Showing posts with label Food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Food. Show all posts

Saturday, September 5, 2015

Strangebird on the loose - Nebbiolo

Nebbiolo makes wine with a distinct brown colour. The wines are usually long lived and often reward cellaring for a decade or so. In some ways Nebbiolo wines resemble Pinot Noirs in the way that they age into wines with soft rich tannins. The wines have rich flavours with a nose most often described as 'tar and roses'. Some other flavours and aromas to look for are spicy, chocolate, leathery and earthy flavours. Think of a forest floor.
- See more at: http://www.vinodiversity.com/nebbiolo.html#sthash.jkclArCH.dpufNebbiolo makes wine with a distinct brown colour. The wines are usually long lived and often reward cellaring for a decade or so. In some ways Nebbiolo wines resemble Pinot Noirs in the way that they age into wines with soft rich tannins. TNebbiolo makes wine with a distinct brown colour. The wines are usually long lived and often reward cellaring for a decade or so. In some ways Nebbiolo wines resemble Pinot Noirs in the way that they age into wines with soft rich tannins. The wines have rich flavours with a nose most often described as 'tar and roses'. Nebbiolo makes wine with a distinct brown colour. The wines are usually long lived and often reward cellaring for a decade or so. In some ways Nebbiolo wines resemble Pinot Noirs in the way that they age into wines with soft rich tannins. The wines have rich flavours with a nose most often described as 'tar and roses'. Nebbiolo is notoriously difficult to grow well and for Australian red wine drinkers the first taste is often a bit unexpected, as the colour, aroma and mouthfeel are quite different from the Shiraz most of us were brought up drinking.


Nebbiolo takes its name from the fog (nebbia) that swirls around the Piedmontese hills at harvest time. All the literature suggests that not only is Nebbiolo difficult to grow well in Australia, but that it can be challenging for the palate of Australian wine-drinkers. We say 'Challenge away!'. The aroma of Nebbiolo is compared to ‘tar and roses’ and the variety 'typically produces rich and powerful wines with high levels of acidity, alcohol and tannins ... a distinct brown colour which is appropriately accompanied by flavours of earth, chocolate, leather and spice' says experimental wine website Different Drop.

 Multi-award winning winery Ballandean Estate produces Nebbiolo, and Leeanne Puglisi-Gangemi has this to say about the temperamental variety:

'We planted our vines about 20 years ago and have had our ups an down with the variety. In saying that, we are planting a little more of this variety this year to top up our volume, so I guess you could say,we have faith in the variety

'The wine we produce at Ballandean Estate is usually quite tannic with the characteristic “orange” tinge of the meniscus and the flavour is bold and fruit driven.  It is not a wine to be taken lightly and definitely a ‘food friendly’ style.  Served with a flavoursome pasta dish and you would swear you were in Italy.


'With the success of the Strangebird wine trail, we are confident that our next release, 2014 Nebbiolo will delight the adventurous wine tasters of the region.'

We're looking forward to it, Leeanne! Other producers in the region include Boireann Estate and Symphony Hill. 
Some other flavours and aromas to look for are spicy, chocolate, leathery and earthy flavours. Think of a forest floor.
- See more at: http://www.vinodiversity.com/nebbiolo.html#sthash.jkclArCH.dpuf
Some other flavours and aromas to look for are spicy, chocolate, leathery and earthy flavours. Think of a forest floor.
- See more at: http://www.vinodiversity.com/nebbiolo.html#sthash.jkclArCH.dpufhe wines have rich flavours with a nose most often described as 'tar and roses'. 
Some other flavours and aromas to look for are spicy, chocolate, leathery and earthy flavours. Think of a forest floor.
- See more at: http://www.vinodiversity.com/nebbiolo.html#sthash.jkclArCH.dpuf

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

The Queen of Sleeping and Eating around Queensland visits the Granite Belt

Acclaimed Sunday Mail Short Breaks writer Alison Cotes, affectionately known as the ‘Queen of sleeping and eating around Queensland’, topped the town with a visit to the Granite Belt this week.

Hosted by the Top of the Town Tourist Park, Alison’s visit focused on the budget and self catering market, and attracting visitors’ mid-week during our busy Brass Monkey season.

Alison ferreted out budget options including fabulous home-made food and craft from our local Country Women’s Association. She also enjoyed a delicious and hearty meal of angel-haired pasta with chilli prawns at Happy Valley Retreat, washed down with a superb 2007 Cab Sauv from Harrington Glen.

