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Author Archives: Julian

French Wine Tasting: The Cote-du-Rhone

Date: Wednesday 16th May, 6.30pm

This May the Oak Barrel will be hosting a French wine tasting on the wines of the Southern Rhone. Join us as we taste through the different styles, appellations and terroir’s of this world famous wine region. From the great value village wines up to the regions top Cru’s, including the world famous Chateauneuf-du-Pape, plus a couple of northern Rhone beauties for a special treat…

  • 2008 Domaine le Sang des Cailloux ‘Cuvee Doucinello’, Vacqueyras
  • 2009 Domaine le Sang des Cailloux ‘Un Sang Blanc’, Vacqueyras
  • 2009 Domaine du Trapadis ‘Les Adres’, Rasteau
  • 2009 Dauvergne Ranvier ‘Vin Rare’ Gigondas
  • 2007 Catherine le Goeuil ‘Cuvee Les Felsch’ Cote du Rhone Village, Cairanne
  • 2010 Domaine la Grande Bellane Blanc
  • 2009 Domaine la Grande Bellane ‘Reserve’ Cote du Rhone Village, Valreas
  • 2007 Chateau de Vaudieu, Chateauneuf du Pape

Additional wines will be added below as they are confirmed…

When: Wednesday 16th May, 6.30pm
Where: OB Cellar Room
Price: $50 ($40 for members)
Booking: contact events at 02 9264 3022 or by email us at events@oakbarrel.com.au or BUY TICKETS ONLINE


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Producer of the Month – Lucy Margaux

Interesting, kooky and fiercely independent… Lucy Margaux is one the most interesting estates in Australia today. The estate is farmed biodynamicaly/organically while Anton Van Klopper, who owns and lives on the estate with his family, makes the wines.

Anton is a member of the Natural Selection Theory wine collective, a group of wine makers who specialize in ‘natural wines’ that are made with minimal intervention and no additions, save a small amount of sulphur.

These are fantastic wines that are not only full of personality, but delicious too. Smooth, fresh and dripping in terroir. You can practically hear the sheep/geese/whatever running through the vineyards. This is not industrial wine; this is proper wine… wine for people who care about what they drink.

Great wine is not just about tasting good, it makes you think, it stirs your emotions and makes you want to share it. These wines are not for everyone, but for me these are great wines with both soul and character. Living wines.

I highly recommend trying the wines of Lucy Margaux…

 ** SPECIAL OFFER ** For the month of April 2012, we’re offering all single bottle purchases from Lucy Margaux at 6 pack pricing (members will still receive their additional 10%).  Can’t think of a better way for you to get in and try the wines….


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BK Wines from the Adelaide Hills

Available at The Oak Barrel SydneyBK Wines is a small winery located in the Adelaide Hills. The BK in question is Brendon Keys, a Kiwi-vagrant turned wine maker. From his converted winery (read really-big-shed) he crafts small production ‘handmade’ wines that clearly reflect his unpretentious nature. BK’s wine making focus is on producing balanced and food friendly wines that do not need big alcohol and oak to win you over.

The BK Wine range includes fresh, unoaked wines that are made for food and everyday drinking, as well as serious and structured wines that will improve with age. These are fantastic wines whose quality more than matches their in your face packaging. BK Wines are definitely worth a try.

BK Wines available in Sydney at the Oak Barrel…

BK Wines Pinot Grigio 2011, Adelaide Hills
This is a light, fresh style of wine with crisp acid and soft flavours of white fruit and pear. This is a food friendly wine with good balance between the crisp acid and soft fruit. Classic Grigio in style.

BK Wines Syrah Nouveau 2011, Adelaide Hills
The Syrah Nouveau is an un-oaked style of Shiraz. The wine has bright fruit flavours with notes of spice, aniseed and black currant jube. Light to medium bodied with fine tannin, soft fruit and a fresh, crisp finish. A fresh, food friendly style of red that is both delicious and highly drinkable. 

BK Wines ‘Neyle’ Syrah 2010, Adelaide Hills
The Neyle is a richly flavoured Shiraz with notes of blackberry, jube and spice. A very smooth wine with soft tannin and great balance with a complex blend of fruit and spice notes on the palate. A top quality wine that finishes both fresh, long and balanced. Drinking well now with a bit of air but will improve over at least the next eight or so years.

