‘Strange Bird’ Granite Belt Wines to be Showcased at Sirromet
TUESDAY, JULY 1: Wines on the Strange Bird Granite Belt alternative variety list will be showcased at a tasting and four-course dinner at Sirromet Wines at Mount Cotton on July 19.
The cost is $95 per person, which includes a tasting of Strange Bird varieties from seven different wineries at Cellar Door, and dinner in the Barrel Hall with a 50ml glass of two matching Strange Bird wines with each course.
Guests will also be provided with a complimentary glass of Sirromet's 2006 Petit Verdot sparkling on arrival. The tasting starts at 6.30pm, followed by dinner. Bookings - Tel: (07) 3206-2999. E-mail: functions@sirromet.com
Wineries supplying Strange Bird varieties for the event will be Ballandean Estate, Banca Ridge (Queensland College of Wine Tourism), Granite Ridge, Hidden Creek, Ridgemill Estate, and Symphony Hill, all based on the Granite Belt, and Sirromet, which has 150-hectares of vineyards at Ballandean.
The Strange Bird list was launched in November and comprises 15 alternative varieties from 21 participating wineries.
"This is an excellent concept because when people taste Strange Bird varieties such as Pinot Gris, Petit Verdot, Viognier, and others, they realise there are many more interesting wines to enjoy in addition to big--volume sellers such as Chardonnay and Shiraz," said Sirromet Chief Winemaker Adam Chapman.
The Strange Bird tasting and dinner is a partnership between Sirromet and Granite Belt Wine Country.
The dinner menu was set by Andrew Mirosch, Executive Chef at Restaurant Lurleen's at Sirromet.
An entrée of crab meat omelette and sushi stack, soy and sake steamed spiced Stradbroke Island prawns will be matched with a Hidden Creek Viognier and a Granite Ridge Gewürztraminer.
A Symphony Hill Pinot Gris and a Banca Ridge Marsanne will be matched with a dish of local reef fish fillet, panzanella fennel and orange salad, aged balsamic.
Ridgemill Estate's Tempranillo, a full-bodied red variety which originated in Spain, and a Sirromet 2006 Nebbiolo will be served with pumpkin and ricotta gateau, grilled duck and porcini sausage, salsa verde, and seared Mediterranean vegetables.
"Nebbiolo is well suited to Granite Belt growing conditions and has developed its own characters over the last few vintages to produce a perfumed wine that is lighter in colour than the typical Nebbiolo," said Chapman.
The dessert of traditional vanilla crème brulee, fresh Redlands strawberries, and honey tuile will be matched with Ballandean Estate's medal-winning 2005 Late Harvest Sylvaner.
"Our style of Sylvaner is lighter and fresher than many traditional dessert wines, but still flavoursome," said Ballandean Estate winemaker Dylan Rhymer, who will attend the tasting and dinner.
"In the vineyards we leave half the vine to ripen normally producing a blend of fresh, tropical fruits with citrus flavours. The other half of the cane is cut to produce syrup, raisin, and honey flavours"
"After crushing and pressing the juice is tank fermented, and then chilled to stop at the appropriate sugar levels. Then it is bottled and given time to age before being released to the market."
Sirromet, owned by Gold Coast businessman Terry Morris, has won more than 330 awards and medals since opening in 2000. On-site attractions at the Mount Cotton winery include Restaurant Lurleen's, tastings and tours.
Media Enquiries: Mike Porter – Tel: (07) 5591-1773, (0417) 311-997. Fax: (07) 5591-4955. E-mail: mikep@qldnet.com.au
Sirromet Wines Location: 850-938 Mount Cotton Road, Mount Cotton, Queensland 4165. Telephone: (07) 3206-2999. E-mail: wines@sirromet.com
Sirromet Wines Website: www.sirromet.com
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