This weeks headlines

Rosemount

Remke de Lange — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Rosemount started in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales, and grew into a big company. Yet it is taken over by Fosters that gets it fruit from different parts of Australia to make a huge range of wines, of which some you can find in Dutch supermarkets. In McLaren Vale there is a huge Rosemount winery and even the cellar door screams: BIG!

Many of the wines you taste are not typical McLaren Vale, but especially show how broad Rosemount is: a Chardonnay from the Limestone Coast or from the Adelaide Hills, a Cabernet Sauvignon from Coonawarra...

Yet there are also some local wines, including a nice GSM (Grenache, Shiraz, Mourvedre) and the flagship Balmoral Shiraz, made from decades-old vines in the vicinity. For the rest the Rosemount cellar door is especially fun for those who love gadgets and gift packagings.

Cellar Door open: Mon-Sat 10-17 hours, Sun 11-17 hours

This article was created in July 2010 by journalist Remke de Lange. For more wine articles: www.remkedelange.nl. This article is copyrighted

Scarpantoni

Remke De Lange — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The name sounds Italian and the Scarpantoni Cellar Door also looks very Italian with a lot of glamour, tiled floors and a kitschy fountain in the garden. In the fifty’s the family Scarpantoni came from Abruzzi to McLaren Vale in Australia. There they began growing grapes, and in 1979 the winery was founded officially Scarpantoni.

The family business produces white and fortified wines, but excels in red wines, like the sultry Brothers Block Cabernet Sauvignon and the spicy, chocolate-like Block 3 Shiraz. Especially popular is the fine, smooth blend of Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon- Merlot: the School Block, named after the vineyard on the spot where the first primary school of McLaren Flat was.

This hamlet is not that small anymore. When you sit on the terrace made of oak casks: the winery is now surrounded by new constructed houses.

Cellar Door open: Mon-Fri 9-5 pm, weekends 11 to 5 pm

This article was created in July 2010 by journalist Remke de Lange. For more wine articles: www.remkedelange.nl. This article is copyrighted

Pope Valley Winery

Touring & Tasting Magazine — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

A visit to Pope Valley Winery allows wine lovers to step back in time and experience 12 acres of history. In the early 1860s, bewitched by dreams of striking it rich, Ed Haus emigrated from Switzerland with his three brothers to join in the California Gold Rush. In 1897, Ed and his wife founded The Burgundy Wine and Olive Factory. They fashioned it as a three-story gravitational flow winery with a hand-dug cave, to allow the wine to flow from crusher, to press, to barrel. A century later, the Eakle family, representing a third generation in Pope Valley and a ninth generation in Napa County, purchased the abandoned winery and gave it a new life as Pope Valley Winery.

Today, nestled in the relatively undiscovered Pope Valley, visitors are treated to country roads and picturesque views as they wind their way to Pope Valley Winery. The winery’s grounds seem almost untouched by time, with six original nineteenth century structures still standing. They are invited to tour the original farmhouse, a blacksmith shop, a wagon shed, and more. Many of the original tools still reside inside the historical structures. While the three-story winery has power now, its cave, which took nine years to dig, still exists. Those who tour it get a real feeling for nineteenth century winemaking.

Pope Valley Winery produces high quality, handcrafted single varietal wines. The winery’s vineyards include over 80 acres planted to Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc, Zinfandel, and Merlot. The rich, intense, and flavorful wines are created by combining superior fruit and oak barrel aging in the century old cave.

Although located off the beaten track, Pope Valley Winery has definitely been discovered by wine critics. In fact, five medals were awarded to Pope Valley wines at the 2010 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition alone, including a Double Gold for the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Reserve.

Shingleback

Remke de Lange — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

You can find Shingleback wine in the more larger Dutch liquor stores, so why visit them if you're in McLaren Vale? Off course, to taste what Shingleback can offer you more than what you might find at the big grocer in your country. For example, the sultry Viognier, the fiery and fruity Grenache and The Gate, an older, more sophisticated Shiraz.

You cannot miss Shingleback when you turn off the main road to the village of McLaren Vale. Along the road dozens of logos of local wineries welcome the visitors, but none is that charming as the renovated nineteenth-century barn, the cellar door of the winery with the shingleback, one of Australia's most recognizable lizard, shines on the label.

Cellar Door open: daily 10 am - 5 pm

This article was created in July 2010 by journalist Remke de Lange. For more wine articles: www.remkedelange.nl. This article is copyrighted

Azienda Agricola Corbucc

Paul de Goede — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

First of all is this a wine farm with unbelievable passion for wines. Francisco and his love able wife are breathing everything in wine. The taste of all his wines are exceptional. All the grapes are hand picked by Francisco himself. I'm a wine expert, but his wines are absolute the TOP of what Italy offers us all. When you are in the neighborhood of San Gimignano, please visit this exceptional vineyard or order the wines on his website. It is only a matter of time (a couple of years) that the Corbucci wine farm will be the best of Italy.

