WINES AND REGIONS

from Eumundi Voice, Issue 61 - 2 February 2022

history and the region is famed for its rich, sturdy Cabernets etched in dark berry fruit, mint and dried herbs.

How to choose a good wine?

When perusing the many styles, varieties and regions of wine at your local bottleshop, how do you choose a good wine?

This is challenging as most often we tend to select the tried and true. With the gamut of varieties available it is impossible to cover each one but hopefully this article will encourage some adventure in your future selections.

Cabernet Sauvignon A somewhat regal status variety, Cabernet Sauvignon has the ability to express a unique character nearly anywhere it’s planted but not all Cabernets are created equal. There is the muscle and opulence of the Napa Valley where it is known as the “king of grapes” compared to the Bordeaux where its presence has been long and more complex.

In Australia two different and distinctive Cabernet kingdoms have evolved – Margaret River and Coonawarra. Margaret River produces medium-bodied Cabernets of elegance, complexity and transparency. Almost all wear a crown of briny sea spray, pencil lead, eucalyptus and currant. Coonawarra has 130 years of wine

Shiraz If you are looking for a Shiraz, the Barossa has a rich history dating back to 1842. The Barossa is loved around the world for bold Shiraz wines bursting with flavour and character. McLaren Vale Shiraz is the region’s signature wine. It’s renowned for its velvety texture and intense berry flavours but really there’s no such thing as a typical McLaren Vale Shiraz because of the diversity of soil types and micro-climates. The Shiraz wines from Clare Valley, slightly cooler temperature wines, are a charm in a glass with a richness and vibrancy that makes them truly unforgettable.

Pinot Noir If your choice is a Pinot Noir, cooler climate regions have proven to be marvellously compatible with Pinot Noir. The Hunter Valley is the birthplace of Australian wine. Fast forward to today and this Australian wine region is defined by its rich historical lineage and an exciting new generation of innovative young winemakers.

Yarra Valley Pinot Noir is a standout among Yarra Valley wines and the most planted variety in the region. The many micro-climates of Victoria’s original wine region result in a spectrum of premium Pinot Noir styles from light, fragrant and fruity to savoury and structured. Adelaide Hills has an abundance of growing sites and aspects resulting in a diversity of styles from the savoury and herbaceous, to ripe, vibrant and fruity. Also worth a try is the Great Southern Region of WA producing a premium Pinot Noir that ranges from rich and fruit-driven to lighter primary fruit styles.

Chardonnay Chardonnay is a variety definitely worth revisiting. Top-rated wines from the Margaret River can be recognised by their dusty, lemon sherbet, cut pear, dried pear and fig flavours. Other regions for top chardonnays include the Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Valley, Eden Valley, Great Southern and Adelaide Hills. The cool climate allows the fruit to mature slowly but fully with crisp citrus, lemon and green apple characteristics. The other best international regions are the USA, Chile, South Africa, France and Italy.

Pinot Gris Pinot Gris doesn’t have to worry about its popularity rating. In Australia it is one of the fastest growing retail categories. Look out for varieties from Tasmania, Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Valley, Adelaide Hills and Orange which are all produced from high quality fruit. The Alsace region of France produces some of the best Pinot Gris wine grapes.

Verdelho Verdelho varieties come from the island of Madeira, an autonomous Portuguese outpost off the coast of Morocco and were imported to Australia in 1825. While Australian Verdelho is grown from coast to coast, two states are generally recognised as the producers of the finest examples. Western Australia, particularly the Margaret River and Swan Valley regions, produces beautiful Verdelhos which tend towards golden apple and citrus zest, tropical notes and floral spice. In NSW the Hunter Valley Verdelho displays lovely acidity and floral tropical fruit flavours.

I also suggest reading the back label when you have selected your wine. Visit: Wine Press #1: info@winepress1.com.

Lisa Vanska

Backward glance at Eumundi

The name Eumundi is thought to be derived from "Ngumundi" or "Huomundy", the name of a local Aboriginal warrior said to have adopted an escaped convict, Bracefield, as his son in 1831. From the early 1850s, almost all the area in the vicinity of the Eumundi district was part of three cattle runsCanando, Yandina and North Kenilworth. The first selectors to reside permanently in the Eumundi district were Joseph and George Gridley in 1879. By 1900, shops started to appear in the town, streets were formed and the town businesses developed. With the railway from Yandina to Cooroy opening in 1891 and the road to the north passing through it, Eumundi developed as an important centre of the timber and dairy industry. For more details on the history of this beautiful town and others throughout the Sunshine Coast, visit Council's heritage website at heritage.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.

BushCare is looking for volunteers

CUSTOMER CONTACT sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Council/Contact-Council

What’s BushCare? It’s a group of like-minded people who care for the bushland near them, like to enjoy the outdoors, keep active and connect with nature and have the flexibility to volunteer when it suits them. Morning tea, equipment, gloves and guidance are all provided. Head to Council’s website and join your next local BushCare working bee.

CUSTOMER CONTACT sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Council/Contact-Council

Chance to win $1000 off your rates

Rate notices have been issued and are due by 24 February. Register through MyCouncil to receive future rate notices by email and you’ll go in the running to win up to $1000 off your next rate bill! Visit Council’s website for details.

One for the calendar

Watch Council’s next Ordinary Meeting online or at Sunshine Coast City Hall Chambers - 9am, 23 Febraury

Apply now for major grants

Does your community group need funding to help make something great happen? Council's Major Grants are open until 13 March. Attend a free Grant Writing Workshop to help with planning. Visit Council's website to apply or for more information.

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The Ocean View restaurant

A group of 40-year-old buddies discussed where they should meet for dinner. Finally it was agreed upon that they should meet at the Ocean View restaurant because the waitresses there were young and pretty.

Ten years later at 50 years of age the group once again discussed where they should meet for dinner. Finally it was agreed that they should meet at the Ocean View restaurant because the food there was very good and the wine selection was excellent.

Ten years later at 60 years of age the group once again discussed where they should meet for dinner. Finally it was agreed that they should meet at the Ocean View restaurant because they could dine in peace and quiet and the restaurant had a beautiful view of the ocean.

Ten years later at 70 years of age the group once again discussed where they should meet for dinner. Finally it was agreed that they should meet at the Ocean View restaurant because the restaurant was wheelchair / cane / walker accessible and even had an elevator.

Ten years later at 80 years of age the group once again discussed where they should meet for dinner. Finally it was agreed that they should meet at the Ocean View restaurant because they had never been there before.