The Event: a tasting of Castagna Vineyard wines from Beechworth Australia, with winemaker Julian Castagna, Feb 16, 2009

The Time and Date: Monday, February 16, 2009  12 PM to 6 PM

The Event: a tasting of Castagna Vineyard wines from Beechworth Australia, with winemaker Julian Castagna. The Ontario agent is The Living Vine.

The Venue: Fine Wine Reserve.

The Target Audience: clients, wine media, on a drop in basis.

The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available but in small numbers. Six wines were available, but we also tasted a "no-longer-available" 2007 Allegro from a previous offering.

The Quote/Background: All wines are produced from their own biodynamic vineyards. Julian was available to talk about any issue, including the recent Australian wild bushfires.

The Wines:

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Castagna 2007 Adams Rib The White, 14% ABV, viognier and chardonnay, BF, $49.95.

-Castagna 2005 Genesis Syrah, shiraz and viognier, $96.95 – my fave.

-Castagna 2005 Sparkling Genesis Syrah, shiraz and viognier, 600 bottles made, MC used, $99.95, four six-packs available, move fast.

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Castagna 2007 Allegro Rose, 14% ABV, shiraz and viognier, $39.95.

-Castagna 2008 Allegro Rose, 14% ABV, shiraz and viognier, $39.95.

-Castagna 2006 Adams Rib The Red, 14% ABV, pinot noir and shiraz, $49.95.

-Castagna 2005 Un Segreto, sangiovese and shiraz, $96.95.

 

The Food: some "small food" was promised, such as three cheeses (including Beemster XO), assorted breads and crackers, pate, etc.

The Downside: it was on Family Day, which I think reduced the attendance somewhat.

The Upside: a great chance to catch up with Mark Cuff and Julian Castagna.

The Contact Person: mark@thelivingvine.ca

The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 86.

 

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com