Tintara Winery

Remke de Lange — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The grape variety is the same, the year is the same and the production method is the same. And yet three different wines. Right in centre of the village of McLaren Vale, the heart of the wine region, you can find the Cellar Door of Tintara. The wine company was taken over by the young Thomas Hardy in 1876, whose name has since grown to immense proportions. In 1895 Hardys was with a production of 1.5 million liters, already the largest wine producer of Australia.

Meanwhile, the historic family business is now part of Constellation Wines, the world's largest wine giant, but still under the name Tintara. They still produce very good wines. Winemaker Paul Carpenter was at the award ceremony of the 2009 of the McLaren Vale Wine Show, a big event for the region. He came four times on stage to receive an award for his wines and moreover he was voted "Bushing King", or Winemaker of the Year of McLaren Vale.

At the spacious, sleek furnished cellar door, you can taste beside of the award-winning wines, three Single Vineyard Shirazes from 2004. So three different wines from nearby vineyards which are just so different in taste. The vineyards have simply their own age, soil and location. The Blewitt Springs (40 years old vines) has some licorice and raisins in the flavor and firm fruit in the taste, while the McLaren Flat (45 years old vines) smells more eucalyptus and seems somewhat spicier.

It is difficult to choose my favorite from these three fine wines, but it is for me anyway the Upper Tintara that evokes associations with cherry, blackberry and manure and very soft tannins with strong aftertaste. The vines are 105 years old! The young plants, Thomas Hardy (1830 - 1912) must have seen them grow himself.

Opening hours
Seven days a week (except Christmas, New Year and Good Friday) from 10.00 to 16.30 pm.

This article was created in November 2009 by journalist Remke de Lange. For more wine articles: www.remkedelange.nl. This article is copyrighted

Wirra Wirra

Remke de Lange — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

At Wirra Wirra it is all about fun. Fully in the spirit of the man who started the winery in 1969, the eccentric, locally very beloved Greg Trott (1934-2005). At Wirra Wirra you can do matches with throwing watermelons in front of a crazy big 'fence' of giant eucalyptus. The annual Bell Ringing ceremony means the beginning of the harvest. But also for the world's largest wine bottle, made of thousands of corks, you are with Wirra Wirra at the right place. Every morning the cellar door is opened with the ding dong of The Angelus, an old church bell which now hangs in a tower next to the winery. The rest of the day, visitors themselves are freely to hang on the long bell rope.

Seriousness with wine
But with all this kind of fun winemaking is serious business at Wirra Wirra. ‘Think global, drink local' is shown on the T-shirts of the people behind the bar. Easily said, with that great selection of fine wines. The Church block, a Cabernet-Shiraz-Merlot blend, is domestically a one of a kind and rightly so: a mouthful of soft dark fruit!

Also with the fruity Catapult Shiraz-Viognier, the dark Woodhenge Shiraz and the robust great RSW Shiraz the soft taste is remarkable.

Not brilliant, but recognisable
The blue Wirra Wirra logo was originally designed by a designer of the BBC, involved in television series like Monty Python's Flying Circus and Dr. Who, says managing director Andrew Kay. "Maybe not a brilliant design," he admits. But in all its simplicity, it’s very recognizable. Even in grass.

Cellar Door open: Mon-Fri 10-17 hours, weekends 11-17 hours

This article was created in July 2010 by journalist Remke de Lange. For more wine articles: www.remkedelange.nl. This article is copyrighted

Casas del Bosque

Edgar Taverne — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Reservations are not required, but if you see the guard at the gate, you'd almost think differently. The huge complex looks pretty commercial, especially since it lies just outside an industrial area. The tasting room is modern with lots of glass, really tasteful. The restaurant has a good reputation and if you visit, it's worth to stay for lunch or dinner, even though it is not as fabulous as some guides make us believe.

At the entrance we pay for our tasting. There are several tours and tastings, but we go for the five wines option because we have children with us. Unfortunately the award-winning Sauvignon Blanc is not in this flight, but when we ask for it we get to taste this winner. And a winner it is, we would love to take a crate home with us. The Pinot Noir should be served slightly chilled, but this bottle seems to be located in a fritch. It is a pity we do not got any response when we ask for a warmer version. Our guide was not very attentive, it is obvious he plays this tune regularly. A disadvantage of the commercial concept, so to speak. And commercially they are, we saw a lot of ads in local newspapers and there is a big sign in the village.

For a fun lunch with wine, you can spend the afternoon here. Especially with children there is plenty of space for them having loads of fun while their parents are enjoying the wines.

Paxton Wines

Remke de Lange — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

"You think it's great or terrible or, but you cannot ignore," says Paxton grape grower Toby Bekkers. "In the shop among the other bottles, our label is only one that is readable." The bold, tough Paxton-letters are indeed quite inevitable. In McLaren Vale you see many cars with logos of wineries, but the Paxton ones are the most striking ones. Even in the air, there is no escape. The big letters are on the roof of the Paxton’s cellar door, a beautiful historic farm from the time that not the grapes but only sheep stood on the hills around, close to the coast.

