For all of you who would rather be on a beach than on the slopes, this wine pick today is with you in mind. If you’ve ever considered taking a trip down under and were wondering where you could enjoy both the beauty of the land and a wine tasting and vineyard experience, you need look no further than South Australia. All of you regular readers are now familiar with Terry Rogers of Horseneck Wines in Greenwich, who will be our guide today. Here’s her pick for this beautiful region.
The Adelaide Hills is one of Australia’s most charming wine regions. There are a number of terrific wineries that would be exciting for you and your group. The first vines were planted in the Adelaide Hills in 1839, three years after South Australia was declared a state. A case of that wine was delivered to Queen Victoria in 1844. In 1842, the arrival of German pioneers saw more plantings around the new settlement of Hahndorf. The number of wineries now numbers over 50 with 200 grape growers providing much of this highly esteemed fruit. The winery that comes to mind is the D’Arenberg Winery in the McLaren Vale within the Adelaide Hills. The winery has been in existence since 1912 and is right up there with many of the cult wineries that collectors look for today.
The cool climate is ideal for growing apples, pears, strawberries, and cherries, making it also ideal for Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. But let’s get to the object of this article – STICKYS – have you ever heard of such a thing? The 2008 D’Arenberg Stump Jump Sticky Chardonnay ($12. for a 375ml) from Adleaide pays homage to a significant South Australian invention known as the Stump Jump plough. As well as clearing the land around McLaren Vale, it was adopted worldwide in the late 19th century because of its ability to ride over stumps and gnarled roots, saving valuable time and energy. The wine itself pays homange to what is know as the noble rot.
Botrytis, also known as noble rot, is a vine disease that, if carefully managed, leeches the water from the grapes leaving behind enough sugar, good fruit, good acidity and minerals resulting in very very sweet grapes. The grapes for Stickys are sourced from selected Botrytis infected vineyards just southeast of Adelaide. This region is definitely capable of producing some of the world’s finest, and certainly longest living sweet wines. Known as a “STICKY” in the land of Australia (otherwise known to the rest of the world as a sweet wine to be served after dinner or my favorite way at the beginning with a seared fois gras – yum) this wine has a beautiful amber color with a bouquet of ripe peaches, honey and apricots. I can taste this nectar of the gods just by writing about it. Once this beautiful silky wine touches your palate you will have luscious honey-lemon, butterscotch, and some elegant green apple flavors.
All together, a really wonderful sweet wine for half the price of a great Sauterne from Bordeaux. The 2008 vintage in particular was a special year for Sticky because summer rain caused the onset of Botrytis in the Chardonnay vineyards in McLaren vale and the Adelaide Hills making for an exceptional wine.
Thanks Terry! So if you are having a special dinner sometime soon, consider adding this special wine to your menu. As Terry suggested, you could serve it with a rich foie gras to start. There are several reliable companies who make it, either as a mousse or paté or in bloc form. Two of my favorites are Les Trois Petitis Cochons and d’Artagnan. D’Artagnan also produces their exclusive delicious French Kisses, plump, juicy prunes marinated in Armagnac and then filled with creamy, sweet mousse of Foie Gras. Scrumptious!!
This is perfect for me. Balazs and I love wine. Im more of a Italian type and Balazs loves dry French wine. This post made me want to go wine tasting! Yum:)
Kisses, darling and wish you a sweet day
Muah
Ps: I am hosting a great home decor GIVEAWAY later today, so please join in :)
Hi Diana – I love both Italian and French! This could straddle both as a lovely dessert option. Hope you like it! Will stop by in a bit!
What a fun post! Can’t wait to try it! xx
Hi Kate – I always love discovering new treats as well! Let me know what you think.
Is it ok that even though I’m barely through my first cup of coffee that I’m dreaming of cocktail hour?! This looks so amazing….and if it will transport me in my mind to a warmer place, I’m definitely trying it!!
PPT – Yes totally ok!! As long as you’re not spiking your coffee! Yes, you are one of the warm weather girls! So hopefully this will remind you that it’s summer in Australia at the moment!
Such a dreamy post! I want to be there. Love Australian wine, and warm weather sounds like heaven right now! XO
Hi Jeanne – Thank you! Yes – this is dedicated to everyone dreaming of warmer locales.
The botritis Chardonnay is just heavenly. D’Arenberg makes so many wonderful products, truly serious winemakers.
Terry
Terry – thanks as always for your wonderful wine insights and picks. I of course went to investigate D’Arenberg – they are indeed an amazing place! they have a great sitehere are many videos on youtube you can watch about their incredibly winemaking!
Now that is weird and wonderful information! Certainly will break a number of new year’s resolutions….thanks!
Oh my goodness, I will sound so smart with my wine friends when I mention Stump Jump, thanks for the delicious background and the beautiful region. XO
Hi Sande – isn’t that a fun story? The winery actually is very interesting – they produce all their wine the “old fashioned” way. Take a trip to their site if you’re interested.
I’ve never been much of a drinker, even wine but recently tasted a sweet dessert wine and my goodness, I’m smitten. Of course my sweet tooth seeps into everything. Taking notes on your post again, always learning so much!
Q,
Wonderful! Great post! Talking about dessert wines… Have you tried Canadian Ice wine? It’s simply amazing. I also love Port wine… and talking about Porto, there’s another kind of wine you should try, if you haven’t yet: Portuguese “Green wine” (Vinho Verde). It’s bubbly and delicious, also made with green grapes ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vinho_Verde)
Let me know if you ever try it.
xo
Luciane at HomeBunch.com
Hi Luciane – Thanks! I know of ice wine but have never tried. I will be discussing port later in the year. Not sure if I’ve had vinho verde – I know of it – actually can’t remember if I’ve tried – but will again!!
“Q”,
Vinho verde is delicious with a light meal, like fish. Very summery.
xo
Luciane at HomeBunch.com
a dream! hug
DE – Sounds delightful no?
Thank you for sharing! The grapes and figs are too beautiful for words.
Have a wonderful evening.
Teresa
xoxo
Hi Teresa – yes, it looks like beautiful country! Hope you have a lovely evening as well
I was trying to comment from my android phone yesterday, but it was too complex. Love this post and i love your appreciation of wines. I saw someone mention the Canadian Ice wine above. They are delicious and best when chilled. Of course, they are sweet so they make the perfect dessert wine. My brother in law introduced us to them some years ago when we visited him in Canada(now there’s always several bottles in our home). We’re aren’t sweet wine drinkers, but these are great for a nice dessert and they make great gifts too(ok, that was a mouthful:-))