SoVino Autumn 2016

FREE MAG

JUST GET OUT THERE Plunge into some seriously fun events

17

PG.

IMPRESS YOUR GUESTS

10 WEIRD THINGS TO DO WITH VODKA

By serving your beer in the right glasses

(And we’re not talking about drinking)

02

20

PG.

PG.

AUTUMN EDITION EXCLUSIVE TO INDEPENDENT LIQUOR RETAILERS

SOVINO AUTUMN 2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS AUTUMN 2016

PRODUCT FEATURES

AUTUMN FEATURE

20 08 02

Glasses Half-Full 10 Glasses to Serve Up Your Beer

Top 5 Under $20

6 Perfect Match: A Cheats Cheese Guide

07 Apps on Tap

10 New Product Spotlight

16 Just Get Out There What’s on

17 10 Reasons to Buy Vodka in Bulk

20

Wolf Blass 40th Vintage of Black Label

04 Austins & Co 6Ft6 Wines

08 McLaren Vale Make a day of it

11 Tyrrell’s Wines Rufus Stone

13 Coopers Passion, independence and flavour since 1862

15 Wither hills

19

Advertising and editorial enquiries contact: Craig Hazelton T 1300 408 399 E Craig.Hazelton@ilr.net.au

Unit 9, Building 7, 1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick ACT 2609 PO Box 318 Fyshwick ACT 2609

01

02

SOVINO AUTUMN 2016

10 GLASSES TO SERVE UP YOUR BEER Turns out it takes more than a novelty stubbie holder to impress your guests these days. With the increase in fancy craft beers over the last few years, the focus is on making sure you drink the right ale out of the right type of glass.

But fear not, we’ve done all the hard work for you and put together a comprehensive list of glassware to complete your bar collection. All you need is the beer.

Whether it was a lid to keep out the flies (to stop the spread of the plague) or stoneware to keep beer colder for longer, the design of beer glasses has, throughout the history of mankind, been all about function.

The same can be said for beer glasses today. But now, style is proving to be just as important—and presentation—it seems, is everything. So how do you navigate your way through the myriad of glassware? It all comes down to the beer you’re drinking...

2

0

Pilsner, Blonde Ale & Pale Lager Glass: A Pilsner glass.

What: Tall, slender and tapered glasses.

1

0

Belgian Strong Ale Glass: Goblet or Chalice.

What: Large stemmed bowl shaped glasses.

Why: Designed to maintain a stream of eternal bubbles and perfect head, the wide brims also make it easy to take long sips.

Why: The slender glass highlights the colour and carbonation of the beer and the broad top maintains a beer head.

SOVINO AUTUMN 2016

0

3

Big Sweet Beers: Barley Wines, Belgian Dark Ales & Eisbocks

8

0

Glass: A Snifter.

What: Short stem with a wide bowl that fits nicely in your hand.

6

0

4

What: A bulbous shape that gives way to a flared top.

Why: It not only helps trap the aroma of your beer, but also aids in maintaining a large head.

5

0

Weizenbier aka Wheat Beer

What: Meaning “stick” in German, Stange glasses are tall and slim.

Why: When you’re drinking more delicate beers, the tall glass will enhance the malt and hop aromas.

What: Heavy, sturdy, large and with a handle, there are two main types of mugs: the tankard mug has a thick bottom and straight sides, while the stouter krug mug is curved with a dimpled surface.

Why: They hold loads of beer and help keep your beer colder for longer because your hand isn’t directly on the glass.

Scotch Ale, Belgian Pale Ale, Belgian Strong Ale & Double/ Imperial Stout Glass: A Tulip glass.

Glass: A Stange.

Glass: A mug (or stein).

Why: Normally reserved for swishing brandy around, the snifter is perfect for capturing and enhancing the aromas of stronger beers.

0

English Bitter, Scottish Ale & Irish Dry Stout

9

0

Why: These authentic Bavarian glasses have been designed to showcase the beer’s colour while trapping the sediment often found in them at the narrow bottom of the glass. Plus there’s plenty of headspace for great fluffy heads.

Double/Imperial IPA, Double/Imperial Stout, India Pale Ale, Brown Ale & Porter Glass: A Pint.

7

0

What: Near cylindrical, with a slight taper and wide-mouth, the British pint has a curved notch about two inches from the rim that makes for easier gripping.

Biere Brut, Biere de Champagne, Vienna Lager, Lambic & Flanders Red Ale

Why: Whilst being a staple on the pub scene, this glass actually lets the beer aroma escape—but it does makes for easy storage and drinking.

Glass: A flute.

What: Looks just like a champagne glass but with a shorter stem.

Why: The long and narrow body showcases the bubbles and colour of your beer and releases a quicker and more intense aroma.

Glass: A Weizen glass.

What: Long glasses that widen at the top.

