Today we were gathered at the wonderful event space that is Belgard Kitchen, for the first-ever Canadian trade and media tasting of wines from Victoria, Australia.
Wine Victoria had brought their leading wineries to Canada, offering the ability to taste and discover many bottles that have never been seen in Canada until today. This was intimate and exclusive look at one of the world’s most dynamic and diverse fine wine regions. And this event was meant to mark the beginning of Victoria’s expanded presence in the Canadian market.
The layout was a stand-up reception, where we helped ourselves to sample pours, tasting more than 40 wines, featuring several producers seeking representation in British Columbia.
This served as an unmatched opportunity to taste the full spectrum of Victoria’s cool climate styles. We got insight into terroirs that are shaping Victoria fine wine; and access to boutique, small lot producers, making their Canadian debut. We also got a first look at Wine Victoria’s long-term plans for Canada.
I came in not knowing anything on the region. I didn’t even know that there was a Victoria in Australia. So I appreciated being able to work my way through the line up. I relied on my own knowledge and experience to taste my way around the bar, with data sheets on each to reference. Here, I discovered some truly unique characters. There was a Syrah that had a very earthy mushroom flavour, and one with the distinct saltiness of Parmesan. There was another that had a musky cheddar flavour, coupled with an organic essence, but without the organic farming. Each bottle was a discovery, and we were happy to be able to sample the portfolio today, certainly not expecting all that we had.
Too many to describe here, but if you are out looking for them, here they are listed by terroir.
Beechworth:
Castagna Genesis Syrah
Castagna Un Segreto
Geelong:
Mulline Pinot Noir
Mulline Syrah
Grampians:
Mount Langi Ghiran Cliff Edge Shiraz
Reed Wines Knife Edge Shiraz
Heathcote:
Bidia Heathcote Shiraz
Mitchelton Heathcote Estate Shiraz
Reed Wines Bambina Nebbiolo
Santolin Cosa Nostra Fiano
King Valley:
Bidja King Valley Sauvignon Blanc
Buller The Nook Chardonnay
Redbank King Valley Pinot Grigio
Redbank King Valley Pinot Noir
Mornington Peninsula:
Kooyong Clonale Chardonnay
Kooyong Massale Pinot Noir
Nagambie Lakes:
Mitchelton Estate Blackwood Park Riesling
Tahbilk Cabernet Sauvignon
Tahbilk Museum Marsanne
Pyrenees:
Blue Pyrenees Richardson Cabernet Sauvignon
Glen Lofty Estate Ridge Shiraz
Peerick Shiraz
Peerick The Mang
Rutherglen:
All Saints Estate Durif
All Saints Estate Rutherglen Muscat
Buller The Balladeer Cabernet Sauvignon
Pfeiffer Classic Muscat
Pfeiffer Shiraz
Strathbogie Ranges:
Fowles Ladies who Shoot their Lunch Shiraz
Victoria:
Farm to Table Pinot Noir
Yarra Valley:
Jayden Ong One Block Chardonnay
Jayden Ong One Block Syrah
Trapeze G Clone Pinot Noir
Trapeze Yarra Valley Pinot Noir
Yering Village Chardonnay
Dominique Portet Chardonnay
Dominique Portet Fontaine Cabernets
Helen & Joey Estate Unicorn Cabernets
Helen & Joey Estate Unicorn Pinot Noir
Save Our Souls Chardonnay
Save Our Souls Pinot Noir
Santolin Gladysdale Chardonnay
