For this month’s Hyde Park Wine Club selection, we have three wines from Australia! This hot region is known for its bold, powerful Shiraz (another word for Syrah), but the country has so much more to offer. To showcase a variety of Australian wines, we put together a low-alcohol Chardonnay with bright acidity, a soft Pinot Noir from the Adelaide Hills, and of course a classic Shiraz.
Sister’s Run ‘Sunday Slippers’ Chardonnay 2022
This 100% Chardonnay from McLaren Vales starts with aromas of white stone fruits and citrus. On the palate are flavors of tropical fruits and melons with hints of vanilla. Aged in French oak, the wine has tight acidity and linear structure. Pale straw in color and low in alcohol, it is a delightful wine for any occasion. Pair with Waldorf salad.
The Producer: Sister’s Run
Sister’s Run embodies serious fun, led by the talented winemaker Elena Brooks. Elena is a hands-on winemaker, often seen in steel cap boots while tending to vineyards, though she keeps high heels in her ute (work truck) for unexpected invitations to wine show dinners. In a quirky moment during harvest, the winery’s slogan “Run Sister Run” was born when Elena swiftly switched from heels to boots. This playful contrast symbolizes the winery’s spirit – serious about crafting exceptional wines from single-vineyard sites across South Australia, yet not taking themselves too seriously.
The Region: McLaren Vale
McLaren Vale, nestled along the coastal edges of South Australia, is renowned for its diverse terroir and Mediterranean climate. Its maritime influence fosters a perfect environment for cultivating an array of grape varietals, with Shiraz reigning supreme alongside Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon. Embracing sustainable practices and innovation, winemakers here craft exceptional wines that capture the essence of the land, cementing McLaren Vale’s position as a cornerstone of Australian winemaking.
A 100% Pinot Noir wine from Adelaide Hills. The vines are hand-tended and sorted manually; the wine is open fermented and basket pressed. It has long berry flavors, followed by savory briar and rhubarb on the mid-palate with soft tannins. Pair with roast turkey.
The Producer: Heirloom Vineyards
Heirloom Vineyards was conceived in 2000, when a young winemaking student (Elena) caught the eye of a silly old wine judge (Zar). A love story ensued inspired by two vows: to preserve the best of unique old vineyards and to champion the best clones of each variety. These days, the wines are made by Canadian-born winemaker, Alexandra Haselich. The female immigrant story is certainly one that is amplified with Alexandra’s addition to the team (Elena was born in Bulgaria), and the experiences of these two women make Heirloom appealing to an international audience while remaining fundamentally Adelaide Hills in origin. Heirloom serious, regional benchmark wines that really punch above their weight.
The Region: Adelaide Hills
Adelaide Hills is a large wine region located near the city of Adelaide in South Australia. It is one of the oldest wine growing areas in Australia, with significant viticulture practiced during the late 19th Century, followed by a revival in the 1970s and 1980s. Relatively cool compared to the rest of the country, grapes here mature at a slow pace, resulting in more concentrated flavors in the wines. The region’s proximity to Adelaide, its natural beauty, and a thriving tourist industry have boosted the region’s wine producing success.
This is a powerful Shiraz from the Barossa Valley. The fruit is de-stemmed into stainless steel fermentation tanks and pumped over the skins twice a day for 5-7 days, then aged in oak for three years before bottling. The resulting wine has red and black berries with underlying black pepper and smoked meats. Pair with roast lamb.
The Producer: Small Gully
Small Gully was created in 1998 when Stephen Black teamed up with two second generation winegrowers. The winery was built among the vines in a small gully on Roennfeldt Road, also known as ‘Casino Strip.’ As Stephen Black began to focus more on traveling the world than selling the wines, his two sons, Joseph and Charlie, took up the reins at the winery. Joe has a background in winemaking; Charlie has a background in viticulture – together, they’re a natural team.
The Region: Barossa Valley
The Barossa Valley is arguably the most recognized region in the Australian industry and is acclaimed for its revered Shiraz wines that enjoy a global following. Renowned as an esteemed international wine region, it boasts Australia’s oldest vineyards and esteemed wineries. Growing conditions vary across the region due to the differing elevations and distances from the ocean.
