Iconic Australian Chef Matt Moran partners with The Group to champion this unique new range of wines.
Created from an innovative and unique partnership with a Grower Owned Collective, new premium wine brand The Group harnesses the collective skills, quality and expertise of around 100 grape growers and their families to deliver a range of full-flavoured, quality wines. This in turn allows The Group to showcase some of the highest quality wines from Australia’s leading wine regions, including McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills.
This is great and also support the livelihood of the growers, and to facilitate the sharing of knowledge and expertise to ensure their vineyards thrive and grow.
The wines will be available at Liquorland and First Choice Liquor Market stores nationally from 14 September with a diverse range of inspired varietals.
Chef Matt Moran on the evening explains “like paddock-to-plate, Grower Wines by The Group represent an exciting movement in the Australian wine industry. It paves the way for the hard-working growers and supports the local, real people behind the label. Establishing these connections is how you create honest, authentic and quality produce – whether its food or wine.”
The Group Winemaker, Marnie Roberts (virtually from Adelaide) spent her early years amongst her family’s vines. Marnie says “The collective knowledge, passion and experience that’s passed down through generations of growers is really special. These growers are experts on the fruit they grow, and what grapes make the finest wines possible. The Grower-Owned Collective enables growers and winemakers to join forces and in turn, make The Group’s range of truly exceptional wines.”
Dinner at Chiswick Woollahra was delicious and was paired with five red varietals.
The Shadow 2019 Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir 750ml – $34
The growers: Mike, Judy and their son James Press have been growing Pinot Noir in the Adelaide Hills for over 20 years.
The wine: The cooler climate of Adelaide Hills delivers a Pinot Noir with delicate and perfumed florals. Bright red fruit and cherry emerge from the palate in the sleek, elegant and graceful wine.
Chiswick Entreee: Woodfired flatbread; Asparagus, globe artichokes, pea pesto, pine nuts.
Other pairing: Ora King Salmon with a red wine butter sauce.
The Quiver 2019 McLaren Vale Grenache 750ml – $34
The growers: Dave and Jen Wright’s stunning Wlypena Vineyard is a beautiful site, which they also call home. Managed by Jen’s son Fred and wife Sarah, making this Grenache a family effort.
The wine: Old vines and sandy soil provide a perfectly balanced Grenache with cherry blossom aromas, fresh berry palate and a long smooth finish.
Chiswick Entree: Berkshire pork terrine, mustard, preserved vegetables.
Other pairing: Lamb ratatouille with lots of vegetables.
The Fever 2018 McLaren Vale Grower Blend 750ml – $34
The growers: Rob and Julie Symonds run a traditional mixed farm with grapes from several crops. This diversified focus supports their sustainable view on growing, one of the factors that has helped them produce some of the region’s highest quality grapes.
The wine: Crafted to showcase both structure and flavour, Merlot, Mourvèdre and Cabernet intertwine beautifully to create a lifted wine with a bold, juicy palate. Full of bold dark fruit – moody and seamlessly smooth.
Chiswick Main: Whole roasted chicken, new seasoned potato, snow peas; Slow roasted lamb shoulder, eggplant, mint.
Other pairing: Sirloin steak with a red wine jus and mash potato.
The Murder 2017 McLaren Vale Shiraz 750ml – $34
The growers: Brian and Valerie Cameron are 3rd generation McLaren Vale grape growers. With 70 years of family knowledge and experience going into growing the grapes for this wine.
The wine: With vineyards close to the ocean, the benefits of the cooling breezes are evident in the wine. It is inky yet bright, with silky dark fruits and excellent length. Bold, smooth and wonderfully balanced.
Chiswick Dessert: Pyengana cheddar, kumquat chutney, crostini
Other pairing: Game meat such as venison.
The Siege 2019 McLaren Vale Shiraz 750ml – $70
The grower: David & Ang Paxton purchased their first vineyard property in 1979 and been a vanguard of biodynamic wine growing in Australia since 2004.
The wine: This limited release is rich and complex with layers of dark fruit and hints of cocoa and spice. Using grapes sourced from a biodynamically farmed vineyard, The Siege showcases the benefits of the soils and vines operating in natural harmony.
Chiswick Dessert: Dark chocolate truffle
Other pairing: Smoked brisket or beef cheek.
