New range aims to make an impact in the sub-$20 wine segment

There is a new entry into the competitive sub-$20 wine bracket in Australia.

Newly-launched TERRA, designed for everyday drinking, comes from one of the most famous labels in Australia - McWillam's, which has been under the ownership of the Calabria Family Wine Group since 2021.

The collection of "modern, approachable" wines comprises Shiraz 2024, Chardonnay 2025, Pinot Noir 2025 and Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (all with an RRP of $19).

Scott McWilliam, sixth generation family member, says: “Consumers are drinking less wine and exploring more beverage options, so we must make wine feel relevant in everyday life again.

"That means innovating at the approachable, everyday level, removing formality and bringing wine back to the centre of the table.

“TERRA reflects how Australians are enjoying wine today - fresh, generous and made to be shared.

"With this range, we’re proud to bring McWilliam’s heritage to a new generation of wine drinkers in a way that feels more contemporary and relaxed. TERRA is all about taking the formality out of wine and bringing it back to everyday life, whether that’s a casual dinner, a long lunch or time around the table with friends.

"By focusing on approachability, versatility and pure enjoyment, we’re reconnecting wine with how people actually live and making it a natural part of more moments, not just special occasions."

All four are labelled “Wine of Australia” opening the way for multi-regional blending. 

TERRA has a distinctive pewter thumbprint on the label acting as a modern maker’s mark, a nod to the hands that have shaped McWilliam’s wines across six generations.

I’ve checked out all four wines. The presentation is excellent with the shiraz an outstandingly good buy.

It is a medium-bodied all-purpose red that is extremely food friendly.

The chardonnay and pinot noir also offer good drinking with the sauvignon blanc appealing to those who enjoy an overtly herbaceous style. 

Available now from major and select independent retailers nationally, and www.mcwilliams.com.au

New wine range aimed firmly at younger consumers

A lot of wine drinkers don’t care a jot about clones, terroir, vintage variations or provenance.

They just want a good drink that they know will pair well with their roast chicken, or sausage and chips.

Enter Ask The Elephant, the new sub-brand from the popular Elephant In The Room label.

The pitch is aimed firmly at those who just want a good drink for their hard-earned cash.

The brand has been created “for a new generation of wine drinkers who are ditching the rules, skipping
the ceremony, and choosing wine on their own terms".

So a sub-$10 brand focused on younger Australian drinkers not constricted by rules. 

The range will span five varietals: sauvignon blanc, pinot grigio, merlot, shiraz and cabernet sauvignon – with the BOLD Shiraz and DETAILED Cabernet Sauvignon first in the national rollout. 

Producer Fourth Waves Wines say "each bottle cuts through the noise of the wine aisle with playful, taste-driven descriptors that make decision-making simple. No swirling, sniffing or sommelier jargon required".

“We’re excited to introduce Ask The Elephant to the Australian wine market,” says Nicholas Crampton, co-owner of Fourth Wave Wines. “Traditional wine culture can feel out of reach for the next generation of wine drinkers, creating barriers to engagement across the category. 

"With Ask The Elephant, we set out to break down those barriers by reimagining wine conventions.

“Made to be approachable and easy to explore, the range is made for modern drinking occasions. We see Ask The Elephant playing a clear role in simplifying choice, building confidence at shelf and reinforcing that great wine is ultimately about good taste and good company."

I was very impressed by the value offered by the pinot grigio and the sauvignon blanc. 

The Ask The Elephant BOLD Shiraz and DETAILED Cabernet Sauvignon are now available at BWS and Dan Murphy’s stores for RRP $9.99.

Meet the Queensland wine producer pushing the boundaries

Ray Costanzo is a winemaker who likes to push the boundaries. 

In addition to making the family's Golden Grove Estate Wines at Ballandean in southern Queensland, Costanzo and his wife Jen also craft some thoroughly modern wines in tiny quantities under their Storm King Wine Co. label. The brand is named after the area where they live.