Noting the Granite Belt as “one of her favourite haunts”, Alison promised to be back again before Spring after a sojourn overseas.

Alison shares a glass with Michele Cozzi, Granite Belt Wine and Tourism

Galloping Gourmet Traveller rides into Granite Belt


The lady who writes for Gourmet Traveller and delivers food writing workshops Karen Reyment is the latest journo to stalk Stanthorpe food producers. Aside from delivering a workshop in Stanthorpe this week, her other current mission is to research producers for inclusion in the new SBS Foodies Guide to Brisbane (and surrounds). We were very excited to learn that this is to become an annual edition!

Karen is passionate about food, writing, more food and food writing. Her Food Tales creative writing workshop will be held at Stanthorpe Library on Wednesday 4 May 10-12.30am in conjunction with the State Library of Queensland.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Queensland's Food Fellow

If you haven't heard the name Alison Alexander before you may be out of the loop.  She's just been appointed the new Queensland Food Fellow by the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI).

Hailing from rural Queensland, Alison has spearheaded a wave of food enthusiasm stretching the length and breadth of our sunny state. Through her leadership with the Brisbane Hilton Masterclass (along with Peter Howard) Alison has earned the respect of food industry movers and shakers.

Drawing on her extensive knowledge, Alison will work with DEEDI in developing projects to enhance our food reputation. Over the next two years Alison will travel to popular food centresm such as Sydney and Melbourne, to profile the food and innovative food science of Qld.

Keep an eye out for Alison Alexander, the lady who says she eats and drinks for a living is sure to make more food headlines .

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Not Quite Nigella's Granite Belt Debut


Despite her petite frame, the lady's appetite is as voracious as her work output. Not Quite Nigella (NQN)  is the alter ego of Lorraine Elliott who made her debut visit to the Granite Belt recently.  She was one of five visiting food writers invited to the Queensland wine capital by Tourism Queensland as part of a campaign to share the sunshine state's wine and food offerings with a wider audience.

So join NQN on her culinary tour of Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt region and read about her experiences, In this first edition she writes about samplings at Suttons Juice, Summit and Tobin Estates, the delights of Shiraz and Vineyard Cafe restaurants and then she bunked down in the luxury of Olive Grove Estate ...take me there now

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Take your tastebuds on a tour at South Bank


It is not every day you can take a walk in the park and bump into a Master of Wine, but that's the rare treat for wine enthusiasts at South Bank next weekend.

Andrew Corrigan MW will present four free sessions throughout the day as part of the Granite Belt Flavours event at South  Bank on Sunday 13 March.  Andrew's wine appreciation marquee will 30 others showcasing Stanthorpe's top wine and food producers. Product sampling and sales, plus live entertainment will add to a good day out on the lawns of Little Stanley Street.

Get on your bike, catch a bus or ferry and see you there 10am to 4pm. Check out the full list of participants for Sunday 13 March.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Foodies enjoy last of the summer wine

Five food writers crossed the Great Dividing Range to work their way through more than a dozen Granite Belt menus and wine lists last weekend.

It was a tough job but those up for the challenge were Kerry Heaney, Tiana Templeman, Lorraine Elliott and Jenna Cairney (L to R here) with Vineyard Cafe Chef David Black and winemaker Adrian Tobin. Out of range was Wendy Hall.

The visit provided a fitting end for the last weekend of summer in the Queensland wine capital. The group spent three days criss crossing the Granite Belt and by all accounts returned home well fed and watered with memory chips full of images.  The food writers famil to Stanthorpe was organised by Tourism Queensland as part of its current publicity push to let Australians know we are open for business.  I'll drink to that!

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Degustation a Fab Feb Delight

One of Stanthorpe's oldest tourist operators has undergone a makeover and they are hosting a degustation dinner to celebrate. 

The place has new owners, new furniture and new furnishings but these have not dimished the traditional charm of Happy Valley Retreat.  Geoff and Dee Davenport have joined forces with Robert Channon Wines - from just up the road - in inviting you to join a select group to enjoy a seven course degusation dinner on Saturday 19 February.

The man behind the new menu is head chef Michael Lambert, the man behind the wine is of course Robert Channon, a legend in his own short lunchtime on the Granite Belt.  Book now $90/head  includes live entertainment. Phone 4681 1370 and look online to take advantage of one of the Granite Belt's Fab Feb 30% OFF campaign offers,

Friday, February 11, 2011

You don't have to have a sweetheart to share the love in Stanthorpe

February 14th can feel a little lonely if you are single...but we're just not having it!

