Boireann Named in James Halliday's 20 Great Reds

Boireann, another vintage, another accolade - this Granite Belt winery continues to shine on a national scale.

The latest James Halliday Wine Companion Magazine (June/July 2012 edition) has sung its praise, selecting their 2010 Shiraz in James Halliday's personal list of 20 Great Reds.

In choosing these 20 red wines, I was not attempting to combine a list of the greatest red wines that have been released in the last six or so months, simply 20 great wines. You will also see they come from many different regions including Adelaide Hills, Barossa Valley, Geographe, Granite Belt, Heathcote, Hunter Valley, Margaret River, McLaren Vale, Mudgee and the Yarra Valley.

The 2010 Boireann Granite Belt Shiraz was described as:

The vivid purple-crimson colour does not deceive; this is yet another beautifully balanced, beautifully structured shiraz from Boireann, astute selection of fruit from across the Granite Belt conjured by the inspired winemaking of Peter Stark into a wine sitting comfortably with the best wines of the southern and western states.

With only a limited quantity of this superb wine available, be sure to secure a bottle or two soon. For further information visit our website.

Taking on Barolo - Lirah's Nebbiolo Shines

In the words of wine writer Ken Gargett, "who would of thought that a small patch of dirt on Queensland's Granite Belt could come up with something that great producers in Barolo find mythical?"

That is exactly what Ian Henderson of LiraH, son-in-law of Angelo Puglisi (the Godfather of Queensland wine), has achieved.

Known in the southern hemisphere as Christmas wine (the grapes stay on the vines until Christmas), late-ripening Piedmont grape Nebbiolo is an exceptionally rare and eagerly-sought wine.

Since 2005, after a trip to Europe, Ian has tackled the challenge of producing a winter harvest Nebbiolo with excellent results. So impressive, one rep from a Barolo winery mistaken believed that it was made by his employer, and told that them how pleased he was with it.

Congrats Ian. Read the full article in the April/May edition of Gourmet Traveller Wine.

Leading NZ Wine Journalist Comes in Search of the Strange Bird

Our little Strange Birdie has stirred the interest of journos since its inception five years ago. Last week was no exception, with leading New Zealand wine journalist, John Saker venturing to the Granite Belt eager to sample our Strange Bird alternative wines.

John has all the credentials - not only the head wine writer for NZ's Sunday Star Times, he is also a columnist for the acclaimed Cuisine Magazine. And in his spare time John is a wine judge and author, with his book Celebration of and Guide to New Zealand's Pinot Noir a required read for the wine aficionado.

Invited to Noosa Food and Wine Festival by Tourism Australia (thank you!), John insisted part of his stay included a visit to nearby Granite Belt Wine Country.

Jim Barnes (our wine chair) met up with John at Shiraz Restaurant to discuss the formation of Strange Bird, and the growing popularity of alternative varieties in the region. (pictured left)

John's stay also included a visit to Boireann, Summit Estate, Tobin Wines, Symphony Hill, Golden Grove and Ballandean Estate, plus overnight at the Vineyard Cafe and Cottages where he enjoyed more Strange Birds.

Stay tuned for his article, as we look forward to more visitors from the land of the long white cloud.

Ed note: a special thanks also to Tourism Queensland and the RTO

We can talk about our love for the Granite Belt every day..make that every minute of every hour!

But nothing we say can ever come close to an unbiased opinion from one of our recent visitors. That's why we love Tripadvisor!

“Very Pleasantly Surprised”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 20, 2012

Last visited the Granite Belt ten years ago and to be quite honest the wine was very average and there were only a few quality places to eat. 

We visited again recently and I can honestly say that I was astonished at the changes. 

So many quality wineries with first class wine. Restaurants abound with tasty choices and beautiful locations. The fresh produce was outstanding.

Can't wait to return.

Why don't you discover what our gorgeous region has to offer www.granitebeltwinecountry.com.au

Getting Married?

Spend your special day in the stunning Granite Belt wine region.

Our new 72-page guide offers brides and grooms-to-be a comprehensive planning companion for a fairy-tale wedding.