Using fruit entirely from the Granite Belt, Storm King is making some of the best wines coming out of that state - using some non-mainstream grape varieties as well as extended contact with skins, natural ferments, hand plunging, basket pressing and minimal filtration.

All their previous vintages have sold out - a sign that the wines are hitting the mark with consumers. 

"This little brand is not about volume, or getting in people's faces," Costanzo says. "It is a project for my myself and my wife that that keeps us happy while also reflecting our sustainable lifestyle."

The new releases include the first vintage of gamay - the Beaujolais grape - from a minuscule first crop, along with a fun 2025 Vermentino, a 2024 Tempranillo and and a 2024 Mataro Graciano. 

There is also a rather more mainstream 2024 Shiraz/Malbec blend. 

The 2025 Gamay ($50) is a micro-production with fewer than 100 bottles for sale - so you might already be too late. Think partial whole-bunch, carbonic maceration, natural yeast, basket pressing and joyous youthful drinkability. 

"I'm very excited about the future of this variety down the road," Costanzo says.  

My favourite of the new releases was the super-gluggable 2024 Mataro Graciano ($45) with bright fruit, but impressive savoury notes. Very food friendly. 

The 2025 Vermentino ($40) is on the fun and funky side of the spectrum. Think natural ferment on skins, basket pressing, full malo, older oak and lees maturation. 

The Costanzos live off grid and make wines that are sustainable, made with minimal intervention but using their scientific backgrounds. 

The wines are bright and fun and offer good value. They might just change your mind if you have preconceived ideas about Queensland wines. 

See www.stormkingwine.com.au. But be quick - and get on the mailing list for future releases. 

  

      

How to enjoy a Grill'd burger experience in your own home

Do you prefer to eat your burgers at home, or when dining out?

Up-market Australian burger chain Grill'd is going where its rivals have not by releasing its patties for sale in supermarkets.

Grill’d today launched a retail range of their burger patties exclusively at Coles stores.

Available in-store and online at Coles stores nationally, the Grill’d range starts at $8 for a 2-pack and includes three options.

Coles says its research shows one in two Australians say they have an interest in recreating their restaurant or takeaway dinner in their own kitchen, and a "familiar taste" is the top driver of meal choice.

The popular burger restaurant has been flipping burgers for 21 years and has grown to 174 burger restaurants across the country.

Grill’d founder and managing director Simon Crowe said he was excited to expand the restaurant to the supermarket, giving more Australians the opportunity to enjoy Grill’d burgers.

“For over two decades, Aussies have loved coming into Grill’d restaurants for healthy burgers that taste good and do good," he said. "This next chapter in our story is very exciting as we take our products into peoples’ homes.

“Having our burgers available nationally at Coles, allows us to take the next big step in our mission: to make our healthy, delicious burgers accessible to all Australians.”

Coles Chief Commercial Officer Anna Croft said: “We’re excited to join forces with Grill’d to launch an exclusive, premium burger range customers can only find at Coles,” she said.

“Our customers are telling us they’re cooking more at home and looking for ways to create delicious and easy restaurant quality meals in their own kitchens - and that’s exactly what we hope to achieve by offering the new Grill’d burger range.

“This launch is the latest example of how we’re listening and responding to our customers, giving more Australians access to premium and convenient meal options at a price that offers real value.”

To celebrate the launch, each product will be offered at an introductory price of $1 off the regular price for the first four weeks. To shop the range visit: coles.com.au

The Grill’d range is: 

Grill’d Signature Beef Burgers (2-pack): $8.00 / $4 per serve
Grill’d Premium Wagyu Burgers with Caramelised Onion (2-pack): $10.00 / $5 per serve
Grill’d Signature Beef Burgers (4-pack): $12.50 / $3.15 per serve (available in selected stores).

Oxford Landing underlines its sustainability credentials

Oxford Landing, a brand known for offering decent drinking at sensible prices, has just unveiled a new range to mark World Sustainability Day later this month.

Regenerate is the name of the new Oxford Landing wine collection, which it says "reflects the winery’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and offers wine lovers the chance to embrace a more sustainable approach to enjoying wine".