Rye Beer, Lambic, Gueuze, Bock & Gose

10

Belgian Dark & Pale Ale Glass: An oversized wine glass.

What: A 22-ounce regular wine glass.

Why: Perfect for serving Belgian ales because it allows for headspace while the open bowl creates a strong aroma. Also makes a great replacement for a tulip or goblet.

03

04

SOVINO AUTUMN 2016

WOLF BLASS y r a s r ve i n n A th 0 4 Collection

WOLF BLASS 2016 LUXURY COLLECTION LAUNCHES 3 MARCH 2016

Honouring the Wolf Blass values of quality, character and consistency first set down in 1966, this outstanding Luxury Collection offers a portfolio of wines that reflect skill, passion and dedicated craftsmanship.

In 2016 Wolf Blass wines proudly showcase the 40th vintage release of Black Label and celebrate its iconic status as a benchmark of Australian winemaking excellence.

Chief Winemaker, Chris Hatcher, says: “The 2016 Luxury Collection represents Australian winemaking at its very best, with the passion, creativity and dedication of our viticulture and winemaking teams evident in every bottle.

2015 was an exceptional season in the Adelaide Hills and the White Label Chardonnay displays all the hallmarks of this great vintage.

Grey Label reds from 2013 are, as always, elegant expressions of their unique terroirs, while our iconic Black Label and Medlands

‘‘IN 2016 WOLF BLASS WINES PROUDLY SHOWCASE THE 40TH VINTAGE RELEASE OF BLACK LABEL.’’ Vineyard Platinum Label Shiraz hail from the outstanding 2012 vintage, a near perfect season in South Australia, well regarded for producing some truly remarkable red wines.”

PRODUCT FEATURE

BLACK LABEL CABERNET SAUVIGNON SHIRAZ 2012

SOVINO AUTUMN 2016

‘‘THE 2012 VINTAGE IS A SOPHISTICATED, MULTI-LAYERED WINE WITH A COMPLEX COMPOSITION.’’

$12999 each

The inspired masterstroke that has been fundamental to perfecting 40 remarkable vintages of Black Label is the artful blending of the year’s finest fruit, giving rise to a wine greater than the sum of its parts.

True to style, the 2012 vintage is a sophisticated, multilayered wine with a complex composition of intense fruit and magnificent structure.

“My connection and fascination with Black Label dates back to the 1976 Royal

05

40th Vintage Barossa Valley Langhorne Creek McLaren Vale

Melbourne Wine Show when it won the Jimmy Watson Trophy for a third consecutive year, a feat no other wine has ever achieved.

Melbourne was my first wine show and little did I know then, that I would work for Wolf Blass for more than twentyeight years, twenty as Chief Winemaker, and we would win a fourth “Jimmy” with the 1998 vintage.”

– Chris Hatcher, Chief Winemaker, Wolf Blass

Not all products available in all stores.

06

SOVINO AUTUMN 2016

TOP 5 UNDER $20

TOP 5 UNDER $20 FILL UP YOUR CELLAR without emptying

your wallet with these great value wines:

5 STAR WINERY RATING

BARKING TREE CHARDONNAY $1499 each This wine shows tremendous varietal lift on the nose with aromas of ripe peach and nectarines, combined with toasty vanillin oak.

PETER LEHMANN PORTRAIT EDEN VALLEY DRY RIESLING

The palate is rich and creamy with intense flavour and length.

$15

99 each

A delicate green/gold colour leads to a fresh aroma of newly picked apples and limes.

The palate is elegant with a crisp, dry finish as expected in a high class riesling from a great vintage.

EVANS & TATE BREATHING SPACE CABERNET SAUVIGNON $1699 each Margaret River can make truly beautiful and exceptional wines. Refresh and indulge in the lifted aromatics and dark fruit flavours beautifully balanced by silky tannins.

“ Sets the cat among the pigeons: high quality Margaret River Cabernet is not meant to be sold for $19.”

— James Halliday (Top 20 Reds under $20, 94 Points)

BARGAIN BOTTLES THE CROSSINGS SAUVIGNON BLANC $1699 each Awatere Rivers unique climate sets it apart from other regions.

The Crossings Sauvignon Blanc shows lifted notes of gooseberry and passion fruit, underpinned with citrus notes. The palate is full of fruit flavours yet balanced with a crisp mineral finish.

Not all products available in all stores.

YALUMBA PATCHWORK SHIRAZ $1999 each A classic Barossa Shiraz showing warm aromatics of dark cherry, dried herbs, liquorice and dark chocolate, marked by clear dark fruits that carry a lovely richness and intensity.

Generous and flavoursome with ripe tannins that melt into the concentrated finish.

A CHEATS CHEESE GUIDE

SOVINO AUTUMN 2016

PERFECT MATCH

Pairing wine and cheese is much harder than you’d think. Cheeses vary in moisture content, fat content, saltiness, texture and flavour. Wines vary in acidity, sweetness, body and structure.

