Category Archives: Wine Tips

Is the Future of Wine Looking Through a PET Bottle?

NEVER! I hear you say! But of course a lot of people said the same about plastic corks and screw caps and they are quite widely accepted now (except for a clandestine action by a small pocket of sommeliers at … Continue reading

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Dessert Wine or Dessert…….Let’s Have Both!!

Mmmmmmmm……dessert…..the yummiest of the yummy and my favourite part of any meal – why not launch it into the stratosphere with a dessert wine match? ‘Eeeek’ I hear you say……‘too difficult!’ ……‘too sweet!’…..‘too’……delicious? Yes it can be a daunting matching … Continue reading

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A “challenging vintage” – Granite Belt 2010

Well, after a little debate it seems that the Granite Belt’s 2010 vintage could be proving a “challenging” vintage. ________________________________ But what does that mean, you ask? In the words of this author, a challenging vintage could be constituted by … Continue reading

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Cabernet sauvignon and chocolate

Yes, it’s a tried and true food/wine match. Cabernet sauvignon from cool-warm climate regions oaked in French oak seem to match the best – avoiding the sweet overtones that normally come from extended American oak contact during maturation. Try a … Continue reading

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How to check your wines in cellar for quality during aging

Someone asked me yesterday how can anybody possibly tell whether a wine is still good in the bottle after storing it in the cellar for many years, without opening it. The answer in its simplest form is that you will … Continue reading

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Vintage ’10 in Granite Belt

What a humid summer it’s been in Brisbane …! However, in the Granite Belt – conditions for ripening have been absolutely superb for the past couple of months, with white grapes being picked two week’s earlier this year.  That said, … Continue reading

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WineBox Co. goes green

Monday 4 January will see the release of our “Green Wines” program – a policy developed by our consultants that will enable us to service our clients and their customers without leaving a carbon footprint. The next step… is to … Continue reading

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Wine Spirit Education Trust 3-minute wine schools

I highly recommend all novices and professionals alike to check out WSET’s new 3-minute wine schools. Very worthwhile with Jancis Robinson presenting. CLICK: WINE SCHOOL

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Matching chocolate with Shiraz

Yes, it can be done and it can be fantastic. Today I cooked a beetroot, chilli and dark chocolate torte and served it alongside a gorgeous, thick, luscious, juicy Barossan shiraz from the 06 vintage. Absolutely divine. Do be kind … Continue reading

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Wine Tip: Serving Champagne

When serving champagne, why not chill your glass in the fridge first? It will help keep the bubbles in the wine where you want it. Don’t forget that inexpensive champagne can make wonderful cocktails with fresh fruit purees – for … Continue reading

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