2011 Hoddles Creek Chardonnay

It’s been long anticipated, this new vintage of Hoddles Creek Chardonnay, and in Franco d’Anna’s typical style – it continues to punch above its weight.

The colour is a light straw gold in the glass. The nose is brimming with stone and fruit citrus supported by a lean mineral edge. On first sniff – I thought this would be a cracker with a dozen natural oysters….. it shows that the wine is slightly ‘Chablisesqe’ a Chardonnay quality that I can never get enough of!

The palate is defined yet supple and has great length and depth of character for a wine that retails for under $25. As the wine continues to breathe, it opens up and becomes richer on the palate and even more enjoyable. Seamless, and without question – exceptional value.

The 2011 is yet to be rated but the 2010 was rated 95 by James Halliday.

Our price per bottle: $21

Hello 2012!

To be honest like a lot of people that I know, 2011 was a pretty intense year. The intensity I found though in how situations and experiences played out as opposed to what the actual experiences themselves were. From October, it was a constant battle for me trying to get more consistency by way of some sort of routine back into my life.  Having reignited Terroso earlier in the year and feeling passionate and excited about wine was a brilliant reconnection back to my old self. The business picked up and I felt positive, energised and focused. All that changed though when I took on a new job, a national marketing role and I found myself struggling to find time for wine – can you believe that? I found time to drink and enjoy wine, but the energy I needed to think about it objectively so as I could write a tasting note worthy of being published was being channelled into parts of my life – namely my job. My role still is incredibly demanding but I am at least beginning to see a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel. Coupled with this new start in my career was the fact that I’m a single parent of a four year old. I found the demands on my energy in each of my roles, the mental stretching required everyday in my job having such a heavy impact that was almost debilitating. As I got closer to the end of the year I realised how exhausted and overwhelmed that I felt by the changes that had occurred from October and the constancy of parenting. I was at the point where I thought that if I had one more thing on my plate I would go completely stark raving mad. I had grand plans of putting together a final newsletter for the year in time for Christmas.  But the closer I got to finalising tasting notes, the further away from me the letter got. There was always something else that needed to be taken care of and in the end I just gave up, disappointed in myself, physically tired and mentally exhausted.

I’m not the type that easily gives in especially when there has been a lot of energy and love put into a passion that I hold so dear. So for the past few weeks (now that I’ve had some time off and regained some perspective) I’ve spent time reflecting on the last four months of 2011 and thinking about where I went wrong and how I can still ‘do’ Terroso and reconnect to my passion for wine and food again.  At the crux of my whole dilemma was this problem: how do I realistically manage the demands on my time as a mother and full-time worker so that I can give Terroso the energy and professionalism that it deserves? I’ve come to the conclusion that I will scale things back a little. So from 2012 there will be no longer be newsletters or trio’s. They simply take up too much time and to be honest, they take the fun and spontaneity away of sharing an experience. I want Terroso to be more organic and authentic than that.

When I started Terroso back in 2009 it was at the behest of friends and family who were constantly badgering me for recommendations, recipes and information about wine, food and restaurants. I’d just left the restaurant scene after spending about 15 years working in some of Australia’s best, alongside some of the industry’s greatest. It wasn’t until I left the industry though and joined the 9 to 5ers of the world that I realised just how limited the access to good wine and how homogenised the offering in retail had become. I also realised just how spoiled I was! For years I had been writing wine lists, training staff and connecting with some amazing suppliers and had taken it for granted. I figured that if that these few people in my life were wanting information, then there’s probably others out there in the same situation, that I don’t know. So for me Terroso started with this single intent – to share. I wanted to share the knowledge that I’d amassed over the years (and continue to do) and explain why this or that is worthy of purchase or tasting, or why you should try this restaurant or that recipe at your next dinner party. So that will be the focus of Terroso from 2012. It will have a greater emphasis on sharing information, something I love to do.