BK Wines ‘Mazi’ Syrah 2009, McLaren Vale
This is the top offering from BK wines. A rich, concentrated wine with dark fruit and spice aromas alongside more herbal and aniseed notes, it is bordering on full-bodied but with soft, silky tannin and great balance. The Mazi is still showing plenty of oak in its youth however this will soften over time as the wine has the structure and potential to improve over at least the next ten years or so. This is a real top quality wine that is perfect for the cellar, but can be enjoyed now after a long decant.

A wine long since sold out at the winery we have only a few bottles left here at the Oak Barrel. Made using Organic/Biodynamic practices.


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Orange Wine Region

Orange is a wine region that continues to improve and is today one of Australia’s most exciting wine regions. Every time I visit I notice an improvement in the quality of wine. The cool climate and volcanic soils of the region are well suited to viticulture and a range of varieties and styles are emerging from the region.

Orange is the highest wine region in Australia with vines extending from 600m to 1,100 meters. The extinct volcano Mt Canobolas dominates the region and is responsible for much of the soil composition.

The region is a true cool climate with snow and frost in the winter, golden autumns and sunshine in summer. Rainfall is good during the growing season and the multitude of hills and aspects show good potential for the development of different terroirs.

There are a number of potential sub-regions and climates in Orange. The main difference is that of altitude. The higher the altitude the cooler the vineyard with higher sites focusing primarily on cooler varieties such as Pinot Noir and aromatic whites. As you move lower grapes such as Cabernet, Chardonnay and Merlot can ripen fully. The vineyards below 800 meters are in many ways quite different to the central vineyards being much warmer; here Shiraz is able to ripen regularly.

The Wines
Here is a selection of some of my recent favourites…

Brangayne ‘Tristan’ Cabernet Blend 2009
(Received Top Gold as the best red blend in the 2011 Boutique Wine Awards) 

Brangayne Shiraz 2007
(94 Points – James Halliday)

Cargo Road Zinfandel 2009
(Big, rich and juicy)

Canobolas-Smith Cabernets 1991
(Only a few bottles left)


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Discover Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir and Chardonnay

When: Thursday March 15th, 2012

Discover Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. This is your chance to taste some of the top wines the region has to offer!

Once just a large picnic area for bored Melbournian’s, Mornington has well and truly established itself as a premium wine region. While a number of varieties are grown on the peninsula it is the Burgundian double act of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that are the regions clear specialties.

Click here to read an article on Mornington…. 

While there are plenty of established names and bigbrands in Mornington, what really makes the region interesting are the small producers. The region seems to be able to produce a plethora of small family estates and funky garage wines (probably due to all those bored Melbournians).

So to celebrate this fact we are putting on a tasting! Join us for a relaxed evening as we taste a selection of high quality, delicious and above all interesting wines from this so often talked about region.

Wines on taste (more to follow):

Hurley Vineyards ‘Lodestone Single Vineyard’ Pinot Noir ‘08
Hurley Vineyards ‘Hommage Single Vineyard’ Pinot Noir ‘08
Hurley Vineyards ‘Hommage Single Vineyard’ Pinot Noir ‘09
Hurley Vineyards ‘Garramond Single Vineyard’ Pinot Noir ‘09

Even Keel Pinot Noir ’10
Even Keel Chardonnay ’10

Prancing Horse Pinot Noir ’09
Prancing Horse Chardonnay ’08

Allies Wines Pinot Noir ’10

The Cups Estate Pinot Noir ’06
The Cups Estate ‘Raimondo Reserve’ Pinot Noir ’06

Paradigm Hill Pinot Noir ‘L’ami Sage’ ’07
Paradigm Hill Pinot Noir ‘L’ami Sage’ ’06

Eldridge Estate MV6 Pinot Noir ’10
Eldridge Estate Chardonnay ’09

Crittenden Estate Pinot Noir
Crittenden Estate Chardonnay
(Read about Crittendens LEGEND status here…)

Date: Thursday March 15th, 2012
Time: 6:30 – 8:30pm
Where: The Oak Barrel Cellar Room
Price: $30 ($20 for members)
Bookings: 02 9264 3022 or via email at events@oakbarrel.com.au (please note bookings are not confirmed until payment is made)


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Nascetta (Nas-Cetta)

One of the best things about wine is that there is always a new grape variety to discover.

