[00:00] Introduction to the episode and guests

[02:15] Why does the size and shape of a wine glass matter?

[05:30] The anatomy of a wine glass: bowl, stem, and base

[10:45] Comparing different wine glasses: Bordeaux vs. Burgundy

[15:20] The role of glass shape in releasing wine aromas

[20:00] Experimenting with different glasses for Chardonnay

[25:30] Discussing the traditional flute for sparkling wines

[30:45] The impact of glass thickness on wine taste

[35:00] Practical tips for washing and maintaining wine glasses

[40:15] The importance of swirling wine in the glass

[45:00] Stemless glasses: Pros and cons

[50:30] Upcoming event at Saddler's Creek Wines: Stemware Master Class

[55:00] Closing thoughts: Why stemware matters

31st August

In this episode of Wine Matters, Wendy Laureti discusses the top iconic wines of Australia, with a focus on the Bluegrass wines from Saddler's Creek Wines. Bluegrass is a label that has been a part of the winery's portfolio since 1990.

Wendy and her guest, wine marketing expert Deborah Szabo, talk about the different wines in the Bluegrass collection, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, blends, and sparkling Cabernet.

They discuss the food and wine pairings that go well with Bluegrass wines, such as duck pancakes, venison, and roast pumpkin.

They also highlight the aging potential of Bluegrass wines, with some bottles being aged for 10 years or more. Overall, Bluegrass wines are known for their consistency, deliciousness, and affordability.

Wendy and Deborah are tasting the Bluegrass Caberent Sauvignon 2014 Cellar Release alongside the 2021 current release.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Wine Matters and the Love of Wine 01:27 The Iconic Status of Bluegrass Wines 08:39 The History and Region of Bluegrass Wines 10:03 The Signature Style and Blends of Bluegrass Wines 14:19 The Sparkling Cabernet and Affordable Iconic Wines 26:29 Exploring Unique Food Pairings and the Value of Aged Wines 29:15 The Tradition and Consistency of Bluegrass Wines 34:05 Recommendations for Trying Bluegrass Wines and Gift Ideas

Saddler's Creek Wines is located in the Hunter Valley and is a family owned boutique winery. Established in 1990, Wendy, Frank Laureti were Club Equus members prior to buying the winery in 2015 along with Frank's brother Serge. 

The Pokolbin based Cellar Door is open daily with live music and food van every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mentioned tastings;

Bluegrass and Burger Tasting Flight held daily throughout May and June

Ribs and Reds Masterclass May and June

https://saddlerscreek.com/

Wine Matters Podcast is hosted by Saddler's Creek Wines owner Wendy Laureti. In this episode she chats with Brett Woodward, head winemaker of Saddler's Creek about how wine is made and the journey from grape to glass. Discover how wine is made from the vineyard planting, growing season, harvesting, fermentation, maturation to bottling. Hunter Valley growing season begins in September, and harvest occurs in January to February.

Saddler's Creek Wines is located in the Hunter Valley Australia www.saddlerscreek.com

Cellar Door is open daily

In this episode of Wine Matters, Wendy and Sam dive into the topic of "clean wine" to unravel its meaning and implications. Sam introduces the complexity of the term, emphasising its lack of a clear legal or technical definition. They explore how "clean wine" has become a marketing buzzword, often used to imply health and environmental benefits without substantial evidence. Sam highlights the importance of transparency in winemaking and that clean wine isn't necessarily synonymous with natural or organic wine. He explains the differences between clean, natural, and organic winemaking processes, stressing the need for consumers to look beyond marketing claims and seek transparent information about how the wine is produced. Throughout the discussion, Wendy and Sam emphasise their commitment to sustainable winemaking practices at Saddler's Creek Wines. They discuss efforts to minimise environmental impact, reduce chemical usage, and prioritise transparency in their winemaking processes. Ultimately, the episode encourages consumers to seek out small wineries and boutique producers who prioritise transparency and sustainability, rather than getting caught up in marketing jargon. By understanding the practices behind the wine they consume, consumers can make more informed choices and enjoy their wine with confidence. Saddler's Creek Wines are made with a sustainable clean approach