The large font is a contrast with the refined, elegant wines produced by Paxton under supervision of winemaker Michael Paxton, who with his brother Ben, manager of the company, grew up among the grapes. The father, David, worked as a grape grower and as a renowned vineyard manager in various parts of Australia.

A few years ago the company switched to biodynamic viticulture. At first reluctant and skeptical, but gradually the grape grower, Toby Bekkers, became more enthusiastic about it. "We started modestly. Now that we work biodynamic has not to do with environment motives, and certainly not with marketing, but simply because the wine taste better."

Resistant vines
"The vines are healthier and more balanced," adds Michael Paxton. According to him, that makes them more resistant to diseases and heat waves. The effect is they ripen more early. The Paxtons harvest as early as possible, that prevents heavy, high alcohol wines.

I tasted the fresh, green 2009 Pinot Gris and the bright Shiraz Rosé 2009 which is full and fruity. Or even better the elegant, soft red wines. The AAA Shiraz Grenache 2008 is jammy but, with hints of cherry and cloves, still enough acidity. The Qandong Farm Shiraz 2008 is dark, sultry and smooth, while the Jones Block 2006 is just somewhat spicier: bay leaf, clove, dark berries.

Delicious wines that are smooth and almost "light". And with such a heavy name.

Cellar Door open: daily 10 am - 17 hours

This article was created in April 2010 by journalist Remke de Lange. For more wine articles: www.remkedelange.nl. This article is copyrighted

Oliver's Taranga

Remke de Lange — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

REINFORCED DESIGNER WORK
The first five generations were mostly grape growers, but very good ones. Don Oliver provides grapes for Penfolds Grange, one of Australia's most admired wines. But his niece, Corrina Wright (formerly Rayment), the sixth generation, wanted to make wine. She did for Gallo in California and in Australia for major labels like Lindemans. But once back on her native soil in McLaren Vale, she gave more and more attention to her own 'hobby wines’. Now about 20% of the grapes go to Oliver's Taranga, although still her small but already acclaimed wine label.

The small house that around 1850 gave shelter to two families of grape growers, is not so long ago transformed into a modern-rustic cellar door where every morning at ten o'clock the first bottle are opened. The delicious sultry Viognier 2008 (already a favorite grape to me). The even though sensually berry like 2007 Grenache. The Corrina's Blend from 2006 with its Cabernet Sauvignon-Shiraz combination is a very fine, subtle wine. The 2005 HJ Reserve, named after grandfather Bert Oliver, which tastes deliciously drenched.

I love them all very, but I'm especially surprised by something I usually have less focus on: the Fortified. A fortified wine which, now that the name is protected, no longer can be called Port. The wine pioneers of Australia widely produced fortified wines, but they were rather fallen out of favor in the last decades. Nowadays, new winemakers do experiment with it. This glass of fortified wine, made from Grenache grapes, I find very special: tobacco, cinnamon, chocolate, brown sugar, almond ... Each sip of this slightly viscous, light brown wine is different. And even that bottle! A tough piece of designer work.

Opening hours
Seven days a week from 10.00 to 16.00 hours.

This article was created on March 30, 2009 by journalist Remke de Lange. For more wine articles: www.remkedelange.nl. This article is copyrighted

Noon

Remke de Lange — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Noon's wines are dark, deep and delicious. But Drew and Rae Noon produce such a modest number of bottles each year, you have to be fast to catch one.

In November they open the cellar door, but once the wine is sold out they close the cellar door. That means: be on time, or taste it in one of the local restaurants in McLaren Vale. They are worth it.

Cellar door open
As from November, weekends, until they are sold out.

This article was written in July 2010 by the journalist Remke de Lange. For more wine articles: www.remkedelange.nl. This article is copyrighted

Peju

Touring & Tasting Magazine — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Situated in the famed Rutherford appellation, Peju is a small family-owned winery; and a wine, architecture, and art lover’s paradise. Founded by Tony and Herta (H.B.) Peju in 1982, today, Peju remains a small, boutique winery with two generations working side by side. Ariana focuses on running the day-to-day operations of the winery, while Lisa represents the winery at a long list of national and international high profile events.

Lisa and Ariana have also instituted many of Peju’s environmental initiatives including the installation of the winery’s solar panels, organic certification at Peju’s Rutherford Estate, and sustainable farming practices at the winery’s two other properties—the Persephone Vineyard in Pope Valley and the Wappo Vineyard in Calistoga. In 2009, Peju became just one of 21 Napa Valley wineries to earn certification as a Napa Green Winery and Bay Area Green Business.

Peju produces 19 wines including a stunning Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Provence, a proprietary blend of red and white varietals. Four Peju wines are sold exclusively through its wine clubs and more than threequarters of Peju’s total production is sold directly from the winery. Many visitors to the Napa Valley put Peju at the top of their “to-visit” lists. A charming 50-foot French Provincial tower serves as the main tasting room. There, visitors delight in tasting the impressive portfolio of wines. They also enjoy the winery’s art exhibits, which feature the artwork of artists from the Bay Area and beyond, and change quarterly.