There are literally thousands of varieties in the world, each more difficult to pronounce than the last. New varieties are still being discovered (or re-discovered) even today. In some countries you cant walk five meters without coming across a variety you have never heard of. Some varieties, although once well regarded, fade out of fashion only to be re-discovered again. Nascetta is one such variety.

A white variety originating in the Novello commune of Piemonte (famously part of the Barolo DOCG), Nascetta had been considered one of the regions great varieties. In one book from the 1800′s its wines were even described as “tending towards art”. However as a premium variety that could not be used for cheap bulk wine the grape fell out of fashion at the turn of the 20th century. In fact Nascetta had fallen so far out of fashion the variety itself was being threatened with extinction.

While in previous centuries Nascetta had been regarded as a noble grape, by the 1990′s it was no longer even considered a legal variety.

The fortunes of the grape have changed however due to the work of Valter Fissore, of the wine estate Elvio Cogno, and a handful of dedicated winemakers. Valter first tried Nascetta in 1991 and liked it so much he went on to produce a wine for his own estate in 1994. For his efforts in attempting to resurrect this lost treasure he was promptly fined by the Italian wine authorities.

As an illegal variety Valter was forced from then on to label his wine as Vino de Tavola (table wine, “officially” the lowest rank in Italian wine.). While the variety was legalized in 2000, it was not until the 2010 vintage that Valter was able to include the word ‘Nascetta’ on the bottle label (Until then he was forced to use the made up name “Anas-cëtta”). Another great champion of the variety is Enrico Rivetto, who is so passionate about the potential of this variety he is increasing plantings.

Today only a few producers make Nascetta, however its rarity and historic reputation has made it a magnet to wine nerds the world over. Not only is the variety interesting but the wine produced can also be very good, with a number of Langhe winemakers getting all misty eyed about the potential of this re-discovered grape.

Recommended Wine:

Elvio Cogno ‘Anas-cëtta’ Nascetta 2010
Langhe Nascetta DOC
“The nose is fine and elegant with just the right intensity. It exudes complex, lingering scents of wild flowers and herbs, of citrus and exotic fruits. The bouquet suggests acacia honey, sage and rosemary.”

Food Suggestions: vegetable dishes, white meats, fish and cream cheese


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Vino Novello

Vino Novello, or new wine, is a style of Italian wine that is rarely seen in Australia. These wines are usually bottled only a few weeks after vintage and are officially released for sale on November 6th of that same year. Novello wines are made to drink within 6 months when they are still young, fresh and fruity. They are best served at lower temperatures and in Australia they benefit from being chilled. Novello from a good producer can be a great summer drink and is well worth trying.

 

Ciccio Zaccagnini ‘Ikebana’ Vino Novello 2011
This family estate was first founded in 1978 and is today one of the leaders for quality in the Abruzzo region.

This is a very fresh style of red wine. Red fruit aromas dominate with notes of red cherry and pomegranate. The palate is light and fruity with light, chalky tannins and a crisp, minerally finish. A top quality Novello that is at its best slightly chilled and served with light foods.

We only have a small amount available, so purchase while you can.

 

More info about Vino Novello…
Novello wines differ from most wines in that a proportion of the grapes (at least 30%) are fermented using carbonic maceration. This is a technique where instead of crushing the grapes and fermenting the juice that is extracted, the juice is fermented within the grapes. This creates a wine that is smooth and fruity without much tannin, as well as creating new flavours.

Italian ‘Novello’ is similar to the French ‘Beaujolais Nouveau’ in that both are made using the same techniques and released a few weeks after vintage. The main difference between the two is that while most Beaujolais Nouveau is made using the same techniques and same grapes, no two Novello’s are the same. Novello can come from different regions and use a variety of different grapes and slightly different methods of production, meaning the resulting wines can all be quite different.

- Julian Abouzeid

 


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Italian Wine Tasting


When: Thursday February 9th, 2012

In Brief: 
Join us as we host the winemaker from Rocca di Montegrossi who will taste us through some of his outstanding wines alongside a selection of matched Italian cheeses.