Wine Matters Podcast is hosted by Saddler's Creek Wines owner Wendy Laureti. In this episode she interviews Lewis Drayton, from Ivanhoe Wines and discuss what's the difference between buy a bottle of wine from a large retailer vs a family owned boutique winery in the Hunter Valley. Saddler's Creek Wines neighbour in the Hunter Valley is Ivanhoe Wines, with Lewis at the helm who is the 6th generation of the famous Drayton Winemaking family. He brings a rich heritage of winemaking to the podcast. As a sixth-generation member of the Drayton family, with 171 years of history in the Hunter Valley, Lewis shares his insights into winemaking, family legacy, and the evolution of the wine industry. What's is their glass? Lewis presents the Ivanhoe 2020 Chambourcin Shiraz. Family Legacy and History: Lewis shares the remarkable journey of the Drayton family in the Hunter Valley, tracing back to 1843. The family's commitment to winemaking and their pursuit of excellence have shaped Ivanhoe Wines into a renowned establishment with a rich heritage. The Essence of Boutique Wines: Wendy and Lewis explore the essence of boutique wines, highlighting the personal touch, authenticity, and craftsmanship that set them apart. They discuss the importance of supporting family-owned wineries and the unique experiences they offer to consumers. Community Collaboration: Collaboration and community support within the wine industry. You can support your local business and the community by buying wine from boutique family owned winerys and if you're planning a trip to the Hunter Valley visit the Cellar Doors. Saddler's Creek Wines 15 Marrowbone Rd Pokolbin www.saddlerscreek.com Ivanhoe Wines 525 Marrowbone Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320 https://ivanhoewines.com.au/ #wine #winery #winetasting #huntervalley

 Saddler's Creek Wines owner Wendy Laureti hosts Wine Matters Podcast, in this episode she talks to winemaker Sam Rumpit and about Italian Varietals and how you taste these wines at the Hunter Valley winery.

Introduction:

• Wendy Laureti introduces the podcast episode, welcoming listeners to Wine Matters.
• Saddler's Creek Wines winemaker Sam Rumpit joins Wendy to discuss alternate varietals.

Exploring Picpoul Blanc:

• Sam introduces Picpoul Blanc, a recent and exciting addition to their collection, highlighting its texture and acidity.
• They discuss the appeal of alternate varietals for those seeking something different from traditional wines like Chardonnay or Riesling.

Embracing Variety:

• Sam emphasises the importance of embracing alternate varietals to avoid stagnation in the wine industry.
• They discuss the historical significance of immigrants bringing new grape varieties to Australia.

Adapting to Change:

• Wendy and Sam discuss the shift towards openness to trying new wines in recent years.
• They reflect on the dominance of Shiraz and Chardonnay in the Australian wine industry and the need for diversity.

Experimentation and Innovation:

• Sam talks about the role of experimentation in finding new grape varieties suited to Australian climates.
• They discuss the flexibility and innovation allowed in Australian winemaking compared to stricter regulations in other countries.

Future of Australian Wine:

• Wendy and Sam discuss the potential for new grape varieties to thrive in Australia's diverse climates.
• They highlight the excitement around experimenting with new varieties and the unique opportunities it presents for Australian winemakers.

Closing Thoughts:

• Wendy concludes the episode by emphasizing the importance of trying alternate varietals and experiencing the creativity of winemaking.
• Sam shares his passion for experimentation and encourages listeners to explore new wines.

Outro:

• Wendy wraps up the episode, thanking Sam for his insights and inviting listeners to join them for future episodes of Wine Matters.

Book an Italian Wine Flight at Saddler's Creek Wines and explore the Italian varieties

https://saddlerscreek.com/events/

#winery #vineyards #huntervalley

Saddler's Creek Winemakers Brett Woodward and Sam Rumpit discuss the four Italian varietals in our Winemaker’s Craft ‘Single Suitcase’ collection.

Nebbiolo

Aglianico

Barbera

Sagrantino

You are invited to tour Italy with us from the comfort of your home. Italian varietals have become highly sought-after in Australia, thanks to innovative winemakers and our eagerness as consumers to try new wines.

Download your copy of the 'Cook Like an Italian' Cookbook

https://saddlerscreek.com/italians/

The Australian wine community is well known for being experimental and innovative when it comes to growing and producing wine. Which is how our Winemaker’s Craft wines evolved.

Italian varietals are loved for their sheer delight to be poured and sipped any day of the week without lacking quality or affordability.

