Sixty-Second Swirl by Brent Lello, Yass Valley Times Wine Columnist
The Nebbiolo grape variety hails from the Piedmont region in Italy and is used to make the classical red wines of Barolo and Barbaresco. Like all Italian wines, they are famously food-friendly and in Australia, Nebbiolo is catching on quickly with punters seeking wine options for the dinner table.
Bobbie Makin at the Murrumbateman Winery is well known for making quality cool climate wines with lesser mainstream varieties and this week’s “swirl” – the Murrumbateman Winery Nebbiolo 2021 – is a great example of new world winemaking with an “old world” variety.
This wine is light and bright in the glass with a deep ruby-red colour. A swirl reveals a mix of red and dark fruits including raspberries, red cherries and boysenberries with a waft of dried Italian herbs. On the palate, the flavours are juicy and bright, with ripe red cherries to the fore, along with a lovely lick of food-friendly acidity and soft and subtle tannins.
We necked our bottle with a slow-roasted lamb leg with middle eastern spices, shredded and served on a bed of hummus with pomegranate “jewels” and crispy pita bread – a fantastic match. This nifty little Nebbiolo would also go really well with an Italian-inspired sun-dried tomato-based pasta dish or a classic chicken parma. My bottle was included in my member’s cellar club pack, but you can call into the cellar door on the Barton Highway or online for $40.
SAVE THE DATE Howlin’ In the Vines – Mother’s Day May 14th 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Murrumbateman Winery
As a rescue, Mollie does not know her mum. But, if she did, she’d invite her to the Harvest Festival dog party – Howling in the Vines! Sure to be a barking good time, Mollie is encouraging friendly canines and their humans and families to join in this paw-some day out!
There will be hot dogs and pup cakes for purchase. Bring a picnic rug and settle in for a wonderful day out! This free event is family and dog friendly. Don’t have a dog? No worries, come for the experience.
For groups of larger than 10 people please reach out via phone or email.
WINE DOG (THE BOSS)
Mollie (our Husky/Kelpie cross) is usually at the cellar door to greet visitors and supervise the staff. She has her own wine label so if she’s not at cellar door, she may be in the winery supervising the next vintage. Being a recuse dog herself, Mollie is proud that our two dog-labelled wines support the ACT RSPCA. Our cellar door is dog-friendly and well-behaved dogs are always welcome.
ABOUT MURRUMBATEMAN WINERY
Established in 1973, Murrumbateman Winery is a small boutique winery producing high-quality, award-winning wines from locally sourced, handpicked grapes.
True to the cool climate region of NSW and Canberra, Murrumbateman Winery makes outstanding and award-winning Riesling and Shiraz. Winemaker Bobbie Makin also has a passion for alternate varieties and enjoys crafting a selection of wines including Fume Blanc, Malbec, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo.
