Golden Grove Estate Wines & Gold Medals

IT IS a wonderful Queensland story.  In the 1930’s, Mario Costanzo, a cane cutter from Ingham, stopped in Stanthorpe as he travelled to Sydney.

He met Nita, another child of Italian migrants, and married her.  They settled onto her father’s property, started producing grapes and making some wine.

They were soon selling it to friends, family and other Italian settlers.  That same property has now evolved into Golden Grove Estate, one of the most awarded and recognised Queensland wineries.

Ray Costanzo, Golden Grove Estate

Now their grandson Ray meets Jeff and I from Wine Groover at the Golden Grove Winery.  Ray is slender and in his mid-30s, his dark eyes piercing and seemingly weighing us up.

When it comes to wine, Ray Costanzo can be described as passionate.

“The thing that drives me the most is getting a product onto the shelf that is the best it can be,” he explained.   “I’ve never wanted to be any else other than a winemaker.”

In any conversation with Ray, you clearly see he is determined to create a good wine and show how it can be done in Queensland.

I suspect he has only small patience for doubters, and may not easily tolerate naysayers.

Other winemakers talk of Ray in respectful tones.  The prize-winning record of Ray and Golden Grove might well be intimidating for some.

Their record of pioneering Mediterranean wines that soak up the sunlight is another part of their Queensland story.

His father Sam planted the once-exotic Barbera, Tempranillo, Mouvedre, Durif, and Vermentino varieties, awaiting Ray for his return after studying in Charles Sturt University.

Once Ray steps behind the tasting bar to pour some wine and explain its lineage, he becomes animated with intensity and focus.

His 2012 Vermentino, a Sardinian wine, is partially wild fermented and crafted in a richer European style, as opposed to Australian sauvignon blanc style.

Although just four years old, the Golden Grove Vermentino has won three gold medals and two trophies, and anyone eating seafood or pasta in Queensland should get a few bottles.  As Jeff did.

Ole for the Tempranillo

The Tempranillo is a Spanish variety that just loves the soil and climate of the Granite Belt.  “I don’t have to fiddle too much with Tempranillo,” said Ray, “it gives me good colour, flavour, tannin, year in and year out, through good and bad.”

The Golden Grove Tempranillo has won four gold medals in a row over four years.  “I make it in a bigger, richer style,” said Ray.  “You’ll get that nice cherry, savoury taste and the tannins are quite firm and rich.”

At Golden Grove Estate, Ray Costanzo has the foundation that allows him to take a lead and leap in.  And a big part of that foundation is the long family history of the Costanzos on the site.

Go out to Golden Grove Estate and experience a small part of this Queensland story.

For the full review, go to winegroover.com

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Mr Darcy Vexed by 14 September Election

"Mr Darcy wants to talk to me? Hmmm ..." photo smh.com.au

ANOTHER election!  I'd like to say 'get ready for it', but that would be condemning you to the campaign equivalent of an ultra marathon.

It is decidedly unusual to announce an election so far away, but it seems there were so many circumstances to meet, and so many events to dodge.

There was the agreement with the Independents to meet, the Senate half election requirements, and the need to avoid footy finals.

"I await your response, Ms Gillard"

One event the Prime Minister failed to consider was the annual 'Picnic At Pemberley', a Jane Austen-themed event at the Abbey Museum.

This gracious and elegant fundraiser will happen at the Abbey Museum on 14 September, the same day as the Federal election.

Mr Darcy, who will be hosting the event, has therefore called on the Prime Minister to help keep the guests in the tent.  Here's what he said in a blog on the Abbey Museum website:

Mr Darcy calls for polling booth at Picnic at Pemberley

Mr Darcy has appealed to Prime Minister Julia Gillard to set up a polling booth for the Federal election at his ‘Picnic At Pemberley’ on 14 September 2013.

Mr Darcy will be holding the annual ‘Picnic At Pemberley’ in the grounds of the Abbey Museum at Caboolture also on 14 September.

“I confess I am astonished that Ms Gillard has designed to call this ballot on the same day as my ‘Picnic At Pemberley’”, said Mr Darcy.

“I do understand the need for an election.

“It is a truth universally acknowledged that a country in possession of good fortune must be in want of regular democratic elections.

“I do not blame Ms Gillard for this oversight.  I do ardently admire a woman of strong opinions.

“However I find it vexing that she has imposed this election upon us at this important date.

“My annual picnic is one of the most important fundraising events for the highly esteemed Abbey Museum.

“I am willing to suffer this election, this triennial trooping of politicians whom I suspect occasionally profess opinions that are not their own.

“But I am not willing to endure my guests being wrenched away from their festivities to cast their votes.

“I shall apply henceforth to Ms Gillard for the indulgence of creating a polling booth at “Picnic at Pemberley” on 14 September,” said Mr Darcy.

You can find the original blog here.

For more information about ‘Picnic At Pemberley’, visit us at
http://www.abbeymuseum.com.au/event/picnic-at-pemberley or
http://pinterest.com/abbeymuseum/picnic-at-pemberley/

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Raise Your Glasses and Welcome Wine Groover

TODAY, Jeff and I launch a new website promoting Australian boutique wines and wineries.  No better day than Australia Day to do it.

Wine Groover  at winegroover.com will bring the stories of the smaller independent vineyards and the winemakers in Australia to wine enthusiasts.

A nice way to see the world: thru a glass of  Ravens Croft Viognier

We are introducing you to the best of Australian wines made by Australian families.

Not only that, we are telling Australians about wines that are intriguing, hard to get, and desirable. Wines you want to be first to try and then tell your friends about them.

 

We’re focusing on telling a story – what is unique and special about each winery, its winemakers, and the wines.   We’re not from the wine industry, but are historians, communicators and story tellers.

Wine Groover is created partly out of admiration for small Australian winemakers. These winemakers and vintners are Australians who aren’t afraid to try out some nifty innovative techniques, and produce something that knocks the socks off the rest of the world.

Perhaps wine is the greatest of all Australia’s products. Our winemakers use the best of our ingenuity and inventiveness to grow outstanding fruit, and squeeze and tweak out some glorious wines.

Thomas Honnef from Oceanview Estate

The first winery to be featured will be Oceanview Estates at Mount Mee in Queensland, and winemaker Thomas Honnef.

Wine Groover will post a story each week about Australian boutique wineries and wine releases, and aims to visit as many vineyards as possible to get the stories first hand.

Wines cannot be sold through this website under Queensland law and Wine Groover will direct wine drinkers directly to the website of the wineries for purchases.

Wine Groover is myself (Chris Whiting) and close friend Jeff Hopkins-Weise who I have recruited to be a Creative Partner.  Jeff did not have to be asked twice.

Jeff and I met studying Australian History and the University of Queensland in 1992.  It was a year of shared group housing, the pursuit of unobtainable girls, and drinking cheap wine late into the night.

  

Maybe the desire to discover the best and most intriguing Australian wines dates from those carousing sessions.

You can find Wine Groover at www.winegroover.com or follow “WineGroover” on Facebook and Twitter, or mail us at info@winegroover.com.