Two stellar Old World Wines highlight our list this week.  Can't get enough of the Old World, or not really sure how it's different from the new?  Book into our Old World Wine Course starting on Wednesday August 20th.   This course runs for 4 weeks and is fun and informative for all budding wine enthusiasts. Hope to see you in the Cellars soon!

 

• Wine of the Week: 2004 Domaine du Meteore Orionide and 2003 De Forville Barbaresco

• Upcoming Events for the Calendar:

  • Paradigm Hill Cellar Dinner

  • Riedel Masterclass

  • New French Travelers Series

• Armadale News:

  • Business Lunch Series at Jacques Reymond - Book in April 10

  • Armadale Cellars begins Earth Month - 1 month without our can

• Wine Tips: Serving Wine

• Wine Quote

Wine of the Week:

2004 Domaine du Meteore Orionides

A stunning small producer situated 300 metres above sea level, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, in the Languedoc region of Southern France. The 19ha of vines are planted on slate schist covered slopes surrounded by the fragrance of thyme and earthy scrub. The estate is named Météore, after the meteorite that crashed into the land during pre-historic times, leaving a vast crater which is now planted with vines. The estate's wines are also named after meteor showers.

The wines are typically medium weight and fresh, showing flavours of luscious cherries and blackberries, not to mention the fine minerals and herbs. Balance on the palate is the key here; which leaves you always looking for that next glass.

RRP $35.00 
Special email $27.55

 

2003 De Forville Barbaresco DOCG
Region/ Piedmont (Pee – ed - emota)

Barbaresco is made from the Nebbiolo grape, the younger brother to Barolo. When made right it is an aromatic elegant wine displaying a range of aromas including violets, smoke and roses.  Flavours of cherry, truffle and fennel spill from the glass. 

This premium Nebbiolo was fermentated in large oak barrels leaving a medium bodied wine with wonderful savoury aromas of bark and leather, some cardamon, and a robust mid-palate of clove and cinnamons. The lengthy acid of the De Forville Barbaresco is “a typical” of this region.

This Barbaresco should be enjoyed with rich full dishes.  Lamb works brilliantly, Grilled spitchcock or even a provincial wild rabbit stew with carrots and cumin cous cous. 

Drinking 3 -5 years

RRP $70.00 
Special email $64.35

 

---

Upcoming Events:

• Paradigm Hill C. Dinner May the 5th - 8 seats remaining  Book Now

• Travellers French May 6^th Tuesday - 5 seats remaining Book Now

• 4 week Old World Wine Course - Beginning August 20th Book Now

• Riedel Master Class Thurs May 15^th  Book Now

---

Armadale News:

"Earth Day" was celebrated on April 22nd.. Are you doing your part for the environment?  We are here at AC - We have just completed "Earth Month"

 

---

Wine Tips:

Is your wine ready to drink?

When is wine ready to drink?

Now, or Later? The majority of people drink their wines the same night they buy them... but what if you want to nurture them to let the tertiary (bottle age) characters develop?

• Most wines purchased today for less than $15 a bottle made for early consumption.
• New world Sauvignon Blanc doesn't improve much with bottle age, so enjoy it young.
• Certain Clare Valley Rieslings and Hunter Valley Semillons can develop complex and rich flavours, so confidently put them in your cellar for between five and eight years.
• Racy, young, purple reds lose their tannic rawness and become softer and smoother with 3-4 years of ageing.
• You should only leave a bottle for 5-20 years if you have a good cellar and have confidence in top brands.
• At AC we always say "Drink earlier rather then later". There is nothing worse than putting a bottle aside to age and then realize it's past its prime!
• Build up a good relationship with your independent retailer and always ask their opinons, they are trained to know when a wine is at its peak time to drink!

Interested in improving how you cellar your wines?  Armadale Cellars offers a host of cellaring solutions. 

 

---

Wine Quote of the Week:

"Work is the curse of the drinking classes " - Oscar Wilde