Peju has been named Top Artisan Winery of the Year by Wine & Spirits Magazine and has been noted as a producer of T op California Cabernets by Wine Spectator. After nearly 30 years in the Napa Valley, Peju’s mission remains the same for the future: to produce high-quality wines, welcome guests with a unique winery experience, and provide exceptional customer care.

Tasting Room Open Daily 10–6

Hugh Hamilton

Remke de Lange — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

A black sheep, ‘every family has one’, it says on the label of Hugh Hamilton. The black sheep is also on the aprons, caps, golf balls, T-shirts, bottles of olive oil and oven mitts that make of Hugh Hamilton's Cellar Door a gadget and gift shop.

But we come for the view: from the round building on a hill you have a 360 degrees round view over the vineyards. So, sit and relax on the terrace and go through the list of Hamilton wines. Because we also are here for the wine. A nice fresh Tempranillo rosé for example, or the dark Rascal Shiraz 2007: raisin and peppery flavor.

The list also contains some choices that you do not see everywhere. Like the sweet Muscat Liquor which should be, to my opinion, a little fresher. And a Cordial, or lemonade sirop, made from the locally most common grape, Shiraz. Actually nothing special, just as concentrated grape juice. But a good idea, because mixed with (carbonic) water, an ice cube and a slice of lime gives it a cheerful non-alcoholic drink.

Opening hours
Every day from 11.00 am to 17.00 pm.
Closed at Christmas.

This article was created in November 2009 by journalist Remke de Lange. For more wine articles: www.remkedelange.nl. This article is copyrighted

Miner Family Winery

Touring & Tasting Magazine — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Based on an ancient Assyrian relief in the image of a winged sun god, the wine label for Miner Family Winery represents the sun, abundance, and prosperity. These were the hopes of Dave and Emily Miner when they founded their family winery in 1998 on the Silverado Trail.

From the start, the Miners were intent on making a stellar collection of elegant wines. They work as a tight-knit family with their entire staff to achieve that objective. Gary Brookman became winemaker for Miner Family Winery after making his mark at Joseph Phelps Vineyards and Franciscan Estates. Gary applies both Old World techniques and modern technology to craft wines that capture the clarity of each varietal and vineyard source.

Miner Family Winery has developed a reputation for its powerhouse reds, including its flagship wine, The Oracle, a Cabernet-based blend. The Oracle was awarded 93 points in the Connoisseurs’ Guide to California Wine and 95 points by Wine Enthusiast Magazine, which called it “a wonderful wine, delicious and satisfying, and another great example of the ’07 vintage in Napa.”

Those visiting the Napa Valley often plan their visit to Miner’s tasting room in advance, so they can enjoy a private tasting of The Oracle and other limited production wines in a private lounge overlooking the valley. Tours of the winery’s expansive hillside cave can also be arranged in advance by appointment. For the past six years, Miner has hosted a unique annual concert that combines two of Dave’s great passions: wine and guitars. A collector of jazz guitars, he partners with renowned jazz guitar craftsman Robert Benedetto to release a limited edition Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon at an outdoor concert featuring the Benedetto Players. The 2011 concert, slated for August 20, introduces the 2008 Miner Benedetto Signature Series Cabernet Sauvignon—the latest addition to the impressive Miner portfolio.

Tasting Room Open Daily 11–5

Leeuwin Estate

Tjalling Gerus — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

In the south-west of Australia is the wine region of Margaret River. When in 1800 the first farmers arrived from England after a journey of many months in the area, there was a huge disappointment. Instead of the promised pasture where the cows could graze, they found hundreds of miles of forest with giant Kari trees which can sometimes reach 70 meters height. All these trees had to be felled by hand before it was good farmland. But then in the sixties, most trees were processed into wood for construction, they sought a new use for this area. It was discovered that the climate is surprisingly much resembled to that of Burgundy.

Art Series Chardonnay
Four famer families began growing wine grapes, and many followed. Of the original four, Leeuwin Estate has become the most famous and best winery in the region. Especially the Art Series Chardonnay is praised by the experts every year. In the beautiful hills just south of the village you will find the estate of Leeuwin. They have a beautiful terrace overlooking the large lawn. Twice a year they have performances of famous artists and bands like Simply Red and Sting.

Australian Art
The wine tour is interesting, but the basement with contemporary Australian art had our attention. In the sixties the owner also wanted every year a different picture of a painting on the label. Back then none of the artist was interested. Today, dozens of artists are fighting for the honor to illustrate the Art Series label each year.

Flight of signature wines
The best way to enjoy the wine is to taste it with a delicious lunch. We enjoyed the flight of the signature wines with matching appetizers, followed by the main courses with a Prelude Cabernet Merlot 2004 and an Art Series Chardonnay 2007. After the dessert, with even more delicious wine on the sunny terrace, we returned to our cottage so happy. No other estate, in two weeks time we stayed here, could match this experience.