So to save you time in working out what tastes best with which, we’ve chosen three of our top wines and paired them with their perfect cheesy matches.

RICCADONNA DE BORTOLI PROSECCO 8YEAR OLD FINE TAWNY Everybody loves a glass of bubbles—and so do most cheeses! Exclusively made with Prosecco grapes, this elegant crisp extra dry white Italian sparkling wine is the perfect pairing for some of your favourites.

TRIPLE CREAM CHEESES With more than 75% butterfat than most cheeses, the effervescence of the Riccadonna bubbles will cut through the creamy taste to scrub your palate clean.

The delicate aroma of sweet fruits, fresh citrus and grapefruit will give this indulgent cheese an extra bit of pop.

GRUYERE Dense in texture with flavours of brown butter and roasted hazelnuts, the hearty taste of Gruyere is elevated into something more elegant thanks to the fresh crisp palate and subtle floral notes of this sparkling white.

RICCADONNA PROSECCO

$1299 each

Tawny and cheese is one of the most classic food and wine combinations. And the opulent flavours of the award winning 8 Year Old Fine Tawny, lends itself to some inspired marriages.

STILTON This is a no brainer. The strong taste and powerful saltiness of the stilton is foiled by the sweet fruit characters of the Tawny, making this a heavenly combination.

MANCHEGO Nutty, tangy and savoury, a hard sheep’s cheese such as Manchego is the perfect stage to showcase the ripe dark fruits of the De Bortoli.

DE BORTOLI 8YEAR OLD FINE TAWNY

$19

99 each

FAT BASTARD PINOT NOIR Pinot Noir is a fairly versatile wine to pair with cheese and with its notes of berries and earthy characteristics.

This medium-bodied Pinot Noir is an ideal companion for most cheeses.

CAMEMBERT OR BRIE The buttery texture and subtle flavours of a Camembert or Brie are best paired with a light to medium red, and the Fat Bastard is the perfect cohort. Offering robust flavours of red grapes it’s a refreshing contrast to the creamy taste of these soft ripened cheeses, without being overpowering.

CHEDDAR A staple on any cheese board, the classic cheddar is a crowd favourite. The soft tannins and berry flavours of the Fat Bastard Pinot Noir are best served with a mild to medium cheddar as the sharpness of an aged cheddar will be too overbearing for its delicate grape flavour.

FAT BASTARD PINOT NOIR

$1499 each

Not all products available in all stores.

07

08

SOVINO AUTUMN 2016

6Ft6 It’s a tall order to produce quality, cool, climate wines at a price that’s never out of reach, but 6Ft6 takes that all in its stride. We go the extra mile to make 6Ft6 big on character, over delivering on flavour that is never short of a long finish… …because life’s too short to drink average wine.

MADE BY AUSTINS & CO. MOORABOOL VALLEY, GEELONG. From the heart of Geelong’s Moorabool Valley wine region to the tables of the most contemporary restaurants and dining rooms the world over.

A blend of cool climate elegance meets warm family atmosphere. That’s us. For more than thirty years, our bold venture has crafted Pinot Noir for the people, and Riesling, Chardonnay and Shiraz to be seriously shared. Which is why the Co. in Austins & Co. affectionately stands for the Company we love to keep—our circle of friends, family and followers—and the quality conversations sparked by a glass or two of Austins & Co. Austins & Co. is a proudly family owned business. We have been producing multi award winning wines from our Geelong vineyards since 1982. Richard and Pamela Austin planted their first vines in the Barrabool Hills, south west of Geelong, in 1982. The soil they turned was the same worked by the pioneering Swiss more than a century before. In that heyday, the Geelong region was recognised as producing some of the finest red wines made in Australia’s first one hundred years. This was at a time when the Victorian wine industry out-produced the sum of the South Australian and New South Wales industries by a factor of two. Recognition of that link has played a major

part in the Austin family’s affair with wine and the move to Sutherlands Creek. Richard Austin propagated the business plan and planted the vines. Pamela Austin drove sales and, more recently, their son Scott Austin assumed control of the company and took Austins to the rest of the world.

‘‘WE HAVE BEEN PRODUCING MULTI AWARD WINNING WINES FROM OUR GEELONG VINEYARDS SINCE 1982.’’

In the last few years Belinda Austin has taken on the role of Marketing and Communications and the third generation of the Austin family has entered into the world with a wine named after them; ‘Spencer Shiraz’ and soon to be released ‘Delilah Pinot Noir’.

PRODUCT FEATURE

AWARDS & RATINGS Austins & Co. was awarded a 5 Red Star Winery in James Halliday’s 2016 Australian Wine Companion.

“Outstanding winery regularly producing wines of exemplary quality and typicity, 8.4% of wineries.”