As an early adopter of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia (SWA) practices, the Riverland winery says it integrates sustainable practices at every stage of winemaking.

"From vineyard to bottle, Regenerate highlights the winery’s dedication to preserving ecosystems, improving biodiversity, and minimising environmental impact," says senior winemaker Andy La Nauze.

“We walk the talk of sustainable winemaking. Through the Regenerate collection, we connect with like-minded wine lovers by ensuring that each bottle we produce contributes to a healthier planet.”

Which may be a bit of stretch, but every little bit helps.

At the heart of Oxford Landing is its 1:1 Plantings Project: an initiative that aims to restore native flora and fauna across the Riverland region.

In 2007, the winery purchased 600 hectares of farmland next to its vineyard and has since planted more than 200,000 native trees and shrubs, enriching biodiversity to reduce the need for artificial inputs, and improving soil health for better water efficiency.

This regenerative approach not only protects the environment but enhances the natural character of the wines, creating vibrant, flavourful expressions of the land.

Beyond the health of the vineyard, La Nauze says packaging is the biggest contributor to the carbon footprint of the wine industry.

Regenerate’s eco-friendly packaging underscores Oxford Landing’s approach to sustainability, making use of lightweight glass bottles that reduce carbon emissions by approximately 170 tonnes annually through production and transport efficiencies.

“Glass is our biggest contributor to carbon emissions, which we audit every year. Lighter glass bottles and sustainable materials are tangible steps towards a greener future across our industry.” says La Nauze.

Aside from glass, Regenerate utilises 100% recycled cardboard and FSC-certified paper for its cartons and labels, which I must say are a little underwhelming.

“The Regenerate collection is an easy way for consumers to make better-for-the-planet decisions when buying wine, which in turn helps us to continue innovating and taking small steps to lower emissions in the winery,” La Nauze adds.

“We believe that small, thoughtful decisions - like choosing wines with eco-friendly packaging - can collectively make a significant difference.”

The collection features four wines, each with labels adorned with illustrations of Riverland flora and fauna, reflecting the region’s biodiversity.

The Regenerate wines: a shiraz and cabernet sauvignon from 2023 and a pinot grigio and chardonnay from 2024. All  retail for $15 and are available through Coles Liquor (Liquorland and First Choice) and on the Oxford Landing website at https://www.oxfordlanding.com/

All are solid, well-made wines ideal for midweek enjoyment. The juicy, flavoursome and varietally impressive shiraz was my personal favourite but all do the job.

# World Sustainability Day is celebrated annually on the last Wednesday of October

Dolly Parton has made a nice bottle of rosé for you

If Kylie Minogue can do it, so can Dolly Parton.

The American singer and actress recently launched her own wine range, which she describes as "easy-drinking, light-hearted and vibrant".

The initial Dolly Wines range features three styles: chardonnay, rosé and prosecco, with another  sparkling wine soon to be launched.

The wines have an Australian connection, too, with Parton teaming with Accolade Wines, owner of labels including Hardy's and St Hallett.

The singer's “down to earth” range goes is currently being launched in the UK.

Accolade marketing director for Europe, Tom Smith, talking to The Guardian, said: “Dolly herself was involved in creating this delicious and down-to-earth range of wines, and we think they capture her captivating sense of fun and sparkle perfectly.”

Yep, you can just imagine Dolly rolling up her trousers for a spot of pigeage.

Tom Priest, the buying manager for sparkling and rosé wine at Asda, said the launch of Dolly’s range “brings one of the most iconic global entertainers into the world of wine. Premium prosecco and French rosé are areas that are delivering healthy growth in the UK market, so we expect this new range to be incredibly popular.”

Well he would say that, wouldn't he?

New Peter Lehmann range takes a different direction

So you've got shiploads of decent shiraz sitting in tanks.

Why not create a new wine brand comprising of Barossa shiraz blended with portions of tempranillo, montepulciano and Touriga Nacional?

