By Christine Salins.
It takes a lot of commitment and dedication to produce organic wine. Without the use of
pesticides and herbicides, organic growers are at the mercy of the elements. They need to be eternally vigilant of vine diseases such as powdery mildew and botrytis.
They need to be more particular with harvest timings, and they need to pay more attention in the winery too. Hygiene and careful handling are paramount.
The Grigoriou family, fourth-generation grape growers in South Australia’s Riverland, are the people who put in the hard yards for the popular Farm Hand range of organic wine.
They have nearly 100 acres of organic vineyards in the Monash Valley, where the fertile soil and moderate, dry climate with very low autumn rainfall is well suited to organic viticulture.
Farm Hand has partnered with Carbon8, a not-for-profit organization that provides education, information and tools to farmers so that they can transition from traditional farming methods to regenerative agriculture.
The Farm Hand wines we tasted were bright and expressive and perfect for drinking in warmer weather. They would go very well with the recipes in the lovely salad books featured in this week’s recipe column.
Better still, it’s good to know that this is a label committed to the regeneration of Australian farmland, ensuring that it continues to flourish to support generations to come.
Farm Hand Chardonnay, $14.99: A very appealing, fresh, fruit-driven wine with stonefruit, pear and melon flavours. Nice and buttery with soft mineral acidity. Restrained and elegant, remarkable for the price. It would easily pair with a wide range of foods, including seafood, salad, and white meats.
Farm Hand Pinot Grigio, $14.99: A crowd-pleasing dry white that entices with aromas of pear and quince, following through with juicy apple, citrus and slightly nutty notes. An easy-drinking lunch or alfresco party wine.
Farm Hand Semillon Sauvignon Blanc, $14.99: Light and refreshing, this popular blend has vibrant lemon and melon notes with a zesty acidity and a touch of grassy/green herbaceousness. Crisp and eminently drinkable, great for taking on a picnic.