About:
Rocca di Montegrossi is located in the heart of Chianti Classico, about seven kilometres from Gaiole. The estate is owned by Marco Ricasoli Firidolfi, a member of the family that has written the story of Chianti Classico, creating the formula for the wine we know today at the site of what is now his San Marcellino vineyard.

Rocca di Montegrossi is one of Chianti’s finest estates. Together Marco Ricasoli Firidolfi and consultant Attilio Pagli produce a small range of balanced, terroir driven wines from the estates 20 hectares of certified organic vineyards.

Marco himself will be here at the Oak Barrel to take us through his full range plus a rare back vintage of his brilliant and highly regarded single vintage wine, San Macrellino. There are only limited spaces so book your place early.

Wines on taste:

  • Geremia Toscana IGT (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon)
  • Chianti Classico DOCG
  • Chianti Classico DOCG ‘San Macrellino’ (Single Vineyard)
  • Chianti Classico DOCG ‘San Macrellino’ Back Vintage
  • Vin Santo del Chianti Classico DOCG

The wines will be tasted alongside a selection of delicious Italian cheeses…

Date: Thursday 9th February, 2012
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Where: The Oak Barrel Cellar Room
Price: $45 ($35 for members)
Bookings: 02 9264 3022 or via email at events@oakbarrel.com.au

 


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Cabernet Tasting

Join me at the Oak Barrel as I present a selection of Cabernets from Australia and around the world. Its the last tasting for the year so I am making it a good one. Some really cracking wines will be on taste including a number of personal favourites. Budget? What budget?

The selection on taste will include wines from Orange, Margaret River, Coonawarra, Bordeaux, Chile, South Africa, New Zealand and California….

List of wines will grow as I slowly make my mind up…

  • Temuta San Guido ‘Sassicaia’ 2007 (Tuscany, Italy)
  • Chateau des Graviers 2006 (Margaux, Bordeaux)
  • Santa Rita ‘Medalla Real’ 2007 (Maipo, Chile)
  • Mission Estate ‘Jewelstone’ 2009 (Hawkes Bay, New Zealand)
  • Swinging Bridge Reserve 2010 (Orange, New South Wales)
  • Klein Constantia 2007 (Constantia, South Africa)
  • Lake’s Folly 2000 (Hunter Valley, New South Wales)

Our partners – Rushcutters Wine Storage will be on hand to discuss cellaring of wine as well as launching an offer for OB Cellar Club Members that includes 2 months free storage at their new facilities in Rushcutters Bay. Check out the facilities on their website.

Date: Tuesday 6th December, 2011
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Where: The Oak Barrel Cellar Room
Price: $45 ($35 for members)
Bookings: 02 9264 3022 or via email at events@oakbarrel.com.au


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FREE In-Store tasting: Bisol Prosecco

Join us in store this Friday, September 30th, 2011 as we taste the sparkling wines of Bisol, one of the leading estates of Prosecco in Northeast Italy. Roberto Actis from Bisol will be in store to answer all your questions.

The Bisol winery is a family run business managed by Antonio and Eliseo Bisol, together with their sons Gianluca, Desiderio, Claudio and Alberto.

The Bisol family has a winemaking history dating back to the 16th century, and is fortunate to own 50 hectares of DOC vineyards. This includes 3 of hectares of steep, sloping vineyards in the Cartizze zone, one of the highest and most prestigious vineyard areas in the region. The family chose the path of quality early on, and has spent the last 30 years refining the process of producing Prosecco, combining traditional and modern methods. Bisol is one of the very few Prosecco houses that both own their own vineyards and carry out the entire production process, ensuring quality in every phase of production.

Three wines will be on taste and available at a great price. The wines will include the fantastic Superiore di Cartizze, one of the Italy’s great Prosecco’s.

  • Bisol Jeio’ Cuvee Brut NV Normally $19.95, this Friday only $17.95
  • Bisol Jeio’ Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Brut DOCG Normally $32.95, this Friday only $27.95
  • Bisol Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze DOCG Normally $67.95, this Friday only $57.95

- Members also receive a further 10% discount -


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