On Friday September 4th Wine Australia and the Chicago Jazz Festival kicked off a Labor Day weekend to remember.
Wine Australia created their Wine Oasis directly across from the main stage, affording enthusiasts a chance to chill out with an array of 24 summer Wines from down under while grooving to the sounds of jazz greats such as William Parker and the Dave Holland Big Band.
This outpost of education and enjoyment allowed people to move from tent to tent, exploring the styles that make Australia a go to destination for wine lovers the world over.
For those in search of something crisp and refreshing there was a tent with the wonderful dry white of Australia. From my favorite, their Rieslings, to equally impressive Semillons and Sauvignon Blanc and beyond there was something to refresh every palate.
Those looking for a little more oomph sought out the Rich and Elegant tent, offering up Chardonnay, Roses and light reds with the famous reds, Shiraz, Rhone Blends and Cabernets to be found under the Bold and Impressive banner.
In an effort to make the Oasis a complete educational adventure, Australian winemakers Phil Sexton of Innocent Bystander and Tom Carson of Yabby Lake were on hand offering their unique take on the wines styles, varieties and the unique terroir of the many famed wine regions of Australia.
The combination of cool jazz, a great selection of wines, and weather that was just perfect made for a memorable weekend. People enjoyed the event from morning to night and this event certainly set a precedent that will make future events sit up and take notice.
The sophisticated yet accessible wines of Australia made this an event to remember. They complemented the vibe of the day and added a modern touch to a 30-year-old tradition. Chicago’s Jazz Festival will never be the same.
A few Great Wines from Australia!
Australia is well known as a producer of great Shiraz but there is so much more to Australian wines. Their white wines are great values and can compete with the world's finest2007 Leasingham Magnus Riesling
Clean, crisp and bracing in classic Australian style this has bright and precise flavors of citrus fruits, flowers and crushed green leaves.
Australia is leading the way adapting to new varieties.
Pinot Gris, also known as Pinot Grigio, is one of the worlds most successful white wine grapes. Australia has joined the cream of the crop with their richly fruited style.2007 Innocent Bystander Pinot Gris
Light and aromatic with a subtle spice note under the ripe apple and nectarine fruit tones. On the palate this is medium bodied and fairly broad with light, fresh fruit ones and a touch of spice on the finish
Australia is also Full of Surprises when it comes to Red Wine
Cool climate vineyards are expanding Australia's reach in the world markets. The lighter,elegant winesproduced from these vineyards are the perfect complement to the big, bold, spicy wines Australia is famous for.
2008 Coralook Pinot Noir
Surprisingly light bodied but dripping with bright fruit, light red hot cinnamon spice tones and fine nuanced underbrush notes, this is not complicated but that is it's strength.
Comments
The Coralook is a beautiful pinot for the money, made by the same winemaker as Yabby Lake. I've found that it works really well with grilled poultry or fish.
Sep 15, 2009 at 9:49 PM
Dal Piaz
I'm glad you enjoyed it probono.
A nice surprise from Australia. I look forward to trying more of these cooler climate wines.
Sep 16, 2009 at 6:52 AM
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