Gemtree Vineyards

Remke de Lange — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The vineyards have been in the family since 1980, but in 1998 to Andrew Buttery, his sister Melissa and her partner Mike Brown decided that it was time have an own wine label. They chose the name of the wine label to be Gemtree. Named after the vineyard that mom and dad Buttery in the eastern corner of McLaren Vale already worked for some time.

While Andrew is doing the business side of the company, Melissa is doing the biodynamic grape growing in the vineyard. Sheep are grazing for grass and weeds among the vines and that is environmentally friendly instead of using pesticides curb and tractors. Initially her father was not so happy with this development. He was accustomed to neat vineyards without a blade of unwanted green but he got used to it.

Self Certified greenie
Melissa is also responsible for the grapes located between the Gemtree Wetlands. A defined green oasis for thousands of native grasses and trees. A little pond where frogs, turtles, birds and shy animals can retreat. It’s open to the public. Melissa is not only a self-proclaimed greenie, she is also convinced that it is good for the grapes. "Monoculture is working pests and diseases under control, biodiversity make the vines healthy."

Winemaker Mike makes, in any case, highly acclaimed wines, which, with reference to the name of the company, are named after (gem) stones. Like the tight crisp, green apple Moonstone Savagnin, made from a grape you find in the Jura in France. Or the Luna Roja Tempranillo, full and spicy.

Pioneering Shiraz experiments
Mike Brown makes several Shiraze wines. The dark fruit in his Uncut Shiraz is sultry, seductive and strong. Even more interesting is perhaps his most well-extracted experiment White Lees Shiraz. Mike once had matured a cask of his best Shiraz for more than two years on the yeast cells of a Chardonnay he had made. The result of the process, which he has repeated since then for several times, is a remarkably vibrant Shiraz with delicious taste of black fruit and a very long finish. The British wine authority, Jancis Robinson, finds Mike 2006 White Lees Shiraz "a truly ground-breaking wine."

This article was created on May 11, 2011 by Journalist Remke de Lange. For more wine articles: www.remkedelange.nl. This article is copyrighted

Merryvale Vineyards

Touring & Tasting Magazine — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Located in the heart of the Napa Valley, Merryvale Vineyards has been turning exceptional Napa fruit into world-class wine for almost 30 years. The historic winery was the first one built in the Napa Valley following the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, and it has become a must-see destination for visitors to the valley.
Ideally situated at the southern entrance to picturesque downtown St. Helena, the winery’s property is adjacent to the renowned Tra Vigne restaurant, and within walking distance to excellent shopping and dining in this engaging wine country town.

Guests at Merryvale are greeted by beautifully landscaped gardens accented with an elegant fountain. In this celebrated home, passionate winemaking thrives in the care of the Schlatter family, along with Winemakers Sean Foster and Graham Wehmeier.

Inside, Merryvale continues to capture the charm of its historic beginnings with its one-of-akind Cask Room, often cited as the Napa Valley’s most enchanting setting for tastings and special events. Two stories of century-old 2,000-gallon casks line the stone walls to create an unforgettable ambience for unique wine club parties, private events, seasonal dinners, and weekend wine events, including the not-to-be-missed Barrel Tastings held four times a year (in March, June, September, and December).
Visitors to the Napa Valley looking for something more than a “belly up to the bar” experience are happy to learn about two new developments at Merryvale. The first is a Sommelier Reserve Tasting. Resident Merryvale Sommelier Shawn.

Dougherty invites guests to an exquisite private tasting of ultra premium wines including Merryvale’s iconic Bordeaux-style red blend, Profile.

Shawn hand selects each wine and presents them in an intimate setting in either the historic Cask Room, the 22,000-gallon redwood Tank Room, or the Merryvale Wine Library. The second new development is designed for guests who prefer to enjoy their wines with food, or would like to learn more about the art of pairing the two. The Wine & Cheese Experience showcases local artisan and international cheeses and charcuterie personally selected by Shawn and paired with a selection of Merryvale wines. Wine and food lovers enjoy discovering the differences in each pairing and learn why and how to pair food with specific wine varietals.

Merryvale has a long established reputation for rich, elegant wines that speak to the wonderful terroir of the Napa Valley’s premier vineyards. The winery’s commitment to sustainable farming, balance, and harmony with the land has earned Merryvale’s estate vineyards Napa Green Farm Certified Land status. The Napa Green program, which assures the wine industry’s best practices in land use and wine production, is the foundation for Merryvale’s award winning wines.

Merryvale was recently named Winery of the Year by Quarterly Review of Wines Magazine, and the winery’s flagship wine, the 2008 Merryvale Profile, was recently awarded 96 points from wine critic Robert Parker, who called it, “Another big-time winner…maybe the finest wine I have ever tasted from Merryvale.” But the entire portfolio gets attention from the media, indicating that a trip to the Napa Valley would feel incomplete without a visit to Merryvale Vineyards.