Sydney International Wine Competition 6Ft6 Pinot Noir 2013 Blue Gold Award 6Ft6 Pinot Noir 2014 Blue Gold Award Le Concours des Vins 6Ft6 Pinot Noir 2013 Bronze Australian Wine Companion Ratings 2016 6Ft6 Pinot Noir 2013 92 Points and ‘Special Value’ status 6Ft6 Shiraz 2013 93 Points and ‘Special Value’ status 6Ft6 Pinot Gris 90 points and ‘Special Value’ status

Why 6Ft6?

Six Foot Six was the brain child of Richard Austin, developed in his quest to deliver quality, affordable cool climate wines to consumers. With Richard’s son Scott and his wife Belinda now taking the reins of the business, they decided to refresh the brand.

We love the fact we have 12 different quotes on the front label, a real talking point to spike interest and conversation about our brand.

We wanted the wine to create conversations and to be enjoyed with friends. Grown and made on our family owned property in the Moorabool Valley, these single vineyard wines (excluding the King Valley grown Prosecco and Pinot Gris), are high quality, over delivering on flavour for their price point.

Having over 90 acres of Pinot Noir vines allows 6Ft6 to produce a single vineyard Pinot Noir for under the $25 price point, delivering on our promise to make ‘Pinot Noir for the People’.

But where did the name 6Ft6 come from?

6Ft6 makes reference to the height of the historical figure, William Buckley.

In October 1803, Buckley arrived at the convict settlement at Sullivan Bay, the conditions in the camp were so bad that many convicts

SOVINO AUTUMN 2016

09

attempted escape. Buckley was one of the few that succeeded.

Buckley continued his journey alone until he reached the area near Barwon Heads (near Geelong). Roughly a year after he escaped from the convict settlement at Sullivan Bay, William Buckley met two Aboriginal women from the Wathaurung people. The women thought Buckley was the reincarnated spirit of their kinsman – possibly because Buckley was carrying his spear which he had found near the Indigenous man’s burial mound.

The women took Buckley back to their camp, where he lived for the next 32 years.

He became a respected member of the Wathaurung community, with Aborigines from other areas even recognising him as one of the Wathaurung tribe. He learnt to hunt and gather food, and was a local expert when it came to fishing. Buckley made a crucial first step towards understanding between white settlers and the Indigenous people. Source: Ergo Nowadays, 6Ft6 represents the height of fine wine, made by Austins & Co. We like to have a bit of fun with things. We are serious about quality wine, but we refuse to take ourselves too seriously!

6Ft6 Shiraz Geelong

$2199 each

See the full 6Ft6 range at AUSTINSANDCO. COM.AU

6Ft6 Pinot Noir Geelong

$2199 each

Not all products available in all stores.

10

SOVINO AUTUMN 2016

APP REVIEWS

BAC CALCULATOR

APPS ON TAP 1 As new drinking apps hit the market daily, we’ll review three of our top picks to keep you on top of your game:

IntelliDrink

LOCAL HAPPY HOURS

2

The Happiest Hour

GO FOR A SPIN

3

Bar Roulette

What they say:

What they say:

What they say:

A sophisticated blood alcohol content (BAC) calculator for your iPhone.

Based on your location, the app allows you to find the best local happy hour specials including beer, food and drink specials. You can search specials by location, day, time and more. Be alerted when there are free tastings in your area and allow the app to create a local pub crawl where you can enjoy all your local happy hours.

Want to take your night on an unpredictable course? Bar Roulette plugs into Uber and Yelp to whisk you away to a random yet highly rated bar, keeping the destination a secret until arrival. It’s about letting go and getting some app-assisted spontaneity. All you have to do is set up your kilometre radius, and the app will choose a top rated bar.

It then orders you an Uber and tells the driver where to take you.

Watch your BAC rise and fall on the graph and analyse your consumption with IntelliDrink’s statistics! Set a limit and get notified when you exceed or fall below your limit.

What we say: This app has profiles for both you and a friend so you can track drinks simultaneously.

Use as a guide for knowing if either of you are safe to drive, when to call a cab and when to simply call it a night.

What we say: Great for when you’re short of cash and just want to tap into the best beer, food and drink specials around. Just open up the app and press ‘list’ and you’ll be presented with a huge range of options.

Ratings:

What we say: Great if you’re in a new city and want to explore the best bars around, or if you just want to get out of your local bar rut.

But if you like to be in control at all times - steer clear.

PRICE: $0.99

Ratings:

USABILITY: Easy

PRICE: Free

Ratings:

OVERALL RATING:

USABILITY: Easy

PRICE: Free

OVERALL RATING:

USABILITY: Moderate OVERALL RATING:

REGION FEATURE

SOVINO AUTUMN 2016

e l a V n e r a L Mc

MAKE A DAY OF IT AS ONE OF THE MOST GEOLOGICALLY DIVERSE WINE REGIONS IN THE WORLD, MCLAREN VALE IS HOME TO 70 CELLAR DOORS. Apart from being a fantastic place to knock back a few, it also offers some other pretty unique experiences. We’ve compiled a list of what we think are the best.

