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Cooralook's philosophy is focused around winemaking that allows the inherent potential of the vineyard to be realized. It is the careful and considered work in the vineyard from pruning to picking that determines the true foundation and character of the wine. Although there were vineyards in the Strathbogie Ranges of Victoria, Australia in the early 20th century, none survived. The region's modern wine history dates from the mid-1970s when Dr. Peter Tisdall planted the vineyards, now part of the Yabby Lake stable on the granite escarpment of Mount Helen, high above Avenel. Cooralook wines are crafted from vines in Strathbogie Ranges, Heathcote, and Mornington Peninsula. Pinot Gris literally translates into "green cluster." That is because, unlike most white grapes, the skin has a greenish tinge to it. It soars to great heights in Alsace and in Northeast Italy where it is known as Pinot Grigio. Some producers crush the grapes with a little skin contact giving a greenish tinge to the wine and a heftier balance. We suspect that treatment here, though they won't say, because of the heftier balance. Fruit from their own vineyards in the Strathbogie Ranges and Mornington Peninsula the grapes were harvested in February and March under optimum conditions for this wine. The 2010 Cooralook Pinot Gris is Australia's first good-value yet high quality cool climate Pinot Gris. The wine displays complex aromas of hey honey, jasmine and salt air. You can taste the ripe fruit. The Cooralook Pinot Gris has a decadently full palate savory notes soft acid and a long deliciously ripe finish. This is a weightier and more imposing wine than you would expect from California, or even Italy. Think of it as a Pinot Grigio for Chardonnay drinkers and though it has no appreciable oak, it does sport some heft that would match heavier foods than its lighter counterparts. Try with more imposing dishes like sausage and peppers or grilled swordfish with an olive tepenade, brown rice and fried zucchini. It can definitely hold its own. January Vintners Series Newsletter (.pdf)
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