Viña Von Siebenthal

Edgar Taverne — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

When I hear the name Von Siebenthal in combination with Chile, it just makes me think of the war. In this case it is completely unjustified. Mauro von Siebenthal is a Swiss lawyer who arrived in Chile in 1998. As a wine lover he was inspired by a winery in Bordeaux and decided to quit his career in law to go for the adventure. Till now the adventure is more than a success, Not only for his great wines, including a delicious Carmenere. This grape is not to be found anywhere in the world, but still alive in Chile and again recently planted in France. When we made the reservation, we were invited for lunch. What we did not know was we had the honor to have the dish with Von Siebenthal himself. With the delicious tapas three wines (Parcela # 7, Carmenere and Carabantes) were served, I bought them all. The visit was definitely worth it. The combination of delicious (and affordable) wines and the hospitality of Mauro and his staff made this a more than pleasant afternoon.

Hours
9.00 to 17.00 (call in advance)

Dogridge

Remke de Lange — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The movie "The Boys are Back ' shows McLaren Vale of its most romantic side: golden hills, beautiful beaches (where your car is allowed!) and of course vineyards. Director Scott Hicks, who lives in the region and has a vineyard in the Adelaide Hills, filmed at Dogridge winery. The winery was founded in the early nineties by Dave and Jen Wright. Their house, surrounded by vineyards and a hedge of roses, you immediately recognize if you've seen the movie.

DogRidge has one of the most charming wine cellar doors of the region: a small, utterly unpretentious room with a table in the center for visitors to taste. On the wall are hanging newspaper clippings. The wine region gained a lot of media attention as a result of the film. Very well, according to winemaker Fred Howard (Jens son), "McLaren Vale is often overlooked by tourists."

Some of the vineyards, which are controlled by his stepbrother Dan Wright, were built during World War II, others are younger. "Most were in bad shape when we bought it: the soil was exhausted by routinely spraying poison," says Howard. Now they are in excellent condition, because the Dogridge people take organic farming and sustainability very seriously. Howard: "Weeds, insects, birds, rodents, snakes, are all welcome. Everything is in balance. "

Meanwhile he serves his wine. The fresh 2005 Chardonnay The Pup has a mango and a little creamy in the flavor but turns out light and tight. The 2006 Cadenzia Grenache begins as a fruity, light jam but does have weight and complexity. The 2006 Shirtfront Shiraz has eucalyptus, blackberry, bitter chocolate and taste sultry. But the tastiest, in my opinion, is the Cabernet Sauvignon 2006: delicious 'dusty' with round, soft tannins.

A very friendly winery. That would also be Clive Owen’s opinion. The main character in "The Boys are Back” has left a signed photo, which has a nice spot in the cellar door.

This article was created in November 2009 by journalist Remke de Lange. For more wine articles: www.remkedelange.nl. This article is copyrighted

d'Arenberg

Remke de Lange — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Chester Osborn is one of the most colorful wineries in McLaren Vale which is not only because of his shirts with colorful stripes, paisley patterns or candy pink flowers in wich you always see him. The fourth generation wine maker has made of d'Arenberg one of the most progressive and successful companies in the region.

In 1984, Osborn took over the wine company of his father after his wine studies and an extensive travel through Europe. He immediately introduced some changes, such as proper cooling during wine production. Yet the current d'Arenberg is more back to basic than high-tech: no growth resources or killers in the vineyard and minimal irrigation. "For my dad that was a bit shocked at first, with all the weeds between the grapes," says Osborn.

In the production area you’ll find old-fashioned wooden basket presses in which all the grapes for the d'Arenberg wines are processed. In the bins with vertical wooden slats, finished with wax, grapes are simply softer pressed than with modern equipment, says Osborn. A little further is the "biggest oval wine barrel of the Southern Hemisphere" (40,000 liters fit inside) in which some of the wines mature. Osborn simply does not like stainless steel.

This traditional method does not withdraw the producer to make a huge range of wines from several grape varieties, ranging from commercial to prestige. Of some very nice sultry-fresh white wines from Rhone grapes like Roussanne, Marsanne and Viognier, and everyone's favorite Shiraz-Viognier blend The Laughing Magpie, to the velvety smooth Grenache The Derelict Vineyard, the deliciously dark Coppermine (Cabernet Sauvignon ) and the powerful The Dead Arm Shiraz. Why does he has such a large portfolio? Osborn: "Because it’s possible. I like to try different varieties. I'm glad we do not have such restrictions as in France."

We are also glad: all wines are smooth and accessible, have a nice balance between full and fresh and between solid and elegant.

And oh, we'd almost forgotten: from the d'Arenberg Cellar Door you easily walk straight to d’ Arrys Verandah Restaurant. At least praised as Osborn’s wines.

Opening hours
From 10.00 to 17.00 pm except for Christmas, New Years Day and Good Friday.
Calling in advance is recommended.

