Out Of The Bottle
With
David Ellis
Blue Pyrenees Sparkling Shiraz & 2008 Golden Botrytis Semillon
Was a time back in the 1960s and ‘70s when Sparkling Shiraz was as
much a part of the Australian scene as the Esky and the Hills Hoist,
the oh-so-popular bubbly being most-usually labelled at the time as
Sparkling Burgundy.
But fashions and tastes changed and these
every-day drops that could range in taste and quality from superb to
little more than overly-sweet pop (which probably furthered their
demise,) dwindled in favour in the party room and at the table.
Thankfully
several companies are resurrecting this inherently Aussie drink, with
Blue Pyrenees in Western Victoria recently releasing a non-vintage
Sparkling Shiraz that’s a truly class act, and a world apart from some
of the stuff of the ‘60s and 70s.
With climatic conditions
generally ideal for producing premium Shiraz fruit in its region, Blue
Pyrenees Senior Winemaker, Andrew Koerner created a bubbly he believes
will turn any occasion into a special one, particularly with its nice
berries and cherry flavours and a touch of spice. Pay $24 and enjoy
chilled with a traditional roast lamb dinner, Asian dishes or after
dinner with chocolate cake.
One For Lunch
Miranda at Griffith in the NSW Riverina have released a
wonderful 2008 Golden Botrytis Semillon that’s a great drop for those
of us who still enjoy our puddings and rich fruit cakes and a “sticky”
to go with them.
Fruit for this luscious wine was left on the
vines after normal harvesting time to develop Botrytis Cinerea – the
so-called Noble Rot – that concentrates the flavour, sugar and acidity
of the grapes to impart a uniquely distinctive character.
At
$19.99 for a 375ml bottle, the intense peach, apricot and wild honey
flavours make this a perfect dessert wine with rich puddings, fruit
cakes and most cheeses.
Need
a drink?
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