The Art Of Wine From The Vine To The Table – a good nose & great legs by Robert Geddes.

Robert Geddes is an Australian born Master of wine and has studied, drunk and slept in some of the world’s most famous vineyards and wineries! This is his irreverent yet comprehensive guide about all things wine. It is a great read for the wine enthusiast, plus the Yarra Valley & Mornington Peninsula that we visit on our winery tours gets mentioned throughout the book.

If you are thirsty for some great wines after reading Geddes book why not join one of our winery tours for a great day out!  Click on this link for more info – http://www.chilloutwinetours.com.au/yarra-valley-wine-tours/yarra-valley-wine-tours-public/   or this one – http://www.chilloutwinetours.com.au/mornington-peninsula-wine-tours/mornington-peninsula-wine-tours-private/ Have fun…

You can buy Geddes book at – http://www.agoodnoseandgreatlegs.com.au/buy/

Matt Skinner consults to a variety of clients around the world including Jamie Oliver and he makes regular contributions to Sunday Life, GQ, BBC Australian Good Food, Gourmet Traveller WINE, and Home Beautiful.  His annual guide, ‘The Juice – 100 wines you should be drinking’, is a well known seller.

Take a look at his Project ‘Tarraford’ where you can see him working on the land in the Yarra Valley and following the journey of vine to wine!

Check out our wine tour that takes you to the Yarra Valley and experience a great day out visiting a selection of vineyards –  http://www.chilloutwinetours.com.au/yarra-valley-wine-tours/yarra-valley-wine-tours-public/

[Matt Skinner – http://www.mattskinner.net/Matt_Skinner/Projects.html –Sourced 5 Feb 2010]

De Bortoli’s latest release ‘Rococo’ is a lovely Blanc de Blanc style, soft creamy textured medium-bodied Sparkling Wine.  It has subtle biscuit-like aromas with citrus and white pear characters and is pale in colour with green tinges.  This great value double fermented Sparkling Wine is a must for this summer! 

Search the internet for good deals – I found the ‘Rococo’ priced at great value @ $16.50 - www.jackswine.com.au.  Or why not come on our Yarra Valley Winery Tour and we will take you to De Bortoli’s Vineyard where you can experience tasting a great selection of wines including the fabulous ‘Rococo’ in their lovely cellar door!   www.chilloutwinetours.com.au/yarra-valley-wine-tours/yarra-valley-wine-tours-public/

1. Buy a case of wine (12 bottles) instead of individual bottles!  Great discounts by case and make 12 lovely Xmas gifts to give. 

2. Look for wine bottles with screw caps as easy to open at parties plus you can screw the lid back on when not in use to keep airtight (less corkage too).  Any leftovers can be transported easily for a recovery party the next day!

3. Select food friendly wines as big holiday meals tend to have lots of dishes with competing flavours.  Versatile wines such as Pinot Noir, Rieslings and Moscato’s will do the trick.  Any wine you like is fine, just thing not to wildly sweet or tannic!

4. Champagne is always a winner at parties but can blow the budget and disappoint the palate.  Try Prosecco from Italy – very affordable, stylish and great tasting sparkling wine!  For aussy sparkling you can’t go wrong with a bottle of Domaine Chandon.

5. Why not make Sangria or punch for that holiday get together – a cheaper and often more fun option than having a glass of wine or two to offer everyone!   Seek out good quality inexpensive wines that would be delicious in a bowl of punch or Sangria (see our Sangria recipe in previous blog).  Try Dan Murphy’s for some good value discounted wine. 

Chillout Travel wishes you all a wonderful festive season and the best ever 2010…don’t forget to check out our tours such as the Yarra Valley Winery Tour which makes a great gift at anytime of the year @ $98 per Gift Voucher per person.

Try our ‘Sangria’ recipe – it’s an easy to make chilled out drink – and yes of course it has wine in it 

Whilst you’re sipping away check out our Chillout Yarra Valley Winery Tour – the perfect way to enjoy summer! http://www.chilloutwinetours.com.au/yarra-valley-wine-tours/yarra-valley-wine-tours-public//
 

Ingredients

• 8 cups dry red wine
• 4 cups orange juice chilled (carton juice is fine)
• 1 medium orange, sliced thin crosswise
• 1 medium lemon, sliced thin crosswise
• 1 small pear, diced (use another apple if no pear)
• 1 medium apple, diced
• 4 cups of soda water chilled
• 1 shot of banana liqueur

Preparation

Combine the wine, banana liqueur, orange juice, orange and lemon slices in a large pitcher.  Mix well, cover and refrigerate.  Add the pear and apple one hour before drinking. 

Add the soda water lastly and mix well and serve over ice – yummy!

-      In a rush, just mix all ingredients together and serve over ice!!

-      Experimental mood – mix to taste – try different fruits – substitute banana liqueur for Grand Marnier or Cointreau or your favourite spirit or liqueur that you think might work!!!

Enjoy…