Tasmanian Pinot Noir Beats the Devil
That shrieking little black “devil” with the razor sharp teeth about the size of a small dog and unique to Tasmania, was all that large island south of Australia was known for until now. Pinot Noir from a vineyard new to the rest of the world is in the process of presenting itself to the U.S. market. Frogmore Creek Vineyard from Tasmania is mapping out a campaign to prove to the wine world that its Pinot should be world-class.
Quality Pinot Noir has long been seductive and sexy, able to slide into widely diverse wine pairings and “come up roses.” Lighter in body and much less tannic than its bigger red brothers, it exudes a silky texture with hints of cherry, plums and a touch of cedar. Tasmania is a quality growing ground for Pinot and with its southern-most climate at a latitude of 41 to 43 degrees, it’s cooler than New Zealand. Small vineyards dot the land and carefully cultivate its harvests for the best fruit.
At a recent introductory Frogmore Creek wine dinner at the posh Delicia’s in Rancho Santa Fe, several wines like Blanc De Noirs and Riesling were tasted, but the buzz grew more approving when the 2005 Frogmore Creek Pinot Noir was paired with a lovely Pork Loin. Linda Kidwiler (shown in the accompanying photo with Delicia’s manager Alex Campbell) proudly took the time to let the assembled know that Tasmanian wines are a special breed with its “roaring forties” trade winds, ideal for producing premium wines.
The ripening period tends to be longer which creates fruit that is elegant and is reflected in the wines. Weather conditions tend to be more in line with the Bordeaux-Burgundy areas of France. Frogmore Creek Vineyard was established in 1996 in southern Tasmania with a cool-climate style that is serving notice that there is room for another lovely quality Pinot Noir. Suggested price is just $21.
I have tasted a preview bottle of the 2006 and found it to be balanced, with character and structure. It should do equally well with those that have applauded the ’05. Learn more by contacting Linda at 949-496-5595 or access the website at www.frogmorecreek.com. Summer Wines Pretty in Pink Wine drinking habits change when the temperature rises to summer levels. Sales rise for the lovely pink or lemon hued wines that are more “garden variety” than serious strong-bodied reds.
I usually reach for a Sauvignon Blanc or a Viognier and drink it on the cold side, about 45 to 55 degrees. Some nice labels to look for would be: Temecula’s La Cereza ’06 Viognier which was just awarded gold; Cougar Vineyard also in Temecula has an ’07 Pink Cougar which is an interesting Cabernet produced as a white wine. It’s their best seller. Further north, Sonoma’s Pedroncelli has a ’06 Zinfandel Rose from Dry Creek that gathered in double gold. Any New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc will smack you across the mouth with its grapefruit, grassy taste.
Try the famous Cloudy Bay. And don’t forget Riesling, a sweeter, floral wine with a smooth citrus finish. Locally in the San Diego area, Orfila Vineyards and Winery offers a lovely ’06 vintage with grapes from the Monterey area. It took 3 gold medals in recent competition. Check it out at www.orfila.com.
The Local Sip
- Carlsbad Seapointe Resort has its annual Tasting by the Sea Friday, June 6 from 6:30 to 9:30pm. Gourmet wines and food, auction, music and magic. $40 pp. Call 760-730-1471.
- Country Cellars in the hills of Julian has its Shrimp on the Barbie Wine & Beer event Saturday, June 7 from 1 to 5pm. Just $8 pp. Call 760-765-0089 for more.
- The 25th annual Wine and Roses Celebration with San Diego’s finest wines and cuisine is presented at the Westgate Hotel’s terrace Sunday, June 8 from 3 to 6:30pm. These are medal winning wines from a previous international wine competition at the Westgate. $65 each in advance. Reservations at 619-557-3755.
- Wine Encounter in Hillcrest has Four Vines of Paso Robles, on Tuesday, June 10 starting at 7pm. Fee is $25. Later in the month, on the 28th at 7pm, the great Ferrari Carano wines from Sonoma will be featured. Cost is $40 pp. For more on these events, call 619-543-9463.
- The rustic Café Merlot at the Bernardo Winery in Rancho Bernardo is turning heads with its “La Technique” 3 hour cooking classes and wine/dinner events. Next class is Tuesday, June 10 from 5:30 to 8:30pm and will promote good health and wellness thru cuisine and good red wine. Cost is $50 pp.
The next Meet the Winemaker dinner is Friday, June 13 with a gourmet dinner and wine pairing. It begins at 6pm and is $79 ea. Call for an RSVP at 858-592-7785. Web site is: www.cafemerlot.com.
Frank Mangio is a renowned wine connoisseur certified by Wine Spectator. He is one of the top five wine commentators on the web. Reach him at mangiompc@aol.com.
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