Man’s Best Friend and Wine

A few years ago a book called Wine Dogs was published. It was a great success and several new and international editions were printed.

But dogs help sell wine as well as guarding the vineyards and wineries while welcoming visitors to the cellar door. They are present on many labels as well. I have written a page about wine dogs and linked it to a Pinterest collection some labels featuring out faithful companions. If you are a winelover and a doglover like you me you might find it more interesting than watching cat videos on Facebook.

Do you know of any good dog themed wine labels? Just hit reply to let me know and I'll add them to the Pinterest board.

Some Offers from my Wine Supply Partners

Coates Wines in the McLaren Vale make an impressive range of wine using locally produced grapes as well as fruit from selected Vineyards in the Langhorne Creek, Clare and Adelaide Hill Regions. Winemaker Duane Coates focuses on making wines to bridge the gap between Australian and Mediterranean styles. Vinodiversity fans will love ‘The Iberian” a blend of Touriga Nacional (44%), Tempranillo (21%), Monastrell (15%), Syrah (11%), Malbec (4%), Cinsault (2%) and Garnacha (2%). Share a bottle with a friend or two and debate whether it is the Cinsault or the Garnacha that make all the difference. Seriously you will enjoy this wine, and the other five less varietally elaborate reds in this sixpack.

The second offer is for a Malbec Six Pack.

World Malbec Day is fast approaching again (April 17 2016) so you need to see just what the fuss is about with this variety.

It’s had a checkered history in Australia. Formerly the blending partner with more mainstream varieties like Shiraz and Cabernet it went out of fashion in the 1980s and 1990s. But Malbec has made a comeback over the past decade or so partly due to the remodelling of the variety in Argentina and partly due to the introduction of new clones, but mainly due to the change of attitude of winemakers and consumers.

A good place to Start learning about this variety is a sixpack of Malbec from six different producers in five different regions

You only have 11 months to get your palate into shape for next year's Malbec day.

An event to check out

If you are lucky enough to be in Melbourne next weekend you should check out 21st Century Vino, a day long seminar followed by a tasting of some of the best wines from cutting edge producers - all alternative varieties of course.

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Cheers,

Darby