By John Rozentals.
The Mudgee Wine Region will celebrate its diversity with the annual Mudgee Food & Drink Trail held throughout the region on the weekend of the March 23-24.
The quality and range of wines, beers, spirits and food is one of Mudgee’s greatest drawcards, with new venues and menus included in the 2019 event.
It’s harvest time at Mudgee’s Huntington Estate.
“The ‘Trail’ has grown considerably over the past few years,” said Mudgee Wine Association President Jess Chrcek.
“It is a fantastic weekend where our wine and drink producers showcase their specialities, mixed-and-matched with a small, regionally inspired dish.
“This is an immersion into Mudgee. Visitors can engage with the winemakers, the brewers and local foodies to enjoy a taste of the region.”
As a self-guided trail, visitors can select their destinations and make their own way around at their own pace. This ensures that they are not rushed, and can stop and soak up the atmosphere at each venue.
“Mudgee has a proud tradition of winemaking, and this is now being complemented with locally made beer, spirits and artisan beverages,” said Jess.
“Along with our very talented cooks and chefs there is plenty on offer for visitors wanting to explore, experience and be expose the secrets of Mudgee.”
Visit www.visitmudgeeregion.com.au.
WINE DESCRIPTIONS
Thistle Hill 2018 Organic Off-Dry Riesling ($28): Mudgee is most renowned for its full-bodied reds but is evolving a surprising reputation for wines it makes from that most-delicate white variety, riesling. I haven’t yet tasted any of these three wines so am totally dependent on winemaker’s notes which describe ‘balanced interplay of residual sugar and zingy acidity’.
Skimstone 2018 Sangiovese Rosé ($22): Described as being ‘made in our new style’, presumably therefore as crisp, fresh and savoury — ‘Strawberry, rhubarb, oregano and pink peppercorn are seductively aromatic with the palate being soft up front, a zesty acidity and finishing with chewy tannins.’ I’ll let you know how true this is to reality.
Rosby 2014 Shiraz ($23): Notes describe this wine thus: ‘Mouth filling flavour coupled with grape and wood tannins promise a great wine.’ The property also organizes art workshops and has a rural guesthouse described as a ‘destination in itself’ — ‘embodies the philosophy of the family and the Rosby way of life, with all the personal touches you’d come to expect from luxury boutique accommodation.’
