No. 54 - April 2006

Winetime 54

It seems such a shame, to read about all the poor wine prices that our blockies have been receiving for their wine grapes. And those are the lucky ones to receive a price at all. I know this has been going on for years, but never have I heard of so many blocks having to let their grapes rot on the vines they have grown on. It's not just the small producing areas either, with areas such as the King Valley in Victoria being one of the worst affected. It is disappointing to toil for 12 months only to be told that there is an “over supply” and that their grapes are not needed. This does mean cheaper bottle prices for us the consumer in the future, but at what cost? Grapes are what make our community go round. Time for the Government to do something soon….

Anyway, enough on the political stuff. This week to farewell the summer weather we have some beer tastings for something out of the ordinary, we have some new wines in as well that we will review over the next couple of weeks. And we have some posh sparkling French wines on review. On with the show…

BEER TASTINGS

To see off the last of the hot weather or stock up for the Easter long weekend, whatever the occasion it's hard to go past the James Squire range for taste and quality.

A blend of pale, crystal and caramel malts produces a distinctive coppery colour, rich malt sweetness and persistent creamy head. The flavour is very ale-like with a lingering slightly nutty finish and a refreshing citrus hop character

James Squire Porter is a beer of finesse. Its relationship to stout is evident in a rich, deep colour that unveils window panes' of ruby mahogany. Roasted barley and wheat, subtle hoppings and long maturation create hints of bitter malt chocolate and a pillowy head. The finish is creamy light and certainly invites continued enjoyment.

James Squire Pilsener is a golden full bodied beer with a rich malt character. It has a pronounced herbaceous aroma and bitterness. The special hops used produce a wonderful complexity of taste and aroma to sip and savour.

India Pale Ale is made only with Munich and pale malt, so it brews to a rich, golden colour, with robust, malty character. Handcrafted in the traditional style, it is higher in alcohol, effervescent and has a characteristic highly hopped bitterness with a crisp finish on the palate.

NEW WINES

Recently we have had a number of new wines arrive on our shelves. So over the next couple of weeks we hope to road test them and keep you guys and girls up to date with all the new stuff….

John Duval Wines

Plexus

2004 GSM (Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre)

From the Barossa this week we have from the makers of Australia 's most reputable wine label, Penfolds Grange, we have the John Duval Plexus range.

Four generations of family have been vignerons in South Australia . Over the last three decades in the Barossa Valley John was given the opportunity Australia 's most famous wine. The inspiration of the Barossa's best old vine, low yielding, Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvedre vineyards, created PLEXUS; ‘combining elements into a coherent structure'. Ancient illustrious vineyards combined with meticulous, traditional winemaking, and fifteen months in the best French oak will ensure the age worthiness of this celebrated blend.

HIGH RATING WINES

LAURENT-PERRIER FRANCE BRUT CHAMPAGNE NV

A fine, persistent bead and fresh, lively, lemony nose. Young, elegant, fruity palate – not complex but still a very nice wine with chalky characters. (Winestate Magazine 2006 Annual).

Rated 4 stars. Our price $76.95

MOET & CHANDON BRUT IMPERIAL FRANCE CHAMPAGNE NV

Fresh citrus and apple aromas interfused with the nutty, toasty complexity. Palate is bright, fresh, lively and complex with mushroomy richness.(Winestate Magazine 2006 Annual).

Rated 4.5 stars. Our price $84.97

SPECIALS

You don't have to be an athlete to win medals, everybody wins with these deals….

So grab a six pack of Mr Squire's best on Friday night, settle in to watch the footy and have a relaxing weekend this week. Make sure everyone has enough energy for the huge Easter weekend.

See you soon.

Fishers IGA Liquor team