Artemis Shiraz Viognier
Take me away…
Wine is romanticized by the context in which we drink it.
If you think about the most memorable drop you’ve ever had, I’m guessing you’ll easily be able to remember the surroundings in which you drank it.
Just like the thought of drinking Jim Beam sparks the shiver a cold winters night and the smell of a country bush fire (ah, the days of my youth), recalling a memorable bottle of wine also carries the story of a beautiful place, or the unforgettable words of the person with whom you drank it.
In short, wine is not just a sensation of the palate – it is an experience. It carries a story.
On this note, I would like to introduce you to a wine that reminds me of home. Not only because I drank a half a bottle curled up on a rug by the wood fire, but also because this smooth sensation comes from a winery just down the road from me.
The Southern Highlands has a very cool climate, and therefore grows a lot more white grape varieties than red. As such, this 2009 Artemis Shiraz Viognier was a pleasant surprise – it just goes to show that an exceptional bottle of Shiraz can still be nurtured and produced in cooler conditions. I’m not sure if the Viognier is grown in the region or sourced from vineyards elsewhere – there seems to be very little documentation on this hidden gem!
Sip, Sip!
Deep purple in colour, this delicious blend is like velvet on your tongue; a fantastic balance of tannin & acidity. It smacks of darker kinds of fruit – plum, blueberries, blackberries, finishing with subtle suggestion of chocolate and spice.
As for purchase information, I must confess this bottle was given to me, so I can’t direct you your local bottle-o to pick some up. However, if I’ve successfully piqued your interest I would recommend contacting Artemis wines to put an order in. Or, even better – pay a visit to my home town, Mittagong, and wing by their Cellar Door. I’m informed that they’re only open on a weekday – so make sure you pop by then.
The area is full of many other boutique wineries- so a cheeky tour would definitely be an order! Click here to take a look at the Highlands HQ – a neat little website that lists all the main wineries in the area & their contact details.