The Bespoke service will still run, you can rest assured that if there’s something in particular that I’ve written up, or that you want sourced, that can still be done. It’s how Terroso is staying in touch is the only thing that is changing.

So bring on 2012! Positive change, lot’s of great reviews, loads of sharing and feedback and sharing and of course the odd hangover or two!

Liz

Yo ho ho – 3 weeks to go!

Terroso is counting down…
Have you thought about your Christmas day/ New Years vino yet? we have…
Dont forget we take mastercard and visa AND we deliver.
email us wine@terroso.com.au

Terroso Trio – Viva Espana ! (Jane loves Javier)

The Viva Espana Trio is available as a mixed dozen $304 per case of 12 – (4 of each wine) this is a savings of 5% if bought this way. This is strictly first in first served basis. We understand that only one of these wines may take your fancy and if that is the case, the minimum order is a straight dozen as per the prices indicated.

You order via return email, filling in our order form below or calling

Jane 0409 391 773 or Liz 0422 085 113.

 

Don’t forget we take Visa, MasterCard and Amex as well as cold hard cash transfer! 

 

Newsflash for those of you who like Liz have become quietly obsessed with the 2010 Cillar de Silos Joven, a new shipment has come in…..  Don’t be shy on this one guys, the importer has dropped his price!

 

Terroso Trio -Viva Espana

http://terrosowine.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/terroso20order20form20201120v21.doc

Christmas yes I’m not joking – it is only 86 days to go!

When you put it like that it actually seems like ages but beware it is only 12 weeks.

If you have a Christmas function or festivity to organise, or unlike me are one of those super organised people and are menu planning  for the big day already, Terroso can help with a variety of Bespoke packages to suit every taste, style and budget. Big, small and everything in-between let Terroso take care of the wine so you can concentrate on all those other (226) jobs you need to do.

Contact us directly (oh yes and sorry for frightening you!)

wine@terroso.com.au

Jane 0409 391 773  or Liz 0422 085113

For ease of ordering did you know that we now accept credit cards?

To order visit us at

http://terrosowine.wordpress.com/servici/

Fathers Day- Sunday September 4th – have you brought your gift yet?

Why not give the gift that never dates (well actually it does and very well!), most certainly wont be returned, can be savoured or saved and wont break the bank.

Wine is the perfect Fathers Day gift!

Visit us and let us help you find the perfect gift for your Dad.

www.terroso.com.au

Essential wine fact 101: Galet what is it?

The Southern Rhone is virtually synomonous with ‘le galet’ which are large roundish pebbles/stones that adorn many of the region’s old and well worn vineyards. The thing about galets, is that they help keep temperatures a little more on the consistent side which is great for these wines which offer the drinker full supple flavours and textures.

During the day they absorb heat from the sun and in the cool of the evenings, they redistribute this stored heat. They also provide excellent drainage which is vital for a healthy vineyard.

Essential wine fact 101: Rhone Valley.

Not only is this region one of my all time favourites, I love the warmth and texture of the wines, it’s also one of the most dichotomous.

The Northern Rhone Valley is vastly different in its offering than the Southern Rhone. So where and how do we start? To keep it simple when you think about the Northern Rhone, there are two predominant varietals: Shiraz and Viognier. The climate is also cooler meaning the wines will be a little tighter in structure due in part also to the granite based soils. Cote Rotie, Condrieu, Cornas – these are probably the three most well know sub-regions of the Northern Rhone. The wines are long lived, perfumed and elegant. Northern Rhone wines are wines to savour and cellar. You can navel gaze about Northern Rhone wines, they like it when you do!

So, to the Southern Rhone where most people have heard of the famous Chateaueneuf du Pape. This is an AOC wine that permits up to 13 different varietals to take their place in the final blend – some of them being white. Where Syrah is at home in the north, Grenache, Mouvedre and Cinsault are at home in the south. The climate is a little warmer and the majority of vineyards are covered the famous rocks called ‘galets’ (keep your eyes peeled for another post about these little babies). The wines are a combination of drink now, and savour for a special occasion.  Fragrant, earthy and robust in their personality and a little more outgoing than their northern cousins. Anyway you look at it, when you drinking wines from the Rhone Valley – you’re onto a very stylish winner!

