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Australian Wine Tasting at 15th Street Pizza

Australian Wines featured in 15th Street Pizza Wine Tasting

My favorite local pizza place had another wine tasting. 15th Street Pizza really does a fantastic job with their wine events. They started a series where we travel the world through wines. The travelers are given a wine passport. There is a stamp for each event and a special gift after a certain number of stamps. You know I’m looking forward to filling up my passport. The journeys so far have been great. First we went to Italy, then France, and this time it was Australia:

Australian themed tablescape for wine tasting at 15th Street Pizza

Each event features cuisine from that country. I was excited to see what food would be at this one. (Of course!) I do not know much about Australian food so it was another adventure in itself. I looked over at the table and saw Vegemite – how Australian! It was my first time tasting it. I had no idea what it would be like. I scooped up a big dollop and put it on my plate with the bread. My Australian friend saw it and said I had way too much. Sure thing. It has a very strong taste. It was interesting however it is not something I will go out and buy. At least I can say I tried it.

Vegemite and Bread served at 15th Street Pizza Australian Wine Tasting Event

There were meat pies from an Australian bakery. They were quite tasty and I like them better than the meat pies I am used to (like chicken pot pie). Now I need to find a recipe and add it to my to-cook list.

Australian Meat Pies served at 15th Street wine tasting event

Pavlova was one of the desserts. It was also my first time tasting it. I learned Pavlova is one of the most popular desserts in Australia There are bakeries that specialize in them. I suppose it is like the cupcake stores here.

Pavlova served at 15th Street Pizza Australian Wine Tasting Event

The wines were the highlight of the event. I do enjoy Australian wines as a whole. They generally are a good value and a lot of them are great for everyday. There were seven wines from many Australian wine regions:

  • Henry’s Drive Pillar Box White 2009 – A light, crisp, and fruity blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Verdelho. This is one white blend I would drink again. It is great for hot summer day and has nice citrus and tropical fruit flavors.
  • Torbreck Woodcutter’s Semillion 2010 – This one was a little “heavier” than the first. It has an oily texture. Yes, oily. Not oily like drinking olive oil – just thicker than your typical white wine. It is hard to describe. It has flavors of apricot, white peach, and almonds. This was my least favorite wine of the evening.
  • Red Dust Shiraz 2010 – A great representation of an everyday Australian Shiraz. It has peppery dark fruit flavors and a hint of chocolate. It is mildly tannic and has a nice finish.
  • 3 Rings Shiraz 2007 – This is more of a special occasion Shiraz. It was served side by side with the Red Dust. While the Red Dust was quite good, this one really did it for me. It has an extra smoothness and depth of flavor. This is one of the wines I get the feeling of a warm hug when I am sipping it. It was my favorite wine of the evening.
  • Mollydooker Two Left Feet 2010 – A nice blend of Shiraz, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. It is a medium-bodied wine with lots of jammy fruit flavors. I have always enjoyed a Syr-Cab and this one has the added Merlot to smooth it out. It is easy to sip on and one I would buy.
  • Paringa Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 – An everyday cab with black and red fruit flavors. It is not very tannic and was a little smoother than most cabs. I am not sure if that is typical of Australian cabs since this is the first one I have tasted. It did make me want to try more of them and that is a good thing.
  • Paringa Sparkling Shiraz 2009 – This is not your typical bubbly. It is like a carbonated red wine. My first impression was “Wow!” but then after a few more sips it went to “Okay”. It is different for sure. It has all the dark, rich, juicy fruit flavors plus the bubbles. Interesting, however I would pass on this one.

All in all it was a wonderful evening. I met some nice people, had great food, and tasted Australian wines. Many thanks again to 15th Street for having this event. I am very much looking forward to the next one. I wonder which country we will be traveling to next.

What is your favorite Australian wine? Let me know so I can add more to my wine shopping list. I do so very much enjoy discovering new wines. Cheers!

Lesley Collins

Thursday 23rd of August 2012

What? No Lamingtons or Anzac biccis??! The first time I tried Vegemite, I piled it on like Marmite and got one nasty shock!!! Needless to say, I've never had it since; though my kids enjoy it, like true blue Aussies!

Katherine G

Tuesday 21st of August 2012

All the food looks delicious!!! Sounds like you had a great time.

Terry

Tuesday 21st of August 2012

Must have been fun experiencing that with Bron. Sorry I missed it.