IT’S been an all-Australia week for me, which started with the media launch and tasting of Banrock Station Wines at Todd English Food Hall, Skypark, of SM Aura Premier last Monday, July 28, 2014, in the presence of Banrock Station winemaker Paul Burnett.
It took a long time in coming, but the Australian wine brand is finally in Manila. Future Trade International has brought in Banrock Station Wines from Australia’s Accolade Wines to expand its Australian wine brands in the country. Besides delivering fine wines to the world, Banrock Station Wines has been working for the conservation of the environment for 20 years now. Banrock Station was established in 1995 to demonstrate that wine production and conservation could go hand in hand. Since then, funds from wine sales have supported over 95 environmental projects in 13 countries. These projects range from restoring natural assets in Europe and saving salmon in Canada to preserving waterways and wetlands in Australia. Its ongoing commitment to environmental sponsorship is based on its own experiences in restoring and protecting its wetlands and woodlands on Banrock Station, which led to their listing as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 2002. It also has ongoing improvements on its packaging and use of sustainable techniques in the vineyard and winery with water and energy.
Banrock Station Wines consists of around 20 different variants, but Future Trade is initially bringing to Manila four variants – Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot and Moscato.
Banrock Station Cabernet Sauvignon flaunts a bouquet of ripe red berries, black currants and black pepper with hints of Vanillin oak. A soft medium to full bodied red wine with rick fruit flavors of mulberry, plum, cassis and cherry, this fruit driven wine is supported by subtle cinnamon and nutmeg spiced oak flavors. It finishes with lingering flavors of wild berries and subtle vanillaoak overtones.
Banrock Station Shiraz exhibits intense blackberry fruit over coffee and oak aromas with a hint of clove and cinnamon. A full bodied Shiraz, it displays plum and blackberry flavors with clove and aniseed spices supported by a rounded tannin structure.
Banrock Station Merlot exhibits lively blueberry and raspberry fruit aromas supported by a light, underlying sweet oak nuance. This wine has soft and light grainy tannins and floral notes balanced with its fruity sweetness. The underlying subtle oak character gives body and length to the palate.
Banrock Station Moscato displays fresh grapefruit and lemon aromas. This light bodied wine has retained natural fruit sweetness, showing flavors of pineapple and tropical fruits on the palate.
During the media launch held at Todd English Food Hall, all four wines were served with an exciting menu of Classic Flatbread, Simple Salad, Asada Steak Taco, Roasted Squash Ravioli Pasta and Todd English Half Chicken, finished with French Macarons.
Winemaker Paul Burnett, who has been with Banrock Station since 2009, explained about the wines to help everyone enjoy the wines better. He specializes in reds, although the very first bottle of wine he made was actually a Sauvignon Blanc. As winemaker, he oversees the whole process of Banrock Station’s wine production, from the picking of the grapes (grapes are now mechanically harvested) and crushing to the fermentation and bottling.
