Winter Wine Showcase: A Celebration of Canberra’s Diverse Winemaking

The Canberra wine region is known for its cool climate, varied terroir, and innovative winemakers who consistently push boundaries to create wines of exceptional character. This week at Canberra Wine and Spirit Merchants, John thoughtfully selected a range of wines that not only highlight the diversity of winemaking in our region but also bring warmth and richness to the winter season. Here’s a look at the standout bottles from our winter showcase:

Sapling Yard Fiori 2023 - $29.95
An aromatic blend of Riesling, Pinot Gris, Muscat, and Pinot Blanc. This wine has an alluring blush color, a fragrant nose, and a fresh, fleshy flavor. Beautifully constructed, it’s a delightful choice that brings a touch of elegance to the table.

Intrepidus Chenin Blanc 2023 - $26.95
This Chenin Blanc strikes the perfect balance between ripeness and acidity. It carries good fruitiness with a full textural mouthfeel, yet finishes nice and dry. It’s a well-rounded white that’s both refreshing and satisfying.

Johansen Chardonnay 2022 - $39.95
Expertly grown and expertly made, this Chardonnay is a seriously good wine that’s worth cellaring. With notes of white peach, citrus, and a touch of ginger, the French oak is restrained, providing a balanced flavor and mouthfeel that’s simply superb.

Obsession Touriga Nacional 2021 - $29.95
Best known as the varietal that makes port, Touriga Nacional is also a fantastic table wine. This wine is rounded and full-bodied, with a dark purple hue and a good portion of spice. It’s a wonderful rich winter wine, perfect for the colder months.

Mount Majura Mondeuse 2022 - $36.95
Mondeuse, a medium-weight cousin to Shiraz, offers complex blackberry flavors and exotic spices, with perhaps a touch of iodine. The firm tannins put an exclamation mark on this wine, making it an excellent match for any rustic dish.

Collector Folded Blue 2012 - $32.95
One of Jude’s everyday favorites, this wine from a cold wet year in Canberra was made from quality fruit sourced from the Pyrenees district in Victoria. The wine has matured gracefully, with the freshness of the fruit still shining through and the tannins softening over 12 years to provide a genuinely quality wine at an affordable price.

This diverse selection was chosen to highlight the different styles and expressions of winemaking that Canberra and its surrounding regions have to offer. Whether you’re looking for something aromatic and fresh or rich and warming, there’s a wine in this showcase to suit every palate. Join us next week for more discoveries. Cheers!