If you love Shiraz, you’ve come to the right place. In fact, if you love Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mataro (Mouvedre), Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc or even the Spanish and Italian varieties such as Fiano, Vermentino, Tempranillo, Nero d’Avola, Montepulciano and Zinfandel, you’ve definitely come to the right place.

With unique interactions between geology, soils, elevation, slope, aspect, rainfall, distance from the coast and macro-climatic differences. McLaren Vale consistently excels in the production of some of the best and most diverse wines in the country – and even around the world.

But apart from its 70 world class vineyards, this idyllic region is also home to emerging craft beer producers and liquor distilleries, quality restaurants and cafes, outstanding local produce, stunning natural attractions.

31 kilometres of breathtaking coastline, reefs and surf beaches and boasts the highest concentration of artists per capita in Australia.

So if you ever tire of indulging in world-acclaimed wines, here are some other ways to fill up your day:

1

0

Take a scenic joy flight at 300 metres in a Tiger Moth, along the stunning south coast at sunset.

0

2

Catch a big wave along the endless stretch of surf beach at Moana.

3

0

Tour some of the wineries on camel back – just hold onto your saddle!

0

4

Cycle along the coast to Vines Rail Trail (also known as the Shiraz trail) and stop in at one of the many cellar doors for a refreshment (or more).

0

5

Hang glide off the majestic cliffs at Sellicks Beach where the Mount Lofty Ranges meet the sea – with views of the long expanse of sandy beach.

0

6

Tap into some horse power along the Tom Roberts Horse Trail, spanning more than 80 kilometres of picturesque nature reserves and townships.

0

7

Pick up a brag-worthy piece of artwork from Willunga Glass, Off The Slate Gallery or Willunga Gallery.

Superb McLaren Vale Shiraz from Tyrrell’s own vineyard at Willunga.

Smooth and supple in texture, the flavours are ripe rich and berry like with hints of cocoa spice and pepper.

0

8

Sample gins, craft beers and whiskeys at any one of the distilleries and breweries in the region.

0

9

Scuba dive at Aldinga Reef.

It’s recognised as one of Australia’s best dive sites for its amazing marine life on the edge of the wall known as the ‘drop off’.

10 Canoe your way along the Onkaparinga River – which flows into a magnificent gorge surrounded by 50 metre cliffs and large rock pools.

11 Try for a hole in one at any one of the region’s five scenic golf clubs.

12 Go skinny-dipping at the nudist (south) end of Maslin Beach – don’t forget your sunscreen….

FOR TOURIST INFORMATION MCLARENVALE.INFO

11

Australian Family Owned Since 1858

PRODUCT FEATURE

SOVINO AUTUMN 2016

TYRRELL’S CLASSIC RUFUS STONE RANGE

y or t s d ol e g a Inspired by an THE RUFUS STONE STORY DATES BACK TO MEDIEVAL ENGLAND AND THE DEATH OF KING WILLIAM II, known as Rufus, believed to have been killed by an errant arrow fired by Sir Walter Tyrell who was an ancestor of the Tyrrell Family. Today the site of this infamous incident is marked by a monument; the Rufus Stone.

The Rufus Stone range of wines was launched in the mid 1990s, with the intention of showcasing premium red wines from top Australian regions outside of the Tyrrell’s traditional home in the Hunter Valley.

THE RANGE

95 POINTS

Royal Melbourne Wine Awards

RUFUS STONE HEATHCOTE SHIRAZ 93 POINTS - HUON HOOKE huonhooke.com Very deep dark red/ruby colour, rich ripe black fruit aromas, with subtle, deftly handled oak. The wine is full bodied and ample, with abundant tannin in good balance; long firm finish, with a minerally quality which lingers.

91 POINTS - GARY WALSH winefront.com Mint chocolate, blackberry, some pepper and pretty vanilla oak in the back. It’s big, but soft and juicy with well bedded tannin, balanced acidity and plenty of depth and flavour. Layers of plum and chocolate on the finish but has fresh, berried perkiness too. Smooth. I don’t think anyone would come away disappointed.

I DON’T THINK ANYONE WOULD COME AWAY DISAPPOINTED.

Rufus Stone Heathcote Shiraz

Rufus Stone McLaren Vale Shiraz

$2199 each

$2199 each

PURCHASE 2$40 BOTTLES FAORBONUS & RECEIVEG BOARD CHOPPIN ks last

while stoc

Not all products available in all stores.

13

ENJOY THE ULTIMATE BALANCE OF FLAVOUR. When it comes to food and beverage matching there are no right or wrong answers. We don’t claim to be expert chefs, but at Coopers, we know our Ales and how our unique brewing style (naturally conditioned) can enhance the spices in your food.