Welcome to Barossan X - a new range from Peter Lehmann Wines.

The range aims to "redefine" classic Barossa Valley shiraz with a twist.

"[The late] Peter Lehmann himself believed rules existed to be bent, broken, blended and amended," said Alfred Loo senior brand manager at Peter Lehmann Wines.

"With this range, we aim to rewrite the rules of traditional Barossa shiraz, introducing three exceptional varietals - (not varietals, actually Alfred) - that showcase the diversity and vibrancy of our vineyards."

The star of the show is the Barossan X Daring Shiraz, with a dash of montepulciano. It's medium-bodied but full flavoured with generous fruit flavours and some savoury notes on the finish. Very nice.

My No.2 is the more intense Barossan X Radical Shiraz, with a dash of Touriga. I felt the Barossan X Twisted Shiraz, blended with tempranillo, was the least impressive of the trio.

"We are thrilled to release this new range as a celebration of innovation and creativity in winemaking,” says winemaker Lauren Hutton.

"Barossan X embodies our commitment to innovation while staying true to the unparalleled quality that defines Peter Lehmann Wines."

You'll find the range at BWS and Dan Murphy’s for $23ish.

See https://www.peterlehmannwines.com/pages/barossan-x

Yalumba’s Y Series range heads lo

Yalumba’s popular and affordable Y Series range is taking the lo road. 

Hill Smith Family Wines announced today that the minimal intervention, Vegan-friendly wines from South Australia will feature two lighter wines made with almost half the alcohol of the regular range.

In response to the evolving preferences of wine enthusiasts and the growing trend of moderating alcohol intake, Y Series has launched a chardonnay and a pinot grigio that are lighter in alcohol.

“Wine remains the drink of choice for connection, taste and celebration and we believe that wine lovers should have a lighter option that aligns with their lifestyle choices," said Tahnee Bishop, Y Series brand manager.

“Recent research shows that wine drinkers will often alternate between no, low and full-strength alcohol in the same occasion.

“This means they are in control and can moderate the effects of alcohol, making the most of social events.”

Y Series senior winemaker Heather Fraser is similarly enthusiastic. 

“They represent a fantastic option for those looking to enjoy exceptional wines with a lighter alcohol profile and lower calories, yet still true to their varietal flavours.

“We source the grapes from sustainably managed vineyards in the premium wine growing regions of South Australia, with the wines officially certified through Sustainable Winegrowing Australia.”

The new Y Series Lighter Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio each have 7% alcohol, as opposed to their full-strength counterparts at 12 to 13%. 

Y Series Lighter Chardonnay and Y Series Lighter Pinot Grigio are available from Dan Murphy’s and BWS for RRP $16. 

I first tasted the PG - impressively varietal, light on its feet and enjoyable. I would not immediately have picked it as 7%. 

The Chardonnay, unfortunately, did not work for me. It tasted very much like a wine diluted with water. More work remains to be done.  

Penfolds unveils artistic collaboration and new wine range

Leading Australian wine brand Penfolds has teamed with artist NIGO as its first creative partner and released a new range of wines.

One by Penfolds - a new range of wines celebrating "oneness" was launched today in Hong Kong.

The press release says: "Different perspectives and unique regional nuances are captured within each bottle, all unified by Penfolds distinctive house style - a benchmark for quality, consistency and drinkability."

Artist NIGO has designed four animal motifs which feature on the wine labels – a crocodile, rooster, panda, and bear.

The designs represent the four winemaking regions where One by Penfolds wines are sourced – Australia, France, China and America respectively.

NIGO is a Japanese fashion designer, DJ, record producer and entrepeneur who is also creative director for Kenzo. His Wikipedia entry says he is also a passionate wine collector and lover of fine wines from all around the world.

"I have always loved and enjoyed wine, and Penfolds has always been one of my favourites," he said. "My creative partnership with Penfolds is a dream project for which I am grateful of the opportunity.”

To celebrate the global launch of One by Penfolds, NIGO has also designed a collection of limited-edition T-shirts and jackets through his personal brand Human Made.

