no
243
De Bortoli Heathcote
Shiraz
Major Australian producer’s interpretation of a fruity Heathcote Shiraz, central Victoria
Australia, Victoria, Heathcote, Gumboot Fruit Shiraz, De Bortoli, 2017
Introduction
The region is known for its Shiraz, due to its great growing conditions (inc. volcanic/Cambrian soil). De Bortoli Family Winemakers started 1928 near the town of Griffith, New South Wales, in the now called Riverina wine region. Vittorio De Bortoli came over from Treviso, Italy, in 1924 and the winery in Bilbul near Griffith still forms the heart of the wine company, the 6th largest in Australia.
After the war the winery grew, with Deen de Bortoli from the 60’s, and acquired subsequently estates in the Yarra Valley, near Melbourne, ‘nearby’ King Valley, Hunter Valley, north from Sydney and fairly recently Heathcote. Furthermore, they work with other growers in the various regions for their grapes. They are now in their fourth generation, with 3rd generation Darren de Bortoli as MD and are still a privately owned company, with many of the family involved in its extensive operations and award winning wines.
Introduction
The region is known for its Shiraz, due to its great growing conditions (inc. volcanic/Cambrian soil). De Bortoli Family Winemakers started 1928 near the town of Griffith, New South Wales, in the now called Riverina wine region. Vittorio De Bortoli came over from Treviso, Italy, in 1924 and the winery in Bilbul near Griffith still forms the heart of the wine company, the 6th largest in Australia.
After the war the winery grew, with Deen de Bortoli from the 60’s, and acquired subsequently estates in the Yarra Valley, near Melbourne, ‘nearby’ King Valley, Hunter Valley, north from Sydney and fairly recently Heathcote. Furthermore, they work with other growers in the various regions for their grapes. They are now in their fourth generation, with 3rd generation Darren de Bortoli as MD and are still a privately owned company, with many of the family involved in its extensive operations and award winning wines.
Year:
2017
Approx:
£ 6.50
Best Served:
16-18 °C
Vol:
14.5 %
Review Date:
22 . 05 . 2019
Origin:
Australia, Victoria, Heathcote
Wine specifics
Ready to drink and can keep still for a while, another 2-4 years. Smooth, mature, rich, fruity, hints of plums, spice, pepper. Serving roast, grills, red meats, pasta, cheeses. Obtained in the UK. Part of the Palette Series, each expressing Victoria’s wine vibrancy through its themed labeling, naming, regions and the varietal choices; pinot grigio, chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon and pinot noir (and this shiraz). Screwtop.
Ready to drink and can keep still for a while, another 2-4 years. Smooth, mature, rich, fruity, hints of plums, spice, pepper. Serving roast, grills, red meats, pasta, cheeses. Obtained in the UK. Part of the Palette Series, each expressing Victoria’s wine vibrancy through its themed labeling, naming, regions and the varietal choices; pinot grigio, chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon and pinot noir (and this shiraz). Screwtop.
Insights:
This shiraz is harvested in northern Heathcote and the blended shiraz is a mix of shiraz aged for 5 months in older barrels (a third) and the rest in stainless steel, before bottling, keeping a lot of its freshness. Classified as vegan/vegetarian. Riverina is seen as a region of growing various fruits, as well as producing wines in bulk, even though there is a positive shift in its quality. It supplies 15% of Australia’s grape production, the largest in New South Wales and is very much centered around the town of Griffith.
Review Date:
22 . 05 . 2019