The higher the International Bitterness Unit (IBU) in the Coopers Ale, the more it will enhance your food’s flavours. So if you want to give a meal that little ‘kick’, take a look below at the kinds of spicy dishes we like to eat with our Coopers Ales!

MILD ALE 3.5% IBU 21 - Med-Low range.

We think Mild makes the perfect pair to chicken & fish dishes with lots of cardamom, cumin and turmeric.

ORIGINAL PALE ALE IBU 24 - Mid range.

Perfect for enhancing the heat without being too hot! Pale is great with everything from curries to Mexican.

SPARKLING ALE IBU 30 - Med-High range.

This would give a hot dish a real kick so we stick to mild Asian inspired dishes full of ginger and garlic.

$1399

$1599

$1799

6 pack

6 pack

6 pack

Not all products available in all stores.

PRODUCT FEATURE

SOVINO AUTUMN 2016

PASSION, INDEPENDENCE AND FLAVOUR SINCE 1862.

WHEN THOMAS COOPER SAILED FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA IN 1852, he and his young family faced a daunting journey to a new land.

When he began brewing in 1862, he was again travelling an unknown path, for he knew little about the trade and learnt as he went along.

Through trial and error, he did learn, and succeeded where others failed.

Over 150 years, Coopers has survived economic recessions, wars, government imposts, changing fashions, and a hostile takeover bid.

Today, Coopers stands proudly as the sole major brewer 100% owned by Australians, and holds over 5% of the Australian beer market.

The descendants of Thomas Cooper still run the brewery, and it’s an everyday occurrence to meet a Cooper at Regency Park. The fifth and sixth generations acting as custodians of Thomas Cooper’s legacy are: Dr Tim Cooper, Managing Director & Chief Brewer Glenn Cooper, Chairman Melanie Cooper, Corporate Affairs Director & Company Secretary Cam Pearce, National Sales & Marketing Director Dr James Cooper, Non-Executive Director Rachel Cooper-Casserly, Marketing Events Co-ordinator

So rest assured, Coopers Brewery is in the hands of those who have the same values as Thomas Cooper. Successive Coopers have never lost sight of Thomas’ vision of providing value and quality in the form of healthy beer for an appreciative public, and we intend to continue that tradition.

EXPLORE. COOPERS.COM.AU

15

16

SOVINO AUTUMN 2016

LATEST & GREATEST

NEW PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT James Squire ‘The Swindler’

Oyster Bay Pinot Gris

Bevi Prosecco Spritz

6x330mL

750mL

4x330mL

$1899

$1799 each

$1499

6 pack

JAMES SQUIRE ‘THE SWINDLER’ SUMMER ALE On earning his freedom in 1796, James and his fellow freed convicts were awarded 30 acres of NSW crown land.

Pioneering was not for the faint of heart! Seeing this James cunningly rounded up those less daring souls purchasing their grants for a single shilling, swindling some 970 acres of prime land off the crown on which he grew his hops & fortune. ‘The Swindler’ Summer Ale is a crisp and refreshing ale showcasing the distinctive hops Calypso and El Dorado. Dry hopped for maximum aroma, with tropical notes of pear & watermelon.

Not all products available in all stores.

4 pack

OYSTER BAY PINOT GRIS

BEVI PROSECCO SPRITZ

“FRAGRANT PEAR AND JASMINE WITH DELICATE WHITE PEACH AND A REFRESHING CITRUS BACKDROP.”

Calabria Family Wines has looked back to its roots to develop a traditional Italian aperitivo with a refreshing twist for consumers to enjoy in Australia. BEVI, meaning ‘drink’ in Italian, is a refreshing, bitter-sweet spritz that nicely blends the drier style of Prosecco with sweet, natural citrus flavours. The spritz is recommended over ice and with a slice of orange to accentuate its citrus notes.

BEVI = Drink Up!

Michael Ivicevich, Chief Winemaker The philosophy of Oyster Bay is to produce fine, distinctly regional wines with glorious fruit flavours. Oyster Bay Hawke’s Bay Pinot Gris captures the delicate aromatic flavours of Pinot Gris whilst retaining its natural vibrancy and purity. Grown in our cooler vineyard sites, the fruit ripens slowly over the growing season, developing flavour intensity and hallmark aromatic characteristics.

We match lower yielding clones to moderately free draining sandy loam soils, which produce smaller and more concentrated fruit with a lively assertive backdrop. To capture the subtle flavours of Pinot Gris, we use a selection of yeasts, and lees stir to enhance the wine’s softness and texture. To ensure purity of flavour, we use no oak or malolactic fermentation. A unique cool climate expression of this wonderfully aromatic varietal. Elegant, crisp and altogether refreshing.

