BOOK A GOOD CATHOLIC GIRL FOR THE CHRISTMAS PARTY

HARD to beat with party-room oysters and other seafoods.

Wc24Sep12

David Ellis

WE missed seeing a Riesling under Julie Barry’s delightfully-named Good Catholic Girl label last year, but 2011’s vintage in South Australia’s Clare was one that could simply be summed-up as lousy, with above-average rainfall and the associated humidity-driven diseases that come with it.

But she’s certainly made up for it with her 2012 Good Catholic Girl Teresa Riesling that, unlike some previous vintages, she’s crafted entirely from fruit from the renowned vineyards of Barry Marsson high above Watervale, rather than blending fruit from several vineyards.

This one bursts forth in the glass with explosive yellow peach, apricot, lychee, passionfruit, apple and lime aromas, and on the palate has stand-out tropical fruit, apple and citrus flavours. If you are a good Catholic girl or a good Catholic boy (or not) this is one to consider getting now for Christmas partying – it’s an ideal drop with party-room oysters and other seafoods.

But a word of warning: Julie only made 200 cases at $25 a bottle, so get in now and order online through enquiry@goodcatholicgirl.com.au or by phoning Julie on 0419 822 909. Freight charges apply for this delightful drop, whose label alone is worth it to get the conversation going…

TASTE of Spain with green-lipped mussels grilled with parsley butter.

ONE FOR LUNCH: Albarino is a popular white variety that’s native to the Galicia region of Spain’s Atlantic coast, recognised by lovely dry stone-fruit and citrus flavours and a mineral finish.

A Vionta label Albarino that’s now available in Australia sells for $25 and is an ideal seafood wine: in its home country it is often matched with salted cod soaked in milk and roasted, while in America where it’s rapidly gaining popularity it’s partnered with Maine lobster rolls. Try either of these, or with green-lipped mussels grilled with parsley butter.

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