TASTES OF RUTHERGLEN RETURNS IN 2018

Tastes of Rutherglen Returns in March to Showcase Region’s Best Tastes of Rutherglen will return on 10 and 11 March 2018 to showcase the best of North-East Victoria’s celebrated wine and produce. The 2018 programme is set to be the biggest and best on record with a stellar line-up of activities and menus for the … Read more

Keti Shines a Light on Durif and Muscat from the Winemakers of Rutherglen

 Durif and Muscat –  Winemakers of Rutherglen

  **Last week Keti Kezunovic headed to ‘Rutherglen in the City’ to taste and learn more about the iconic Rutherglen wine region’s unique wine varietals. As co-owner of the Melbourne Bars Pawn and Co., 29th Apartment and the soon to be opened StoryVille, Keti knows a thing or two about wine, and couldn’t wait to meet a few of the winemakers and discover more about Durif and Muscat.

Words & Photos by Keti Kezunovic – Caption Image by Georgie James

‘Rutherglen in the City’ showcased sparkling reds, primarily Shiraz and Durif, as well as a range of alternative whites. We were keen to discover more about Durif and Muscat, which seem to be the champion wines of the Rutherglen region, which provides the perfect environment for these particular grape varieties, primarily as a result of the long Autumn allowing a prolonged ripening process.

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Muscat

Chris Pfeiffer, winemaker and owner of Pfeiffer Wines (pfeifferwinesrutherglen.com.au), considers this variety as ‘Australia’s most unique contribution to wine’, adding:

“No other region in Australia has Muscat’s at this champion level”.

History is the key for this variety, as the minimum cellaring is 6-10 years ageing, through to over 100 years. Such long cellared batches are basically for the next generation to nurture and continue the process.  The flavour profile consists mainly of a pronounced raisin taste, and is very sweet on the palate.  The older the muscat, the more complex the flavour profile, where notes of toffee emerge.

Paul Squires from Buller Wines (bullerwines.com.au), had a tip for an unbeatable dessert, suggesting to pour muscat over vanilla bean ice-cream. Interestingly, Pfeiffer had a more eclectic suggestion of pairing this wine with a tomato based carpaccio. Now there’s two hot tips from for the kitchens of the winemakers!

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Durif

Warrabilla Wines (warrabillawines.com.au), chief winemaker, Andrew Sutherland Smith, calls his 2014 Reserve Durif , ‘The Mother of all Durifs”.  At a whopping 16.5% alcohol, it certainly is! 

Although this wine is strong and rich on the palate, with big bold flavours, the grapes are very thin skinned, making this variety difficult to grow.  Great skill and precision is needed to ensure that this variety of red wine grapes make it to harvest time. Smith is a fifth generation winemaker, so has a substantial degree of experience to draw on.

Durif is tipped to be the new upcoming variety, with other Australian regions starting to release their own versions.  However the Durif growers from Rutherglen seemed to have really cornered the market on this particular variety.

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**At the recent ‘Rutherglen in the City’, Melburnians showed great interest in both Durif and Muscat – two distinct varietals that flourish in the Rutherglen soils and represent both the region’s tradition and innovation. Revered world-wide for its fortified wines, the Winemakers of Rutherglen are trying new ways with Muscat, with a range of Muscat cocktails on offer…think Muscat Coolers, Muscat Sangria and Muscat Espresso Martinis.

The Winemakers of Rutherglen are an inspiring collective of 19 wineries from one of Australia’s most historic and iconic wine regions, boasting more than 150 years of winemaking history.

Check out more online or head to the cellar door this weekend!

Instagram & Facebook: @winerutherglen 

www.winemakers.com.au

Additional Information & Images Courtesy of Winemakers of Rutherglen/Jarryd Pentony – Little Big MarketingPR/Photographer Georgie James

Connie Lambeth – The Australia Times Gourmet News – Food/Wine/Hospitality/Events

Follow us on Instagram: @tatgourmetmag

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Keti Kezunovic:

29th Apartment – www.29thapartment.com.au

https://www.facebook.com/29thapartment/

@29thapartment

Pawn and Co. – pawnandco.com.au

https://www.facebook.com/PawnAndCo/

@pawnandco

**Keti’s last collaboration with TAT Gourmet News:

Gourmand’s Celebrate Williamstown’s Wine and Cheese Festival

www.theaustraliatimes.com/magazine/gourmet/issue/411/#46

Additional pics…

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‘Feathered and Fierce’ premieres at Sydney Fringe Festival 2017

Behind the scenes with dance champions: Feathered and Fierce premieres at Sydney Fringe Festival 2017

A World Champion Samba dancer takes audiences beyond the glamour to the sweat, grit and incredible strength it takes to win in the highly competitive Latin dance world.

 Lauren Eisinger and Amy Mills are proud to present Feathered and Fierce, an unorthodox Latin dance show premiering at Sydney Fringe Festival from 5 – 9 September 2017 for five shows only. Tickets are selling fast via sydneyfringe.com.

 Director and Choreographer Amy Mills (World Samba Solo Champion 2015) has led her all female team to three National Samba Championships (2013, 2014, 2016). In their stage debut, Amy and her team will reveal all in an intimate visceral dance performance, at one of Sydney Fringe’s hottest new warehouse venues.

 Feathered and Fierce will throw back the curtain and reveal the raw strength, failures and dogged determination that it takes to create a moment in the spotlight,” says Amy.

 Producer Lauren Eisinger is known for her unique and eye-catching stage and circus shows, at some of Australia and the world’s most eclectic festivals and venues.

 “This is Latin dance like you’ve never seen it before,” says Lauren.

 “Eight powerful women push their physical and mental limits without restraint. In this stripped back space you’ll see the sweat, hear every breath, feel the camaraderie and find the drive that fuels this world-class team.”

 Amy Mills plans to create a unique experience for audiences.

 “We are giving audience members a real look behind the scenes, incorporating costume racks, ladders and road cases into a Latin dance, with performers who don’t leave the space throughout the show. We will use the versatility of the warehouse space to stage scenes in and around the audience, resulting in a highly immersive experience,” says Amy.

Feathered and Fierce will feature a soundscape unique to the troupe’s shows: a mix of instrumental Latin rhythms and modern pop music. 

 Feathered and Fierce will be an up-close and personal experience of the world within the world of competitive Latin dance. 

 What: Feathered and Fierce, theatrical dance show at Sydney Fringe Festival 2017

 Where: HPG Festival Hub Stage One, 225 Euston Rd, Alexandria, Sydney

 When: 7:30pm, 5 – 9 September 2017

 Tickets: Adult $25, Concession or Under 12 $22, Group 6+ $22. All tickets available from www.sydneyfringe.com

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Information & Images Courtesy of ‘Feathered and Fierce’/Fuller PR

Connie Lambeth – The Australia Times Gourmet News – Food/Wine/Events

E: literallyconnie@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram @tatgourmetmag

Read on for Additional Information about ‘Feathered and Fierce’ – Performers Biographies etc…

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