WHAT’S ON

JUST GET OUT THERE AS WE SLIDE INTO SHORTER DAYS AND COLDER EVENINGS, IT’S TEMPTING TO JUST VEG IN FRONT OF THE TV. HOWEVER, WE’VE PUT TOGETHER A LIST OF SOME SERIOUSLY GOOD THINGS, TO TEAR YOU AWAY FROM THE LURE OF THE GREAT INDOORS: Byron Bay Bluesfest

Groovin the Moo Canberra

MARCH 24-28

APRIL 24

One of the most beloved festivals in Australia, the Byron Bay Bluesfest attracts some of the biggest names in music from across the globe. Running over 5 x 12 hour days and featuring 200 performances, with room for up to 6,000 campers, seven stages, five licensed bars and more than 100 food and market stalls, Bluesfest ticks all the boxes. Running on the Easter long weekend at Tyagarah Tree Farm, this year’s line up features artists including Kendrick Lamar, Elle King, Dustin Thomas, Graham Nash and heaps more!

Come and get your groove on for a huge day out at the University of Canberra listening to some of the biggest names in music including US artists, Danny Brown, Ratatat and MuteMath as well as local favourites SAFIA, The Rubens and hosts Alex Dyson and Danny Clayton.

Vivid Sydney

SOVINO AUTUMN 2016

Thredbo Easter Carnival

MAY 22-JUNE 28

MARCH 25-28

Watch Sydney Harbour brim with light as stunning images are projected onto The Opera House at this truly inspirational event of light, music and ideas.

Created by some of the world’s best designers, you can play with interactive light sculptures throughout the city as it transforms, whilst watching some of the best contemporary music artists perform.

Thredbo is giving you 10,000 reasons to come to their Easter Carnival this March with their Golden Easter Egg Hunt. Trek the mountain to find six Lindt cash wrapped golden eggs. Make your Easter extra special with six opportunities to win not only chocolate but up to $10,000!

All ages can get involved, and if you miss out on a golden egg, then you can try your luck again with the famous giant kids Easter egg hunt, where over 5,000 Lindt eggs will be hiding. The fun will continue across the school holidays with a mixture of activities for the whole family.

Lovedale long lunch MAY Food and wine lovers are invited to discover the wonders at Lovedale long lunch. Indulge in the perfect combination of the Hunter Valley’s leading chefs and seven of Lovedale’s finest wineries as well as local entertainment, for a weekend packed full of wine food and fun!

Autumn

Mud Muster APRIL 2 This very messy mud obstacle event is now in it’s third year with this year’s theme – Revenge of the Mud – promising an incredible day of mud-filled fun. It’s built to test, try and terrify, be ready to push yourself to the absolute limits. Open to ages 11 years and over, it’s time to start mustering together a crew to test your fitness in a whole new way.

17

TA S T E T H E AWA R D W I N N I N G R A N G E O F W ITH ER H I LLS W I N ES FROM MARLBOROUGH NZ SAUVIGNON BLANC Sauvignon Blanc is Wither Hills most popular wine that owes a majorty of its success and consistency to the unique coastal Rarangi vineyard that delivers vibrant ripe citrus notes, hints of tropical guava and superb natural fruit weight with a mineral backbone – perfect to drink with or without food.

C H A R D O N N AY Chardonnay was one of the three cornerstone wines Wither Hills planted when established in 1994. Much of the fruit for this wine comes from our prized Bio-Gro certified organic vineyard – Benmorven, which is tucked up close to the Wither Hills and delivers flavours of fresh grapefruit, white peach and sorbet interlaced with fine grained French oak nuances.

PINOT GRIS The first vintage for Wither Hills Pinot Gris was in 2007 so the winemaking team say they are still learning about this variety – wine judges would say they have learnt quick achieving gold medals since the very first year, with the most recent 2015 vintage winning a Trophy for Champion Pinot Gris at the Marlborough Wine Show.

PRODUCT FEATURE

SOVINO AUTUMN 2016

WITHER HILLS ESTABLISHED IN 1994, Wither Hills was founded on the philosophy that the very best wines are created in the vineyard.

Much of Wither Hills success lies in the quality fruit sourced from our cornerstone vineyards – Rarangi Vineyard for its unique coastal location that produces lean & distinctive Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay; Benmorven Vineyard that is 100% Bio-Gro organic certified and regularly

produces some of our best Chardonnay & Pinot Noir; and Taylor River Vineyard directly behind our winery and Cellar Door running up to the Wither Hills, this old riverbed site delivers full flavoured, aromatic Sauvignon Blanc and bold, structured Pinot Noir with a tiny bit of Chardonnay The young, passionate Wither Hills team continue 20 years of history making wines; specialising in varietals that do best in Marlborough-

Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir.

The team have championed sustainability in many areas, being a pioneer within & fully accredited to the Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand scheme as well as now having over 40 hectares of Bio-Gro certified organic vineyards.

