GREAT WHITES FOR EASTER

Ooh, I hope that heading isn’t an omen for the Rip Curl Pro this Easter – yikes! As we know, Easter is a truly fantastic time to be down on the coast. We love to see the sets rolling in and hear “Hells Bells” cranked out over the beach at Bells and see the pros go at it with a big crowd watching. For wine lovers, it’s also a great chance to take advantage of the break and maybe explore a winery or two, enjoy a long lunch or hearty dinner, all the while washed down with some great wines from some mighty fine producers, whether they be local or imported. With such a plethora of fantastic wines around, I’ve waded my way through a host of ripping white wines and chosen a select bunch perfect for enjoying this Easter, as they all possess that little bit of x-factor when it comes to quality and value. Enjoy the Easter Feast friends!

ROBERT STEIN MUDGEE SEMILLON 2015 ($25) With a vinous history dating back to 1858, Mudgee as a wine producing region is certainly ingrained in the wine vernacular, producing distinctive wines – most notably red, however, in recent times the quality of Semillon and Riesling coming out of this region has seen the whites gaining recognition, with a distinct increase in quality attracting a strong fan base. This new release of their 2015 Semillon is part of their 40th anniversary celebrations and displays what Mudgee Semillon is all about – approachability, with ripe fruits and a freshness alongside the balancing citrus acidity and mineral drive.

CLARNETTE & LUDVIGSEN GRAMPIANS RIESLING 2014 ($22)
This is a very likeable “off dry” Riesling, showing beautiful fragrance, richness and complexity that goes so well with spicy foods.
The vineyard was selected for its north facing slope, the deep red and well drained soil and the regions cool climate combined with a specifically selected local Great Western Riesling clone – a single, rare, grapevine clone chosen for its unique adaption to the Grampians Wine Region and sourced from vines planted in 1867 in Great Western. The wines are created using traditional techniques. Open fermenters, minimal handling and high quality oak magnify the highly perfumed wines typical of the Grampians wine region – natural, clean wines that truly reflect their provenance. The team at Clarnette & Ludvigsen comprised Kym Ludvigsen and Leigh Clarnette, both wine industry stalwarts from a winemaking and viticultural aspect. They met during a visit to Tasmania in 1993, both while working for Seppelt at the time, and went on to form a close business relationship and friendship over the subsequent years they traveled across country visiting vineyards. Sadly, Kym passed away in 2013, but Leigh continues their dream at Montara Winery in the Grampians, where the Clarnette & Ludvigsen wines are made.