjoy on its own as well.

Regions for Australian Riesling:

Clare Valley, Eden Valley, Tasmania, Western Australia.

Wine to try:

Pooley Butchers Hill Riesling 2021

Other Australian White Grapes

Many other white varietals show promising results in Australia, including Vermentino, Pinot Gris, Fiano, Muscat and others.

Australian Red Wine

Although Australian white wines are up there with the best in the world, the country is best known for its reds. Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah are the two most planted grapes in Australia and make almost half of the vineyards. Both grapes arrived in the country in the 1830s at the hands of the “Father of Wine Australia”, James Busby. Today, producers make the most acclaimed wines in the country with one of these two grapes, but there are others. Let’s get to know them.

Shiraz

Shiraz, AKA Syrah, is a red grape from the Rhône Valley, France. The rustic grape produces big and bold red wines with ripe fruit aromas and hints of freshly cracked black pepper and chocolate.

Shiraz is also commonly blended with Grenache and Mataro (Mourvedre) in the now-famous GSM blend, where Grenache plays first fiddle. These wines are complex but approachable and offer a wide range of fruit, herb and spice aromas.

Australian Shiraz is best enjoyed with hearty stews, meat pies, grilled red meat, barbecue, roasts, goat and lamb.

Regions for Australian Shiraz:

Barossa Valley, Margaret River, Hunter Valley, Clare Valley, McLaren Vale.

Wine to try:

Turon Artist Range Syrah 2019

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is the most planted grape globally and the second most popular in Australia. There’s no doubt the noble Bordelaise varietal produces age-worthy and structured wines across the country. You can find wines made 100% with Cabernet Sauvignon everywhere and spectacular blends, most likely Cabernet-Merlot and Cabernet-Shiraz.

Cabernet Sauvignon wines are an excellent match for thick, fatty steaks, especially rib eyes and strip steaks. Cabernet will also shine with meaty stews, casseroles and semi-hard cheese.

Regions for Australian Cabernet Sauvignon:

Coonawarra, Barossa Valley, Margaret River, Victoria.

Wine to try:

Suckfizzle Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is not amongst the most planted red grapes in Australia, not because producers don’t want to grow it, but because the thin-skinned Burgundian grape is tough to grow and only thrives in the coldest climates.

Pinot Noir produces elegant, almost silky red wines with elevated acidity and fruit purity on the nose and palate. These sensual wines pair best with mushroom dishes, oily fish like salmon and tuna, and roasted poultry. Pinot Noir is also often used to make pretty rosé wine.

Regions for Australian Pinot Noir:

Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Valley, Tasmania, Adelaide Hills.

Wine to try:

Quartier Pinot Noir 2021

Other Australian Red Grapes

There are dozens of other red grapes in Australia, although not nearly as popular as those described above. Tempranillo is worthy of a special mention, and it’s doing great in Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale, Heathcote and Margaret River.

Merlot, Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Petit Sirah (Durif) and many other grapes are worth seeking out, and they’re climbing the popularity ranks at an impressive pace.

There’s an Australian Wine For You

We’ve covered the most prominent red and white varietals in the Australian repertoire and where to find them. However, this is just a drop in the bucket — there’s much more from where these came from!

From world-class sparkling wine to lusciously sweet wine, Australian winemakers make wine for all occasions, food pairings and budgets. What’s the best Australian wine? That’s up to you. And you’ll have a great time finding the answer to that question.

Enjoy the wine Australia has for you and share it with friends and family. Australian wine is better than ever, and it’s not going anywhere. Are you ready to explore the vast country through your taste buds? All you need is a wine glass!