Terroso Trio – Famiglia del Vino (family wine)

These are wines of exceptional value that can be shared with your family and of course your extended family (your friends). They’ll also keep your cellar happy for a short while too!

 

2010 Cillar de Silos Joven de Silos (Tempranillo) D.O Ribera del Duero $31                          

Wines from Spain’s 2010 vintage are shaping up to be absolute crackers. Joven (pron. Hoven) is a young Tempranillo that is harvested in one year and sold the next. I guess you could almost liken it to Beaujolais Nouveau from a concept point of view.  There is little if any time for this style of wine to be aged in oak or in bottle for that matter, making it a great accompaniment to spicy and hotter styles of foods. Typically Jovens are light and fruit driven and made for immediate drinking – think pre-dinner party drinks with olives, jamon, BBQ’d calamari and chorizo.

This wine from Cillar de Silos is gamey on the nose with overtones of tobacco, violet and cranberry. Texturally the palate is like velvet with hints of warm spice and absolutely NO fruit sweetness. This baby is savoury all the way. Produced in the Ribera del Douro from an outstanding vintage, what more do you need to convince you to try it? It’s complex without being weighty and rewarding without requiring navel gazing.

‘2010 marks another great success for the Joven, a very grown-up wine, despite its youthful name!  Made from young Tempranillo and completely devoid of oak, this wine has a natural exuberance and beautifully soft tannins’-Simon Field MW

2009 Toscolo Chianti DOCG   Santa Lucia, Tuscany  $20

One of the best valueChianti’s that I’ve tasted in a while.

This 100% Sangiovese is cherry red in the glass with aromas of tobacco and cola. The palate is supple, full of fruit flavour and oozes with ‘drink me now’. The silky tannins on this little star make it the perfect accompaniment to loads of different food, this Chiantiis a perfect guest at your dinner table any night of the week.

Robert Parker on the 2009- 86 points -Just a note 2009 is an excellent, perhaps an even outstanding vintage for Chianti Classico

Robert Parker on the 2008.-“The 2008 Chianti is a delicious wine for the money. This fresh, vinous Chianti flows from the glass with bright dark red fruit and flowers in an engaging, plump style. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2011. Toscolo is a good source for tasty Chiantis made in an overt, fruit-driven style.”

 

2009 Domaine de l’Ameillaud, Southern Rhone, Cairanne $25

Believe it or not this wine made by Nick Thompson (yes an Englishman).

It is completely unoaked. Vines grown in the old vineyards in the Southern Rhone produce fruit of such intensity and complexity, that some winemakers choose not to add too much influence with the addition of oak.

Vibrant purple in the glass this little number is big, bold and strong, totally belying its lack of oak. The nose is full of sweet berry fruit, hints of lifted florals, mocha, leather and cassis. The palate is full, soft and spicy and it finishes with firm rounded tannins.

It’s really expressive not to mention impressive – a wine that is not just a crowd pleaser but one that will also cellar well in the short to medium term.  A win – win on all levels!

“And from the Domaine de l’Ameillaud, come the exceptionally good-value un-wooded reds of English winemaker Nick Thompson. The Cairanne shows all the purple fruit and spice and juiciness I expect from this old favourite.” Max Allen, The Australian Magazine.

 

The deal– These wines are available as a mixed dozen $288.80 per case of 12 – (4 of each wine) this is a savings of 5% if bought this way. This is strictly first in first served basis. We understand that only one of these wines may take your fancy and if that is the case, the minimum order is a straight dozen as per the prices indicated. You order via return email, filling in the attached order form or calling Jane 0409 391 773 or Liz 0422 085 113