“We are incredibly proud to name NIGO as Penfolds first-ever Creative Partner. NIGO is at the forefront of culture and design which makes him the ideal visionary to take the reins of One by Penfolds and work together with us across special Penfolds projects," said Kristy Keyte, Penfolds' Chief Marketing Officer

"We look forward to sharing this new Penfolds chapter with lovers of fashion, wine, art, and music all around the world.”

One by Penfolds by NIGO is available globally from today, although the 2021 One by Penfolds Red Blend China is available in China only.

The other wines in the range are: 2021 One by Penfolds Shiraz Australia; 2022 One by Penfolds Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre; 2021 One by Penfolds Cabernet Sauvignon Australia; 2022 One by Penfolds Pinot Noir Australia; 2022 One by Penfolds Chardonnay Australia $29.99; 2023 One by Penfolds Rosé Australia; 2021 One by Penfolds Vin Rouge France; 2021 One by Penfolds Grenache Syrah Mourvèdre France and 2021 One by Penfolds Red Blend California.

All have an RRP of $29.99. And no, I have not tried them yet. 

For more details and stockist information see www.penfolds.com.

Xanadu expands its reach with new wine range

Xanadu in Margaret River is one of Australia's standout premium wine producers, known for its Reserve, Stevens Road and Xanadu Estate ranges.

Winemaker Glenn Goodall was named 2023 Halliday Wine Companion Winemaker of the Year. 

Now Xanadu is launching a new range made using fruit sourced from growers.

It is called Vinework and slots in below those stars, retailing for $30 a bottle. That's above the entry-level Circa 77 range, but still affordable.

The core wines will be regional specialities: Sauvignon Blanc Semillon, Rosé, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and a Rosé.

The blurb says: "The introduction of our newest range, Vinework, presents the opportunity to experience a seasonal voyage from the vineyard to the glass – from growth to creation."

I'm not really sure what that means, but the "tier is a celebration and reward of the hours spent walking amongst the vines, connecting with our growers and the region's land," says Goodall. "This connection is an essential element in our winemaking.

"I like to be observant, identify and respect what's going on in the vineyard, and try to channel how each section or parcel of fruit can contribute to a blend based on its potential and harvesting decisions.

"Spending time in the vineyard and tasting the fruit helps to cement the vision of what the blends might look like in any given season.

"The relationship with our growers is a unique and synergistic partnership. Our Growers are part of the Xanadu team."

Look for fruit from other parts of Western Australia as part of the Vinework range.

"This range provides free licence to look further afield into upcoming Western Australian regions and varieties outside of the Margaret River GI," Goodall says.

My favourites of the wines I tried were the refreshing 2022 sauv blanc/semillon blend, the nicely balanced 2020 shiraz and the lively 2022 rosé.

See https://xanaduwines.com/

New wine tastes for cottagers

Emma's Cottage is a much-loved gourmet destination in the Hunter Valley - and a popular spot for wine lovers to spend a weekend away.

Emma's Cottage changed hands recently and is now part of the fast-growing Mulpha Group, which also owns nearby Bimbadgen Estate.

The Emmas's Cottage cellar door has just started selling a new range of wines under the Alter label, made by Bimbadgen winemaker Richard Done, but crafted in some different styles.

The two wines I have tried were a savoury 2021 shiraz-pinot blend - a combo once hugely popular in the Hunter - solid value at $28 - and a 2019 semillon, just starting to show some mature characters but also with some bright acidity ($38). 

The Emma's Cottage vineyard wine under the Alter label are described as "contemporary Hunter wines".

Done said the Alter range has been in the planning for some time. 

“We have been wanting to diversify our wine offering to enable us to showcase a modern interpretation of popular Hunter Valley grapes, with the range including a non-vintage sparkling, vintage Blanc de blancs, semillon, chardonnay, rosé and shiraz.”

To celebrate the new brand, the labels (above) have been created by Australian fabric and wallpaper designer Annie Coop.