The spectacular Wither Hills Rarangi vineyard, located in the north western tip of

the Wairau Valley is the heart of the teams sustainability efforts. Since 2009 the entire team have planted more than 3000 native plants and weeded the wetlands that surround this site in what has become an ‘annual planting day’. This wetland conservation project has won local environment awards and resulted in a dramatic regeneration of native plants and birds/wildlife in the area.

The Range Wither Hills

Wither Hills

Wither Hills

Chardonnay

Pinot Gris

Sauvignon Blanc

$1699 each

$1699 each

$1699 each

WINEMAKER PROFILE

SALLY WILLIAMS WINEMAKER, WITHER HILLS Sally Williams’ upbringing on a sheep farm 20 minutes from South Australia’s Coonawarra wine region meant that she was either going to embrace wine and agriculture or leave it all behind.

With winemaking, she has found a happy medium – a mix of agriculture, craftsmanship, project management, people management and (sometimes) a nice dash of socialising!

Armed with a Bachelor of Agricultural Science majoring in Oenology from Adelaide University, Sally worked vintages across the world. She spent time at Vasse Felix in Western Australia, Majella in the Coonawarra, DuMol in California and Camille Giroud in Burgundy. Sally worked five vintages with Wither Hills in Marlborough New Zealand and this is where she now calls home.

After spending two years in the role of Assistant Winemaker at Wither Hills, Sally’s role evolved to that of Winemaker in 2008.

A key aspect of her role is to manage the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir programmes for Wither Hills, which is ideal as Sally is particularly passionate about both varieties.

For Sally, making wine with Wither Hills in New Zealand means she is able to indulge in her passion for working with diverse groups of people, straying outside the comfort zone with her winemaking experiences and continuing to enjoy the world of good wine, good people and good times which is the backbone of the industry.

The seasonal nature of wine – how nothing is ever the same vintage to vintage – attracted Sally to the wine industry from the beginning, but it is the satisfaction to be found with the end result which keeps her here.

Not all products available in all stores.

19

20

SOVINO AUTUMN 2016

IN FACT

10 REASONS TO BUY VODKA IN BULK. APART FROM BEING THE ULTIMATE COCKTAIL STAPLE OR JUST FUN TO DRINK ON ITS OWN, VODKA HAS BEEN USED THROUGHOUT THE AGES FOR A HOST OF THINGS – INCLUDING AS A CURE FOR INFERTILITY, COLIC AND EVEN THE PLAGUE (NOT SURE HOW THAT TURNED OUT).

But the Russians claim to start and end their days with vodka using it for a host of reasons other than getting merry:

1

0

Cut down on your dry cleaning bills with vodka. If you need to freshen up stale smelling clothes – spritz them with vodka and hang them up to dry!

0

2

Vodka can be used to shine glass, porcelain and chrome!

Just add to a cloth and apply some elbow grease!

0

3

Want to keep that bunch of flowers lasting longer? Just add vodka and a teaspoon of sugar to the water in your flower vase to keep the gift that keeps on giving longer.

0

4

Vodka repels insects. Just fill a spritzer bottle with vodka and squirt the offending bugs (or yourself) to keep yourself bite free.

0

5

Ever splashed vinegar onto a bluebottle or jellyfish sting?

Apparently vodka does the same trick!

0

6

After super-clean hair? Just add a shot glass of vodka to a 350ml bottle of shampoo to help remove dandruff and build up on your hair and scalp.

0

7

Losing your hair? There are claims that vodka, when mixed with honey and onion juice, can stimulate hair growth…

0

8

Forget those nuclear strength mould removers. Vodka can also take care of the slime in your bathroom. Just fill a spray bottle with vodka, apply to the mouldy areas, leave for 15 minutes and scrub clean!

0

9

Aches and pains getting too much? Fill a clean jar with lavender flowers, fill with vodka, screw the lid on and leave in the sun for three days. When you strain the liquid – you have yourself a homemade pain relief ointment.

10 Toothache? Swish a shot of vodka around the infected area and it can numb some of the pain in your gums (Just don’t do it right before your dental appointment).

Some say it’s the best job in the world. Do YOU have what it takes to be an Official Local Liquor Taste Tester.

Check out the Local Liquor Facebook page to find out more.

what our official taste testers are saying Absolut Vodka Berry and Lime

ENZED Sauvignon Blanc

Beautiful flavour! The hint of lime made it so refreshing and thirst quenching.

The Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc by Enzed is a brilliant fruity wine with a great unpredictable punch like a Richie McCaw offside tackle.

I would definitely recommend Absolut Vodka Berry and Lime.

Even the can is absolutely attractive!

Rosie, Neutral Bay

Different fruity tastes combine to make this a refreshing summer wine enjoyed both with meat and fish. I rated it a 9/10 having not tasted anything similar.

Darryn, Engadine

LNA3426_MASTERS_PRIMARY_REMAINING.indd 1

28/10/15 12:59 PM