Bella Rosa's, just north of Stanthorpe, is inviting you to come out and meet other singles. The social kicks off at 6.30pm on Monday and for just $55 you'll receive a 3 course dinner and complementry drink. They are also providing free transport to/from Stanthorpe Post Office to spare you getting up close and personal with Mr Plod.

Effervescent hosts Michelle and Nat Burton say "you never know, you might meet the man/woman/manwo of your dreams!"  Or you might just have a very pleasant evening in good company.   The girls at Bella Rosa's have a tea room, beer garden and cottage and they are one of dozens of participatants in the Granite Belt's Fab Feb 30% OFF campaign. 

Monday, January 24, 2011

Eat and Drink with Queenslanders


Restaurateurs and retail get online to support Qld farmers
Amid the recent QLD flood devastation a motivated group of business people, primary producers and restaurateurs, with the support of DEEDI, have set up www.supportQLDproducers.net

The site lets QLD retailers, wholesalers and growers tell consumers and potential stockists how they can still access their products despite the recent devastation.
This is not-for-profit organisation and is already helping a number of Granite Belt producers. Good work guys!

Monday, December 20, 2010

Bush Tucker takes off in Granite Belt

Visit Stanthorpe in January where The Aussie Beef Steakhouse is introducing a special Aussie Taster plate influenced by native bush tucker.   The entree includes :
  • Grilled Crocodile skewers with Desert Lime Chutney
  • Herb crusted seared emu steak with grilled field mushrooms
  • Kangaroo, bush tomato and mountain pepper sausage with tomato relish
  • Braised wild goat and onion pie.
The steakhouse adjoins the High Street Motor Inn, both run by the Cox family. Your hosts will regale you with the story behind Akatjurra, the bush tomato harvested by the Alyawarra Aboriginal tribe and the Mountain Pepper plus all the other bush goodies.  Tucker and its tale for just $16 - this entree portion is perfect for curious tastebuds and patriots when dining on the Granite Belt.  While in the region, pop into Castle Glen and try their bush tucker in a bottle - ask for the wild plum liqueur.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Tune in this Saturday to 7 at 7pm


The flavour of the Granite Belt and South Burnett will star on the small screen this week in Episode 3 of Off the Eaten Track.

This four part TV feature series is a collaboration between the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) and Tourism Queensland and explores the diversity and abundance of Queensland produce.

This week features Granite Belt producers Ballandean Estate Wines, Boireann Wines, Sutton's Farm and Symphony Hill Wines, plus DPI Applethorpe viticulture specialist Mark Deegennaars. 

The four part series airs on Channel 7 and is hosted by Alastair McLeod of Ready, Steady, Cook fame, and executive chef at both Bretts Wharf restaurant, Hamilton and Tank restaurant in Brisbane.  Airing of the first two episodes have drawn strong audience figures....so tune into 7 at 7pm this Saturday to see highlights of the Queensland wine capital this week.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Tune into Off the Eaten Track starts in Stanthorpe


Tune into Channel 7 at 7pm from Saturday 4 December for the latest Queensland wine and food story.

Produced by TPD Media and presented by chef Alastair McLeod, the brand new series showcases various Queensland regional food and wine heroes. The result - Off the Eaten Track – is a collaboration between the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) and Tourism Queensland. 

The new four-part series will air on Channel 7 in the lead up to Christmas. Week one features the Granite Belt where Alastair and sommelier Peter Marchant meet winemakers at Ballandean Estate, Boireann Winery and Symphony Hill Wines. 

Learn more and see the trailer at www.queenslandholidays.com.au/eat then mark your diary for Saturday 4 December. 

Friday, November 12, 2010

Record crowds beat a path to the Granite Belt

Attendance at this year's Brisbane Good Food and Wine Show peaked and for 20,000 visitors local wine producers were a key feature. Over the three days one of the most popular destinations was the Granite Belt cluster which attracted a constant stream of visitors creating standing room only!

