Greetings wine lovers, Looking for that delicious (and easy) cocktail to start a beautiful dinner? Or for a great way to kick off a warm summer afternoon or evening? Try a very tasty Peach Bellini, if you haven’t already. Here’s a recipe I have been using with great success.
Wine Cocktail – Peach Bellini Ingredients: 1 peach (1 part) and Prosecco (2 parts Italian Sparkling Dry White Wine or other light Sparkling Dry white) Grab the stick blender and puree 1 white peach, stone removed of course, and pour the puree (1 part – 30-50mL) into the bottom of a champagne flute then slowly add the Prosecco (2 parts 100-120mL). The wine will bubble quite a lot so be sure to add the Prosecco slowly at first, stirring is optional but not necessary. If a fresh peach is not available you can use sliced peaches in a can or pack such as Goulburn Valley Sliced Peaches. If Prosecco is not available you can always substitute with an Australian Sparkling NV white but no need to get out the French Champagne as you want fresh citrus flavours rather than complex bready and yeasty characters.
This makes a fantastic summer blend that is very easy to drink, perfect for sitting with your better half and friends and watching the sun go down. A beautiful aperitif. Need a brilliant Prosecco? Then look no further than the Brown Brother’s Limited Release Prosecco 2011. This Prosecco and the Bellini cocktail are a couple of my wife’s favourite drinks so I know what I will be putting in the glass on February 14 this year.
Brown Brother’s Limited Release Prosecco 2011 The Limited Release Prosecco 2011 has a pale golden colour with subtle green hues and a delicate nose displaying apple and pear characters which follow through to the palate and merge with some distinctively fresh and crisp citrus notes. This Italian style sparkling is the perfect starter or aperitif and will match beautifully with pan fried ocean trout on a fresh green salad and also partners extremely well with a selection of sushi and sashimi. 92 Points Drink to 2013 $19.70 per bottle 12 bottle case free delivery
Another favourite from the red wine category is the exceptional Merlot Cabernet blend from Picardy Wines in Pemberton WA. The Picardy wines are hand crafted by one of Australia’s most respected winemakers and viticulturalist Dr Bill Pannell. All wines bearing the Picardy label are made entirely from fruit grown on the Picardy vineyard and are vintaged and bottled by the Pannell Family (well known for establishing Moss Wood and also co-pioneering Margaret River as a wine region). The red wines are noted for their vibrant colours and intensity of fine-grained tannins. The Picardy Merlot Cabernet 2009 is absolutely delicious and while it easily could cellar for 10 years or more the vibrant fruit characters and silky tannins make it perfect for drinking now as well.
Picardy Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc 2009 This is a wine made in the style of the Merlot dominant St Emilion/Pomerol region of Bordeaux. Elegant red berry fruits and beautifully balanced oak with excellent structure. Medium bodied, fine silky tannins with delightful mouth feel and a complex finish. The 2009 vintage is the 3rd in a row of excellent vintages for Picardy. From Pemberton WA. 95 Points Drink to 2018+ $36.95 per bottle 12 bottle case free delivery Limited Release
To round out the offer I have got a stunning deal on an exceptional Victorian Riesling that rivals many from the famed Clare Valley and Eden Valley. The flavour profile of this Riesling is very close to the Eden Valley style. Riesling is one of my (and my wife’s) favourite varieties of white wine for the purity of flavour and crisp long finish.
Mount Langi Ghiran Cliff Edge Riesling 2008 Pale straw in colour. Quite intense lime and citrus fruits with attractive blossomy characters tempt the nose. The palate then completes the picture with some zesty lime and mineral notes along with a refreshing acidity to carry the flavours in the mouth for a good length of time. Potential for further cellaring possibly past 2019 if you like the more developed honeyed notes of aged Riesling but right now it has great freshness and is a clean crisp example of how good Grampian Riesling can be. Reminded me of the Drumborg Rieslings. 94 Points Drink to 2018 $19.95 per bottle 12 bottle case free delivery Limited stocks
Ordering: Orders can be placed online by clicking the links above. To order by phone you can call 1300 294 020 or ring me direct on mobile 0413 488 472 and place your order.
Other News: I have recently attained certification by the world’s leading wine education institution, the UK’s Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET). The more knowledge I have about the world of wine the better placed I am to be able to provide you with the right wines, all the time. The WSET courses are considered a stepping stone towards achieving the ultimate accreditation in the wine industry which is the Master of Wine. In case you were wondering, I received the top grading for both components of the exam - theory and blind tasting - Pass with Distinction. Happily, upon receiving this news, I was able to enjoy a glass without having to use the spittoon. Regular wine tastings at the Wine Tunnel will resume in the next month or so – I will keep you posted regarding the dates. Cheers and happy drinking,

Ross Chandler Chief Wine Specialist Licensee Your Wine Guy - Fine Wine Merchants "Life is short. Drink the wines you want." P 1300 294 020 (within Australia) or +61 (0) 2 9029 3777 from outside Australia
M +61 (0) 413 488 472 F +61 (0) 2 9904 8684 E ross@yourwineguy.com.au W www.yourwineguy.com.au	facebook.com/yourwineguy