This article was created on January 20, 2010 by journalist Remke de Lange. For more wine articles: www.remkedelange.nl. This article is copyrighted

Banrock Station

Remke de Lange — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

WINE FOR THE PEOPLE (AND THE ENVIRONMENT)
Can producing wine be a political statement? Today I am a guest at Banrock Station in the Riverland wine region. Here everything seems to go for quantity. Just some numbers: Riverland takes one third of the annual Australian wine production for its account and sixty percent of the wine production in the state of South Australia. Banrock Station is part of Berri Estates, Australia's Largest winery, near my motel (trucks are driving up and on even at night), and thus part of Constellation Wines Australia, by volume the largest wine producer in the world.

That Riverland, despite summer temperatures of around forty degrees and the sandy, poor soil, can grow so many grapes (and many other fruits), is because of the Murray River. Irrigation is the magic word. But that water luxury cannot be taken for granted anymore. Because of the drought for many years now, water is scarce and expensive, and the dams that were built early twentieth century with enthusiasm (and pride), have disturbed all kinds of natural processes in the river. That some land in winter is too wet and in summer too dry, is no longer an exception. With many ecological consequences: impoverishment and salinisation of the soil, and the disappearance of plants and animals that use to live here. In short, many people worry about the Murray River and its banks.

You could almost say: how can you still produce wines when you know that the industry contributes to the deterioration of the landscape? The short answer is simple, explains Banrock Station wine maker Paul Burnett: because you can produce a bottle of wine, under these circumstances, for the price of about $ 10. That's a perfectly legitimate aim, of course, for well-made, but affordable wines: no wooden barrels, but wooden chips, no complex flavors that have to develop but easy drinkable wines for a barbecue. Would not we want that all?

The long answer is that Banrock Station wine within the multinational is rather an example of green progressiveness development. In the vineyards is a "drip irrigation" system (where water dropwise is divided near the trunk), largely underground, hidden under compost that keeps the soil longer moist. The labels are made from recycled paper and they are busy experimenting with new packaging materials to replace the heavy glass. Furthermore, says Burnett, Mediterranean grape varieties have been introduced that are more resistant to drought and salty soils, such as Albariño and the Tempranillo in Spain which stand well in heat. "During the heat wave we had in February, you could have fainted at the Shiraz, but not the Tempranillo: bring on the heat!"

Are the grape growers of whom Banrock Station become the grape also that involved to save water? Paul: "We cannot force anyone, but we encourage them." But when you consider that grape growers not make such large profits as the wineries, you might wonder whether they can invest in smart irrigation systems. "Water is becoming more scarce and therefore expensive, so it will go into that direction," said Paul.

When in 1994 the vineyards were in the hands of Hardy's it was not only the purpose of Banrock Station to do in 'green' wine business, but also an environmental project. That last part has been perhaps the biggest success story. The Wine & Wetland Centre, where wine and eco-friendly information in a way come together, is a cleverly designed building with a fantastic terrace where visitors can rest before or after a stroll along the wooden walkways through the wetlands. Wetlands are those areas of land along the river which are under natural conditions under water during floods and at other times dry. Because of all the dams and locks many of those lands were changed in either permanently wet or permanent dry areas. Banrock Station has ensured that the wetlands are again what they were by organising Murray-water twice a year in a way that there are again wet and dry seasons.

I have a feeling Tony Sharley, manager of the W & W Center, finds few things more fun than the Banrock foraging area that is fenced in order to ward off foxes and to protect cats and other animals. We drive in his 4x4, discuss the centuries-old eucalyptus trees, look for fossils shells from the time the ocean levels had a much higher standing, seeing a handful of kangaroos hopping, walking on the docks and watch ducks and other birds of which I forgot the name immediately. And oh yes, we also see a snake in the tall grass. Well, Tony, of course, because I was looking the other way. It all looks great, it's a beautiful piece of nature.

But how does it rhyme all those green commitment with a company that makes millions of liters of wine – if you see the "wine town" that Berri Estates seems to be, then you ask immediately what is the ecological footprint of this industry. "The very fact that the winery is dependent on the Murray River, makes people realise that you should cherish that landscape and ensure that the river is healthy and stays healthy," Tony replied. Banrock Station is not just a green flagship? Yes, says Tony, but also an example which Banrock uses for other wine labels. But all these birds, snails, rats, flowers, butterflies, mussels, fish, bats, Bilbies (rabbit-like marsupials), geckos and snakes are found here now, that's what the shareholders and investors do not care about? Of course, admits Tony: there must be earned money.

For now it seems to fit well. The Banrock Station wines sell well - and with the purchase of a bottle give you some of your money directly to the wetlands. The wetlands project was so successful that it has received several awards including a grant from the Australian government for ecotourism. Banrock Station is even internationally well-known: a few years ago, Tony Sharley was in the Netherlands for the opening of the 'Banrock Marshes' nature restoration project in national park De Weerribben got off the ground with a donation of Banrock.

