This full, fleshy wine is an instantly satisfying Australian Shiraz but it also has enough complexity to get you pondering. It seems to straddle the lushness of a warm climate Shiraz with the spiciness off its cool climate location. With little tannin, it has good length and flavors of blackberry, black plum and marionberry with a touch of baking spice and dried citrus in support.
Blackberry, plum, tangerine, marionberry, citrus and mint.
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Great Dividing Range in the Grampians region of Victoria, the Mount Langi Ghiran (Aboriginal for home of the yellow-tailed black cockatoo) vineyard is one of the most isolated and unique sites in Australian viticulture. The vineyard, with its towering granite cliffs and loamy red soils is a dramatic expression of the wide landscape. Mount Langi Ghiran, or Langi, as it is fondly referred to by the staff, was originally planted in 1870 and is renowned for its exceptional and distinctive cool climate Shiraz, as well as producing excellent Cabernet, Riesling and Pinot Gris.
My recipe for Stuffed Mozzarella and Chili Paste Hamburgers is a first-class take on the everyday burger and calls for stuffing the hamburger with mozzarella and, surprisingly, chili flakes (use as little or as much as you like). The spiced nuances of the wine and its ripe, fruity flavors work wonderfully with the rich combination of the grilled beef, mozzarella and heat from the chili flakes.
Only two hours west of Melbourne, the Grampians region enjoys breathtaking beauty with sheer slopes, soaring mountain ranges, rivers, waterfalls and a diversity of fauna and flora.