Emma’s Cottage, which has been in operation for over 40 years and was a regional tourism pioneer, continues to offer five accommodation options.

“The new range of Alter wines will complement our accommodation, newly refurbished cellar door and gift store," says estate co-ordinator Meg Adams.

"We also have plans underway to expand our cellar door to include a function space catering for up to 80 people, so it will be the perfect venue for intimate weddings, casual celebrations or larger events.”

For more details see https://emmascottage.com.au/

New look, new range for Hunter winery Bimbadgen

For well over four decades Bimbadgen Estate has been one of the "must visit" destinations in the Hunter Valley.

Whether you enjoy a wine tasting, a leisurely vineyard lunch or an open-air concert, Bimbadgen has a reputation for professionalism.

Now winemaker Richard Done and his team have released Bimbadgen's most widely available range with a new look and a new name.

The switch is aimed to refresh the Growers Range to broaden its appeal and more clearly differentiate between the three Bimbadgen wine portfolios.

The Growers Range will showcase Hunter Valley classics - along with new and emerging styles.

The new livery is decorating the 2022 Vermentino, 2022 Rosé and a 2021 Shiraz Cabernet, all of which are priced at a very reasonable $28 per bottle.

Both the vermentino and rosé received gold medals at the 2022 Hunter Valley Wine Show, with the vermentino taking out the trophy for Best Other White Wine.

The very brisk and lively vermentino, a terrific summer thirst quencher, is my definite favourite, followed by the zingy and lively rosé, made from tempranillo grapes. Both should be enjoyed chilled.

Bimbadgen’s Single Vineyard ($45) and Signature ($85) brands continue unchanged.

“We are thrilled to be launching this new look for the Growers Range to showcase our winemaking and the quality of Hunter Valley grapes to a broader consumer market," Done says.

“Growers Range is fresh, fun and approachable, with a price point to match, and this will give us the brand architecture to expand its footprint."

Bimbadgen is owned by property and hospitality group Mulpha which has expanded its Hunter Valley portfolio to include Bimbadgen Palmers Lane and the boutique Emma’s Cottage in Lovedale.

Mulpha general manager Belinda Stapleton, said: "“Bimbadgen is the jewel in the crown of our Hunter Valley portfolio and the launch of this fresh new-look Growers Range will allow us to better illustrate our diversity within the wine portfolio.”

The Growers Range can be purchased at Bimbadgen cellar door and select stockists, as well as at Mulpha stablemates the InterContinental Sydney, Hayman Island and Sanctuary Cove.

Meet the Penfolds wine made in China

Meet the new Penfolds wine that most people will not be able to try until next year.

Australia's most visible wine brand globally has just launched its much anticipated made-in-China wine, which will be sold in the Chinese market exclusively starting from this month.

With China still imposing tariffs on Australian wines, Penfolds has moved fast to reclaim its market share in what was once Treasury Wine Estates' most lucrative export market, with this new Chinese Penfolds, Chinese website Vino Joy reports.

The Chinese wine, made from fruit grown in the Ningxia region, will be part of a new range of wines called One by Penfolds. It will be sold only in China until a global launch in mid-2023.

Penfolds now makes wines on four continents: in Australia, in France, the US and now China.

The red blend from 2020 will sell for RMB 228 (US$31.6), which is a big price for the average Chinese cons.

The packaging design has been created by artist Ori Toor, an illustrator and video animator based in Tel Aviv.

Meet Tasmania's newest sparkling wine label

Tasmania has a brand new range of premium sparkling wines. 

Fogarty Wine Group this week announced the launch of its new Tasmanian sparkling wine label, Thalia, which features an NV, Rosé and Reserve Cuvée. 

The wines are handcrafted using the traditional method and the name originates from the Greek mythology figure Thalia, the goddess of comedy, dance and idyllic poetry. 

The publicity blurb talks the wines up big time, saying: The Thalia NV, Rosé and Reserve Cuvée redefine the finest sparkling wines from Tasmania and reflect the pristine environment and terroir of Australia’s coolest winemaking region."

