THE BAROSSA CHAPTERS: DISCOVERY There is a world of difference between a desperate tilting at windmills, and a self-assured understanding that there is always room for surprise and delight. Your own region, brand or story may well set a confident and clear expectation, but that can never be the total picture… All brands and experiences need an element of first time education and discovery – in effect, a constant surpassing of expectation. “There is a similar, positively parochial, revivalist spirit to be found among some Australian winemakers…Rather than to go overseas to find viticultural inspiration, these winemakers are looking at the vines that have been growing in their own backyard for, in some cases, well over 100 years. In old, established winegrowing regions such as the Barossa Valley, for example, red grapes such as Mataro; Carignan and Cinsault, long considered second-rate varieties, are now sought after both for their savoury flavours and their suitability to hot, dry growing conditions…This resonates strongly with the rediscovery and promotion of heritage fruits and vegetables and rare breed animals championed by the Slow Food and farmers’ market movements…” Max Allen, The Future Makers
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