PREMIUM WINES ARE IN THE BOX

Wc24Mar08

YOUR WEEKLY WINE COLUMN for week beginning 24 March 2008

wine with david ellis

PREMIUM WINES ARE IN THE BOX

BEELGARA have created a great new version of the ubiquitous cask – a
budget-friendly job that holds 3-litres (four bottles) of premium
bottle-quality wine rather than vin ordinaire, and is cube-shaped to
save on fridge space.

And their so-called sq3 casks of wines are sure to not only please
those looking for vintage wines at a budget price, but greenies too:
Beelgara say the new casks reduce carbon production in the
manufacturing process by up to 80 per cent through the use of
cardboard and a foil bladder rather than glass.

These 3-litre sq3 cubes can be somewhat deceptive on first appearance,
certainly not seeming capable of having the equivalent of four bottles
tucked away inside; the current range includes a premium 2006 Cabernet
Merlot, 2006 Semillon Sauvignon Blanc, a 2006 Chardonnay and a 2007
Rosé.

Each cask costs $24.95, or the equivalent of just $6.25 a bottle, at
select liquor stores and BWS; while all proved their value, the 2006
Cabernet Merlot got the most attention at a recent barbecue, with its
plum and berry fruit flavours and slightly earthy oak a great match
with lamb grillers and salad.

ONE FOR LUNCH: Bidgeebong Wines’ Director of Winemaking, Andrew Birks
called on schoolteachers-turned-farmers, Robert and Heather Johansen
for fruit for his very more-ish 2006 Tumbarumba Sauvignon Blanc.

The Johansen’s Mountain View Vineyard is just out of Tumbarumba and
their fruit enabled Andrew to create a wine that’s got nice zesty lime
and lemon flavours coupled with fragrant passionfruit and herbaceous
aromas; pay $20 and enjoy with stir-fried chicken breast strips, lemon
grass and Asian greens topped with sliced avocado, lime juice and
coriander.

BUY OF THE WEEK: The wallet will appreciate you sharing that next
Sunday roast chicken with De Bortoli’s Montage 2006 Chardonnay
Semillon; lovely creamy texture with lifted peach and tropical
characters, and its under $10.

(Need a drink? We’re archived on http://vintnews.com)

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PHOTO CAPTIONS:

IT’s in the box – deceptively looking Beelgara sq3 casks hold the
equivalent of four bottles of premium wines.

MATCH this with stir-fried chicken breast strips, lemon grass and
Asian greens topped with sliced avocado, lime juice and coriander.