SWINGS AND ROUNDABOUTS -
Malbec Nouveau
Sometimes it’s happy luck that leads to the release of a new wine; the team at Swings and Roundabouts were tasting individual wines ready to make a cabernet blend. The malbec was particularly delicious, and had enough panache to make it as a standalone wine. The malbec nouveau is reminiscent of a beaujolais nouveau; light and fruity. If you love pinot noir, or you’re not fond of tannins, give it a whirl. It’s available exclusively at Swings Taphouse, so why not stay for lunch or dinner? 85 Bussell Highway, Margaret River.Visit swings. com.au
MARQ WINES – Sparkling
Vermentino and Petit Manseng Mark Warren loves to experiment with different grapes and styles. Working with varieties such as vermentino, petit manseng, malbec and fiano, Mark makes the sort of foodfriendly wine he loves to share with friends. Two years ago he started work making a sparkling wine, and decided to use vermentino for its light, fresh character. “It was very much an experiment and we weren’t sure if we’d release it, but we’re thrilled with the result.” The sparkling vermentino is smooth, dry and pairs beautifully with oysters. Mark also teaches wine science in Margaret River, and it was a student who put him onto the French grape petit manseng. By chance he found it growing in Yallingup. It’s a dry, chardonnay-esque wine, fermented in 25% new oak but still retains a unique fruit flavour. Perfect with Asian food or any dish with fresh ginger. 860 Commonage Road,Yallingup.Visit marqwines. com.au
FLOWSTONE WINES –
Gewurztraminer
For Stuart Pym it’s pure serendipity that he’s making alternative wines; his first job in the wine industry was hand-picking gewurztraminer grapes in Margaret River in 1983, back when most vineyards in the region had some in the ground. Thirty-something years later and with vintages at Voyager Estate, Stella Bella and Suckfizzle under his belt, Stuart’s making his own wine from that very planting. The gewurztraminer is beautifully perfumed; try it if you love riesling. By appointment: 11298 Bussell Highway, Forest Grove.Visit flowstonewines.com.au
CULLEN WINES –
Mangan East Block and Amber Famous for their Diana Madeline, it’s worth visiting to taste these two lesser known beauties.
TASTE IT
Take a walk on the wild side with these alternative varieties. These wineries don’t have a cellar door, but look for them in the liquor stores, bars and restaurants listed below. Amato Vino Skinnydip – Sauvignon blanc, but not as you know it. Skin fermented in amphorae. Dormilona Skinnie – skins are left on, giving this sauvignon blanc a pink hue. Mr Barval Mistral – Viognier marsanne blend, named after the Rhone Valley breeze. Mr Barval Nebbia – inspired by Robert Gherardi’s vintages in Barolo, where nebbiolo is king. Oates Ends Tempranillo – the quintessential BBQ wine; great with smoky, grilled meat.
margaretriver.com
| WINTER 2017 47