New World Winemaking in Old School Regions
Whistler Wines and Usher Tinkler Wines are changing the game in the Barossa and Hunter.
Two of the oldest and most iconic wine regions in Australia are the Hunter Valley and the Barossa Valley. Within these Aussie regions there is an exciting ‘new wave’ of progressive, talented winemakers who are pushing the boundaries and tantalising our taste buds.
The Barossa Valley is one of the most historic wine producing regions in Australia dating back to 1842. The region was pivotal in the evolution of Australian wine in the 1970s and 1980s, helping to bring fine Australian wine to a global audience. Today there is a generation of winemakers who are once again helping to change the face of wine in the region.
Grape growing has been part of the Pfeiffer family way of life for four generations, beginning with Josh and Sam’s great grandfather, Albert Heinrich Pfeiffer. Whistler Wines is continuing to evolve as each vintage presents top performing varieties, so the range reflects those changes.
Josh’s passion for natural wine, organics and bio-dynamics continues to evolve the style of Whistler Wines while still staying true to the heritage on which they built their reputation. Across the range there is a freshness and energy that highlights this modern interpretation of an old region. I think these are some of the most food friendly wines that the Barossa has ever produced.
We’ve raided the cellar and pulled out the 2015 Shiver Down My Spine Shiraz which displays all of the classic Barossa characters you would expect, but the natural ferment and addition of 20 percent whole bunches open the wine up, letting more light in and as a result gives it a wonderfully spacious mouthfeel and sense of clarity.
Josh suggests pouring Whistlers’ Shiver Down My Spine Shiraz into Plumm Stemless RED+
The Hunter Valley is the birthplace of Australian wine. Returning from Europe with 20,000 vine cuttings in 1832, James Busby was vital in helping establish the Hunter Valley as a key wine region.
Usher Tinkler is one of Australia’s most dynamic young winemakers. Along with his grandfather and father, they all share the same name and united passion for the land. Located in the original Pokolbin Church that was built in 1905, the Usher Tinkler Wines Cellar Door showcases the brand that consists of a unique mix of wines. Shifting a gear in the Hunter Valley the wines are authentic yet adventurous. Blurring the lines between traditional and contemporary winemaking... wines that create discussion.
For winter drinking, Usher suggests his Mr T’s Fortified. This category is making a resurgence and has been crafted in exclusive small batches, over a very patient 15 years, to bring back the lost art of fortifying to the new generation of wine drinkers. A fortified Verdelho that has been given a whisky twist, it’s been made with fun and sophistication.
Usher recommends pouring his Mr T’s Fortified into Plumm Stemless REDb+