From 10am Friday 5 November until Sunday afternoon more than 3000 copies of the region's official new Visitor Guide were snapped up.  Granite Belt tasting sessions in the Reidel wine theatre were so popular they were over subscribed.  Interest in the Queensland wine capital has never been stronger and planning has begun for an even bigger group to travel from Stanthorpe in November 2011.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Lunch on a Local this Spring

There are still three weeks to treat yourself to the spring menu at the Banca Ridge Bistro which features the very finest ingredients from a number of Granite Belt producers.  Under the masterful eye of head chef Andrew Simpson (left), the students at the Queensland College of Wine Tourism are dishing up the best of the Granite Belt's spring offering.

The Spring menu's hall of fame includes recognition for Mallow Lamb, Suttons apple juice and Symara organic fennel bulbs.  A mushroom cappuccino and roasted pear and crisp chorizo salad are just two of the items on the college's signature dish - Medley of Mains.  The Medley includes samplers of four separate dishes, each accompanied by their own wine and all for $37.50.  Book your table now 07 4685 5050. Buon appetito!

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Taste a Queenslander at Brisbane Good Food & Wine Show

The Strange Bird is preening its feathers for its final big outing of 2010. A dozen Granite Belt producers will nest at the Queensland stand at this week's Brisbane Good Food and Wine Show.

The popular annual consumer show kicks off at 10am this Friday and runs through till Sunday at 5pm.   The show attracts thousands of wine and food lovers, key media and the who's who of the industry.

The wine producers from Stanthorpe include Ballandean Estate, Golden Grove, Felsberg Winery, Harrington Glen Estate, Robert Channon Wines, Pyramids Road Wines, Sirromet, Summit Estate and Symphony Hill.  The Bramble Patch and Bella Rosa's will also be showcasing food products from the Granite Belt. See you there!

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Southside - A Festival of Flavours

It's brand new and its all about you enjoying great flavours.

Mt Gravatt Showgrounds this Sunday 31 October is the place to be for a brand new festival of top local wines, international flavours, gourmet treats, cooking demonstrations and live entertainment.

Leading Granite Belt wine producers include Ballandean Estate, Golden Grove, Granite Ridge, Ridgemill Estate, Robert Channon, Sirromet, Summit Estate and Symphony Hill plus fabulous gourmet producers LiraH, The Bramble Patch and Vivienne's Cottage Spices.  We're travelling down from Stanthorpe for a special day that really is all about you!  Gates open 10am to 6pm Learn more about Southside Wine & Food Festival

Monday, September 27, 2010

Mad Hatters Meet at Bella Rosa's

Saturday 2 October is official Mad Hatter day at Bella Rosa's just north of Stanthorpe.  The focus - of course - is a tea party, and that's something that Bella Rosa Tea Rooms does very well.

No prizes for guessing who is pictured here - it is Bella Rosa's own Nat in a Hat of course! When not being silly, she's a dab hand in the kitchen.  In her primary role as chef, this week Nat Burton is whipping up all a feast of special treats for Saturday's high tea.

There's a glass of bubbly on arrival and prizes to be won. And to get serious for a moment, this is one of three Mad Hatter Tea Parties being held during spring at Bella Rosa's with proceeds raised being donated to Pink Ribbon.   $55/adult all inclusive. Book now 07 4685 2367 or 0422 751660.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Thai takeaway with a twist

Fancy a drop of Queensland wine with your Thai food by the river? Sharing Brisbane's South Bank parklands on Sunday 3 October are four featured events: Granite Belt Flavours, Thai Culture and Food Festival, the Young Designers Market and South Bank Lifestyle Market. More than 20 Granite Belt wine and food producers invite you to enjoy the aromas and tastes of Thailand with a bottle of your favourite Granite Belt wine while soaking up the river views and live entertainment. 
Entry is free and for one day only - 10am-4pm Sunday 3 October.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Curry hot spot in Stanthorpe

Bella Rosa's is the newest name in curry cuisine on the Granite Belt, thanks to the arrival of a chef from the sub-continent.

The popular spot just north of Stanthorpe, makes the transition from old fashioned tea shop by day to curry hot spot at night, giving a new meaning to food fusion.  Adding a touch of spice, the team at Bella Rosa's promote it as "Baha Thul-india" because the cafe is sited in the small village of Thulimbah. [Now why didn't I think of that!]

Locals have welcomed the news because until now there has been no Indian restaurant in the Queensland wine capital.  The new menu is crafted by chef Sunni Gill who came to the Granite Belt via 25 years in kitchens in New Zealand and Australia.

Indian fare is available at Bella Rosa's from Thursday to Sunday 4.30pm onwards for dine in or take away or pre-booked groups at other times phone 4685 2367.