Chief Winemaker Liam McElhinney’s passion for cool-climate winemaking led him to Tasmania in 2019 where he joined the Fogarty Wine Group at Tasmanian Vintners. 

“I’m really excited to be launching this very special range of sparkling wines," he said. 

"Each of the Thalia wines offer a unique window into just how amazing Tasmania can be for world-class méthode traditionnelle. From the freshness and instant appeal of the NV, to the complex toastiness of the Reserve Cuvée, these wines showcase just how important careful viticulture, meticulous winemaking and patience is when crafting superb sparkling wines."

I have not yet tried the wines, but will report back when I have. 

Mitchelton links with indigenous artist

Victorian winery Mitchelton has collaborated with celebrated indigenous artist Gabriella Possum Nungurrayi for its new releases.

Mitchelton is home to an indigenous art gallery and winemaker Victor Nash will launch a new range with the artist at the winery's Nagambie estate on August 19.

Three of the artist's original works are featured across the Gabriella Possum Heathcote Shiraz 2020; Gabriella Possum Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2020; and Gabriella Possum Nagambie Rosè 2021, the Gabriella Possum 2020 Yarra Valley Pinot Noir and the Gabriella Possum 2021 Ancestral Method 2021 Riesling. 

The collections sell for $234 for a six-pack. 

The wines were all made with fruit sourced from Mitchelton's vineyards in Nagambie, Yarra Valley and Heathcote.

The Mitchelton Gallery of Aboriginal Art was established by Adam Knight and Gerry Ryan OAM, who share a passion for Indigenous Australian art.

The gallery was created to provide an inspiring new space for locals and visitors to experience the artworks of Australia’s First People. Works on display are representative of over 15 different art centres and communities throughout Australia. 

For details visit mitchelton.com.au.

Meet the Jacob's Creek wine range with a difference

 

Jacob's Creek is one of the best-known wine brands in the world, but its latest range barely features the name at all. 

Jacob’s Creek has released a quartet of premium wines in tribute to Ann Jacob, a South Australian wine pioneer from the 1840s, which are labelled A.J., with Jacob’s Creek a tiny afterthought on the label. 

The initial releases are a 2020 Chardonnay and and 2019 Grenache, to be joined by a shiraz and a cabernet sauvignon. 

All are made by winemaker Trina Smith, who says: The wines are made in a modern Australian style, with all fruit sourced from vineyards across the Barossa Valley. 

"The wines are fruit-forward, with a silky-smooth texture and bright delicate aromatics and are for drinking now or within two to three years."

I was particularly enamoured by the very juicy, lightly spicy and very appealing grenache. 

Eric Thomson, Global Marketing Director at Pernod Ricard Winemakers, said: “Ann Jacob was a pioneering young woman with an interest in viticulture, and an early female landowner in South Australia, planting vines on her Barossa property in the early 1840s. The vineyard still thrives as part of Jacob’s Creek vineyards today.” 

The 2019 Jacob’s Creek A.J. Grenache and 2020 Jacob’s Creek A.J, Chardonnay are now available for  $30 RRP at Coles Liquor Group stores across Australia.

  

Cool-climate, elegant and affordable: a rare wine trifecta

The phrase "cool-climate" and the word "elegant" combined are often wine industry code for "expensive". 

Not so with the new Quilty & Gransden range of wines from Cumulus Vineyards in Orange - a region that is just about as cool climate as it gets in New South Wales. 

The Quilty & Gransden range - five varietals in all - is promoted as "premium quality, affordable wines". It is certainly rare to find wines from Orange which retail for just $15 a bottle. 

The single varietals comprise a 2020 sauvignon blanc, a 2019 chardonnay, and a 2018 merlot, shiraz and cabernet sauvignon using estate-grown fruit managed by Orange region vigneron of the year Russell Quilty and Nuffield Scholarship recipient Martin Gransden.

“Our purpose is simple; we want to get as many people drinking the great wines from Orange as we can," says Cumulus Vineyards CEO Tim Jones. 

