MR MICK A LABEL THAT BOTTLES-UP HISTORY

Wc26Sep11

BOTTLING-up history – and a delight with most Asian cuisines.

David Ellis

CLARE Valley makers Tim Adams and Pam Goldsack have launched an interesting new label they call Mr Mick after Tim’s friend and mentor, the legendary Mick Knappstein.

And their idea is to emulate Mick’s philosophy of making wines for everyone to enjoy, with good flavour, regional and varietal definition, and affordable pricing (the Mr Mick range at $15 a bottle includes a Mr Mick Gela Blanc de Blanc NV named after Mick’s wife, a 2011 Riesling, 2011 Rosé, 2009 Shiraz and 2009 Cabernet Shiraz, and a 2011 Late Harvest Riesling.)

The 2011 Rosé is also a reflection of Mick Knappstein’s passion for the style, and how in the 1960s his nephew Tim Knappstein, who’d just qualified from Roseworthy College, produced a first-ever Rosé for Leasingham under Mick’s stewardship, and which went on to considerable acclaim.  

The 2011 Mr Mick Rosé has a subtle complexity to it, with fruity raspberry, strawberry, lychee and white peach flavours… a lovely drop as an aperitif or to share with most Asian cuisines.

TASTE of Northern Italy: share it with pizzas or pastas.

ONE FOR LUNCH: DAN Murphy’s has been appointed exclusive Australian retailer for Northern Italy’s Pio Cesare that was founded in 1881, and was one of the first producers to believe in the potential of the Piedmont region for growing Barbera grapes.

Long considered a poorer cousin in Piedmont, Barbera is now the second-most planted grape in Italy, and is fighting a rear-guard action to prove itself as more than just fruit for budget-wine making.

The 2008 Pio Cesare Barbera d’Alba is one of these new quality Barberas, with delightful ripe plum and blackberry flavours. Pay $29.99 at Dan Murphy’s and enjoy with its homeland food favourites of pizzas and pastas.

(NEED A FOOD/DRINK IDEA? Check out  http://www.vintnews.com )