In a region littered with some wonderful examples of classic varieties, Chardonnay, Shiraz and Cabernet, it should also be noted that some grape growers are trying something a little different.
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With climate change becoming more evident, markets changing, consumers wanting something 'different', our local vignerons look towards the future and the endless possibilities of the Orange Wine Region.
Angullong Fossil Hill Barbera
Extremely well know for their foray into 'alternate' grape varietals, Angullong's Barbera has consistently been one of Orange's favourite reds.
The grape finds is traditional roots in the Piedmont region of Italy, where it is commonly paired with rich lamb dishes.
Barbera is one of those wonderful medium bodied Italian varietals that is approachable enough to be enjoyed by itself as well as having enough power to hold up against protein rich dishes.
Canobolas-Smith Chambourcin
Chambourcin originally made its way into Australia during the 1960s with plantings in the Hunter Valley.
It has since found a place amongst coastal regions, Shoalhaven and Port Macquarie where it is noted for its ability to withstand the tricky weather patterns.
Bill and Jane Shrapnel have endeavoured on a crusade of bringing a little bit of the Alsace region to Orange. With that comes the tricky speed bump varietal known as Gewurztraminer.
- David Collins on the Colmar Estate Gewurztraminer
Inland and under the watchful eye of Murray Smith it has found incredible finesse combined with enough power to survive a winter stew not to forget its incredible longevity with current vintage on sale being a 2008 and extremely drinkable it is as unique as it is brilliant.
Colmar Estate Gewurztraminer
Bill and Jane Shrapnel have endeavoured on a crusade of bringing a little bit of the Alsace region to Orange.
With that comes the tricky speed bump varietal known as Gewurztraminer.
Hard to pronounce and even harder to spell, for years it has just been referred to as Traminer in Australia.
With that name conjures ideas of overtly sweet, cloying, candy shop wines that were easily dismissed.
However Colmar is now at the forefront of redefining the grape, rose water, spice, great balance and most importantly not sweet.
It now makes a great complement to Asian cuisine or lighter dishes with a good amount of spice.
Orange Mountain Viognier
A grape that originates from France's Rhone Valley has been taken on by some of Australia's leading producers such as Yarra Yering, Yalumba and Clonakilla.
Orange Mountain's take on the varietal by Terry Dolle however takes a backseat to none of them.
Rich texture with apricot, musk and pear notes this is a truly special viognier that definitely deserves its praises amongst such lofty company.
Great for fresh seafood dishes it also matches spectacularly with spicy Asian dishes
Word of Mouth Petit Manseng
Peter Gibson has shown tremendous faith in the grape from the Southwest of France known as Petit Manseng and it certainly has not been without reward.
The grape is amazingly disease resistant and is versatile with its ability to produce dry to very sweet wines.
Word of Mouth's 2017 expression has a wonderful amount of spice, apple and almost pineapple like notes.
This wine is a definite must try with warmer months ahead and perhaps will provide a lot of interest to see how it develops in the Orange Wine Region.
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- David Collins is the restaurant manager and sommelier at Charred, he has been studying wine and the wine industry for several years and will write a wine column for the Central Western Daily every second Saturday.
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