And the Banrock Station wine? The so-called "entry-level wines" that Paul Burnett erves pour the Moscato and Cabernet Crimson, both quite sweet and with a low alcohol content, are not my favorites: I 'boarded already a long time ago', I do not fall for this kind of marketing gimmicks. The Chardonnay is a little too heavy, the Shiraz has a nice start, but dissipates rather quickly. The Cabernet - Shiraz blend however I find nice and firm and full. But I'm most excited about the fresh Albariño and Vermentino: fruity, delicate, pleasant white wines. Fairly new at Banrock’s assortment and thus not made in enormous quantities. But that will change, predicts Pau. Everything is just great in Riverland.

Opening hours
The restaurant is open every day from 10.00 to 17.00 pm except on Good Friday, Christmas and New Year. Tasting is also possible.

This article was created on March 23, 2009 by journalist Remke de Lange. For more wine articles: www.remkedelange.nl. This article is copyrighted

Coriole

Remke de Lange — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Coriole in McLaren Vale is not only famous for its wine but also for its olives. In the beautifully situated Cellar Door - a converted barn in a garden where classical concerts and other events are being held - the olives are on the bar for those who want to taste.

They go well with the good Coriole wines like the refined Chenin Blanc, the solid Sangiovese, the very fruity Barbera and the dark coffee-like Shiraz. My favorite is Fiano, made from the Italian grape which is nurtured by a handful winemakers in this region. The 2009 Fiano is a delicious white wine that tacks between floral and soft nutty.

Very fine wines. And the olives are not bad either.

Cellar Door open
Mon-Fri 10-17, weekends 11-17 hours

This article was created in July 2010 by journalist Remke de Lange. For more wine articles: www.remkedelange.nl. This article is copyrighted

BJANA

Chris Haenen — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Via wine producer Valter Sirk we ended up with Miran Sirk (not family related) who owns the winery Bjana. Bjana is specialized in the classic method of sparkling wines and also has two still wine. Miran Sirk makes the wines according to the classic method; with the second fermentation in the bottle and also with manual remuage. Nice thing about the wine is that it is made of local grape varieties. The wines are a combination of Ribolla Gialla, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The percentages of the blend varies each year and depend on the outcome of the harvest.

13th century wine cellar
We visit them because of the 'champagne', so we focus to that while tasting. At first we visit the 13th century wine cellar, which is close to the castle of Dobrovo. It is a particularly impressive sight. We see the barrels in which the wine is maturing, and the bottles stacked and the remuage racks where they still rotate the bottles by hand. After the tour we taste the rosé made from Pinot Noir and a small part Ribolla Gialla. With 6 bar on the bottle the wine comes out with power and has a big bubble which sustains long. The taste is pretty dry and éfruity enough, nice acidity too. Besides rose, there is also a brut. A brut zero and brut cuvée. We still enjoy the beautiful views of the vineyards in the beautiful reception area.

Miran is hospitable and speaks excellent English and Italian. Visits by appointment.

This contribution was made by Chris Haenen Haenen and Suzan-Kerkvliet of wine imports Con Gusto - Flavor From Friuli (www.congusto.nl), specialist and native Friuli Friulian grape.

Chateau Melnik

Martijn Rademakers — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

We had been to Prague and heck why not take a trip to Melnik Chateau with its vineyards. Since we do not speak Czech, but English and German very well we thought to arrange a tour. The lady in the shop unfortunately only spoke her mother tongue. She was able to make clear to us in about an hour there would be someone who spoke German. After one hour hanging around in the tiny village it was indeed someone who could help us further. German or English however, was none of her languages, but she could explain to us that about in half an hour a tour would start.

After 30 long minutes, she asked us to follow her. A long stairway took us to the cellars underneath the castle. We were just inside when the door was closed behind us. This could not be true ............ After a walk around the beautiful cellars where an occasional candle was lit, and a friendly griffin showed us the way. At the end of the tour the door was unlocked and we were ready for a sip.
Again, we were led down the stairs and again the door was closed behind us. They yelled we had half an hour for the tasting. At several barrels there were two different bottles and glasses for tasting. There were good wines.

For the tour alone it is worth it a go, it is exciting and hilarious.

Hours
The castle is open from 10.00 to 17.00.
For about € 8.50 you can taste all the wines and if you like some extra status, according to the site for only € 13.50 the director will show up.

The wines are fine and are often in classic square bottle with a big belly.
The cheapest bottles are leaving for € 2.35 and the most expensive is around € 9, -.

Lazy Ballerina

Remke de Lange — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Winemaker James Hook doesn’t own vineyards but buys its grapes. As a consultant for local grape growers he knows exactly where he should get his good grapes. With his parents Paul and Patricia, he runs on to the wooded hills east of the McLaren Vale wine region, the tiny winery Lazy Ballerina.

The cellar door is situated in a great garden among tall trees, in which visitors can wander. The terrace is a fine place to taste Lazy Ballerina's fine wine a viognier and shiraz . But also feel free to ask for a cup of coffee with a piece of Patricia’s deliciously homemade cakes.

Opening hours
Friday, Saturday or Sunday from 11.00 to 17.00 hr.
For visits outside these opening hours it is recommended to call in advance.

This article was created in July 2010 by journalist Remke de Lange. For more wine articles: www.remkedelange.nl. This article is copyrighted