"Quilty & Gransden wines are an affordable entry point for people to enjoy the elegant wines that Orange is becoming famous for."

Vineyard manager Quilty says: “The wines from Orange are outstanding, but they should also be affordable.”

All the grapes for these wines are sourced from 25-year-old vines that sit at a cool 600 metres above sea-level where the fruit enjoys intense, high-elevation sunshine, resulting in flavourful medium-bodied wines. 

Viticulturist Gransden says: “We are not interested in making big, heavy alcohol wines, we want to make elegant, food-friendly, savoury wines.” 

At $15 a bottle all represent reasonable value but it was the cabernet sauvignon, pleasingly medium-bodied and varietal with blackcurrant flavours and subtle oak, and the crisp, tropical and refreshing sauvignon blanc that stood out for me. 

“Shiraz, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, cabernet sauvignon and merlot are the varieties that people like to drink here,” says Gransden. 

“We think that our core offering coupled with Orange’s reputation for producing quality wine will really be appealing to consumers.” 

It's certainly nice to see a wine range named after those who grew the fruit rather than the name of a vineyard or a winemaker. 

“We decided to name this range after Russ and Marty,” says Jones. “They are two of the most talented vignerons in New South Wales and have spend a combined 30 years looking after our magnificent vineyard.

“Orange is one of Australia’s most exciting wine regions, but the majority of wines from here are too expensive for everyday consumers.”

See www.quiltyandgransden.com.au for details. 

A new leaf for Tasmanian winery Delamere

 

Delamere is a leading Tasmanian wine producer that is 100% family owned and run by Shane Holloway and Fran Austin. All its wines are grown, made and bottled at the brand's Pipers River estate.

What happens, however, when some terrific fruit is for sale? The answer, start a new label, Flyleaf, and make some wines full of quaffability that are priced lower than the Delamere estate wines. 

Flyleaf - the name of the new limited-release range - refers to the free end page that is not stuck to the inner surface of a book cover. 

The name flyleaf aims to emulate the excitement of opening a brand new book; enjoying a new experience. 

"We love making wine in Tasmania, one of the last frontiers of Australian winemaking," say Holloway and Austin. 

"It is a region with so much exploration yet to be done.

"We source fruit for these wines not only from our own vineyards (new blocks, experimental batches etc) but also from growers around Tasmania , giving us a greater reach." 

The initial Flyleaf range comprises a 2021 rosé and a 2019 pinot noir with ultra-modern labels. 

"With the Fyleaf wines we get a chance to play around with winemaking a little bit, something we don't get so much with Delamere, where the wines are generally made to a specific style," Holloway said at a recent Red + White tasting in Hobart. 

"There is a lot of fruit being planted in Tasmania right now, and we see buying some of those grapes as a huge opportunity." 

  

The pinot noir is the standout for me: really solid Tasmanian pinot for around $36 a bottle is a rare beast. 

 

The duo have plenty of experience behind them. 

Holloway's first official foray into winemaking took place in 2001, although the seed was planted many years earlier when his family established their Adelaide Hills vineyard. 

A previous career path (marine biology and aquaculture) brought him to Tasmania where he took up a vintage cellar hand position to help pay the rent whilst undertaking post-graduate research.

Two weeks into harvest and he was hooked! From his new home base in Tasmania, he completed the Adelaide University post-graduate degree in winemaking and embarked on vintages in the Adelaide Hills, Yarra Valley and Oregon. 

Fran joined Shane in their Delamere Vineyard business in 2011. 

Having relocated to Tasmania from her home state of Western Australia a decade earlier to pursue a passion for cool-climate wines, she worked in Burgundy, Oregon, the Yarra Valley and the Adelaide Hills. 

Formerly chief winemaker with Bay of Fires, Austin was the 2005 Gourmet Traveller Young Winemaker of the Year, a 2009 Len Evans Tutorial Scholar and 2016 Don Martin Fellow.

See www.delamerevineyards.com.au/ or drop in and do a flight tasting at their cellar door.