Sparkling Shiraz for Christmas

Sparkling reds are the best style of wine for Christmas dinner. They can be as rich and deep as you like, but are still drinkable. I had a nice one with roast beef the other day, but they go well with

Sepplets Sparking Shiraz is one of the iconic wines of Asutralia. At RRP of about $22.00 it is very good value. The 2005 just picked up a gold medal in Hobart. You can get some for just $14.95 if you are quick!

Link to order page for Sparkling Shiraz

Vale Durif on Wine Blogging Wednesday

Image of Durif from State Library of South Australia.

Petite Sirah is known by its correct name of Durif in Australia. There are about 60-70 wineries making wine from Durif. See Vinodiversity's Durif page.

Most of the wineries with the variety are in the warm and hot regions, Rutherglen, Riverina, Murray Darling etc. But Durif actually is also suited to cooler climate viticulture, although very few Australians will believe you if you tell them. John Vale of Vale Wines at Balnarring on the Mornington Peninsula has grown the variety for several Vintages.

Last weekend I tried the 2005 Vale Durif. The wine is deep red colour and has great depth of flavour. There are spicy characters in the middle palate, reminiscent of cool climate Shiraz. Compared to typical Rutherglen Durif this wines is positively elegant. You could drink this wine a range of foods, perhaps you could pair it in a similar way as you would a young tempranillo, rather than with heavy meats and game dishes that are called for with the more usual Australian Durifs.

More about Durif on Wine Blogging Wednesday #40

Some Beautiful Images

The State Library of South Australia has a collection of wine related materials. Some of the images have been digitised and put onto the website at http://www.winelit.slsa.sa.gov.au/grapeswines.htm

Check out some of the beautiful images of some of the more common grape varieties.

Gift for the thinking winelover

My friend Steve De Long has done it again! He has bought out a wonderful new product.

A tasting note book that fits easily into your pocket or purse. About the same size as a passport.

A pocket sized tasting notebook
# Elegant black cover with gold embossing slips easily into a coat pocket or purse.
# Sewn binding lays flat for comfortable writing.
# Water resistant wine tasting guide including WINE TASTING TERMS and HOW TO TAKE A WINE NOTE stores inside back cover.

Why water resistant?? I don't mix water with my wine!

Arriving soon in Australia!

Order direct from this link for delivery in the US, or contact me to be notified about when it will be available in Australia.