Inspirational photography showcases the unique opportunities available, seamlessly revealing all that is magical about the Granite Belt and why it is the perfect destination for a once-in-a-lifetime occasion.

The new wedding guide allows you to see a sample of what this captivating, intimate region has to offer, and provides a plethora of ideas for the perfect day.

Our award winning vineyards create an amazing backdrop that is not easily forgotten.

The Granite Belt Wedding Guide includes the following information for brides- and grooms-to-be:

•     traditional and alternative wedding venues
•     regional produce, restaurants and cafes
•     vineyards and wineries
•     honeymoon options
•     accommodation
•     group stays
•     flowers, stationery and more.

It is available online in flipbook format or pdf download at www.granitebeltwinecountry.com.au

This is where elevated memories are made!

Stunning Granite Belt thanks to photographer Cory Rossiter

Getting Photographic - Autumn Capers

Last week on the Granite Belt we were busy capturing the last days of Autumn!

Local children showed us how much fun it was to play in fallen golden leaves, while the adults savoured fresh produce and wine amongst the vines at Bungawarra Wines in Ballandean.

Images by fabulous local photographer, Cory Rossiter.

Don't you wish you were here!!!

(PS - A big thank you must also go to our fantastic models)

Granite Belt on par with Barossa!

We are loving a recent Noosa Grapevine article by Martin Field, Noosa Today Newspaper.

Quote: Before moving from Melbourne to Noosa in 2007 I had rarely tasted Queensland wines...... A trip to the Granite Belt introduced me to the produce of Queensland's most famous wine region and I thought some of the wines there, especially the reds, were easily on par with classic styles from the Barossa and Victoria's Bendigo region.

His favourites wineries include - Summit Estate, Sirromet, Hidden Creek, and Robert Channon Wines!

Thanks Martin

David Costello of the Courier Mail went food fossicking in the Granite Belt recently. His favourite finds included:

Jamworks
Sue Ingall uses a food processor to get the tiny, diced vegetables that make her zucchini relish famous throughout the Granite Belt and beyond. The ingredients are lightly cooked and still firm, which adds a lovely texture on the palate. Serve with ham, cheese or stir through scrambled eggs. Another Ingall special is greengage plum jam made from a closely guarded tree in a secret location.
www.jamworks.com.au

Granite Belt Dairy
Roscoe and Karen have split the jobs at their Granite Belt dairy. He tends and milks the Jersey cows while she makes rich, golden cheeses. This Brass Monkey Blue uses both standard cultures plus "penicillium roqueforti", which give the cheese its blue-green hues. The result is a creamy, complex product with a pleasant finish.
www.granitebeltdairy.com.au

Heavenly Chocolate
Alba Conti makes clay pots and delightful chocolates at Wisteria Cottage near Stanthorpe. She got the chocolate bug while visiting her Argentinian homeland ski resorts a few years back. Conti uses Belgian couverture and local ingredients to make elegant pralines, including cabernet truffles and Heavenly lemon myrtles. (Ed note: closed until further notice)
www.wisteriacottage.com.au

The Ultimate Granite Belt Food + Wine Mag Is Now Online

The must-have guide for Granite Belt food and wine lovers is here!

The Granite Belt Food + Wine Magazine showcases the very best food and wine product in the region.

Discover what's on offer in the Granite Belt from the paddock, pantry and plate in a fun, easy to read, and enticing way.

Learn about the Granite Belt's organic producers; one of Australia's largest, premium vinegar producers; the region's European influences; and a stunning Shiraz that took Royal Melbourne Wine Show's top gold.

It also includes some mind-blowing recipes, from scrumptious apple muffins to the decadence of Cavolo Nero. The recipes use local ingredients, offering quality that won’t be appearing on supermarket shelves any time soon.

The Granite Belt celebrates life by the seasons, and this magazine will show you how to be a part of that from Spring-time Primavera, to the famous upcoming Brass Monkey winter season.

Read the online flipbook or download the 118 page annual magazine at www.granitebeltwinecountry.com.au