04/04/2025
Poppy's Picks: AUSTRALIA EDITION 🦘
After being away for two months last winter in lovely 35+ heat and sun, I thought I’d share with you all some of thoughts on the wines of the New World down under 🦘
My first stop in Australia was southbound to Adelaide, and one hot December day I visited the wonderful winery in Hahndorf, Adelaide Hills. Because of the hill’s high altitude and cooler climate, the vineyards here are particularly suited to the Sauvignon blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Shiraz grapes.
At the cellar door, I tried a good variety of Pinot Noirs. I also decided to go outside of my usual preferences and tried a few Shiraz - I usually don’t like big jammy reds, but I was pleasantly surprised by this selection! I found the 2021 Shiraz fresh and bright, owing to the cooler-climate of the Hills. My all time favourite was the ‘777’ Pinot Noir - a wild fermented bottle with 100% French oak and extended maceration. The end result produces wonderful rose petal aromas and a medium body with notes of plum, cranberry and mixed spices.
If that sounds up your street, then I would strongly recommend trying our Adobe Pinot Noir, from the organic Chilean vineyards of Emiliana. Just like the Aussie grapes, this Pinot Noir is grown in the cooler-climate of Chile in the Bio-Bio Valley, sharing the fresh, bright notes of cherry, spice and a touch of French oak. A perfect dupe in my opinion!
I spent my Christmas visiting friends in Tasmania, and was delighted to find , a quaint wine bar and picklery nestled in the small town of Geeveston. We picked up a perfect pairing of a Riesling and some preserves - the high acidity and off-dry palette beautifully complimented our Christmas cheese and pickles. Speaking of - did you know we have a great selection of small plates on our sit-in menu, including Steph's also- home-made pickles?
This just scratches the surface of everything I’ve learnt and experienced in Australia (I also paid a visit to the in Adelaide) so if you’re free this Friday (or any) come and pay us a visit and I’d love to share more.
Happy Friday!