They pack plenty of flavour with good acidity and generous fruit, making them an ideal match for most cuisines.

While many Italian varietals are capable of long-term cellaring, many styles are crafted to be enjoyed now; young, fresh and bright.

Italian food is adored for its freshness and flavour. Italian varietals are no different ranging from light to full-bodied styles.

As the climate changes, many winemakers are seeking alternate varietals that grow well in Australia, which is why Italian varietals are proving successful here.

Wine Matters Podcast is a hosted by Wendy Laureti owner of Saddler's Creek Wines and wine marketing expert Deborah Szabo.

In this episode, they discuss the top trends in the wine industry for 2024:

1. Return of Travel Influence: Overseas travel, particularly to wine regions like Italy, has influenced the popularity of grape varieties in Australia.

2. Alternate Varietals: Consumers are showing increased interest in alternate grape varieties and exploring new styles beyond the traditional favorites.

3. Chardonnay Resurgence: There's a resurgence of interest in Chardonnay, with various styles gaining popularity, from light and crisp to fuller-bodied and buttery.

4. Innovative Winemaking: Winemakers are experimenting with alternative winemaking techniques, such as barrel fermentation and wild yeast fermentation, to create unique and complex wines.

5. Low Alcohol and No Alcohol Wines: The market for low and no alcohol wines is expanding, reflecting changing consumer preferences for healthier options.

6. Sustainable Practices: There's a growing emphasis on sustainable growing practices and environmentally friendly packaging in the wine industry.

7. Flexible Wine Clubs: Wine clubs are becoming more flexible, allowing members to choose their own wines and providing more options for customization.

8. Evolution of Cellar Door Experiences: Cellar door experiences are evolving to be more hospitality-focused, offering bookable experiences and emphasizing food and wine pairings.

9. Casual Food and Wine Experiences: There's a trend towards more casual and accessible food and wine experiences, catering to the preferences of modern consumers.

10. Packaging Innovation: Innovative packaging formats, such as canned wine and eco-friendly materials, are becoming more prevalent in the market.

Saddler's Creek Wines is located in the Hunter Valley, cellar door is open daily.

Gnocchi Rolling Cooking Class, lunch and Italian Wine pairing - 16th March

Italian Wine Tasting Flight - daily throughout March and April

https://saddlerscreek.com/events/

Share your predictions of wine trends with us on instagram tag us at @saddlerscreekwines

#winematters

#nswwine #huntervalley #italianwines #foodandwine 

Wine Matters hosted by Saddler's Creek Wines owner Wendy Laureti and Sales Marketing Manager Adam Winder. 

This month Saddler's Creek Wines is featuring the last release of the Ryan's Reserve Collection and marking the end of an era. Saddler's Creek winemakers have enjoyed a decade-long collaboration with Hunter Valley Living Legend Phil Ryan, who has now retired and moved on from the Ryan's Estate.

The Ryan's Reserve Collection is handcrafted in small batch and displays the unique terroir of the Hunter Valley and it's hero varieties. These are wines of outstanding quality and are synonymous with the Saddler’s Creek signature style.

Crafted for longevity to savour with confidence. This is your final opportunity to secure these exceptional, limited-release wines, which no good cellar is complete without.

To celebrate the partnership and showcase these exceptional wines, we have two food and wine experience for you to experience; Winemaker's Table Lunch - Saturday 9th March Ryan's Reserve Tasting Flight - Daily throughout February

Throughout February at Saddler's Creek Wines, we honour a decade-long collaboration and mark the end of an era of the Ryan's Reserve collection.

What your Tasting Flight includes:

Sparkling on arrival

Six wines from the Ryan's Reserve Collection are presented across three brackets to compare and enjoy

Light morsels from local Hunter Valley producer to accompany each bracket and complement the wine

TICKETS: $15 Club Equus Member | $30 per person

DATE: Daily sessions throughout February 

SESSION TIME: 7 Days 10am - 3pm

In Episode 4 of the "Wine Matters" podcast, hosts Wendy Laureti and Deb Szabo dive into the world of Chardonnay, exploring the reasons behind Wendy's conversion from an "anything but Chardonnay" (ABC) drinker to an "always pour Chardonnay" (APC) enthusiast.

The hosts emphasise the podcast's mission to share the joy of wine, with Wendy being an accidental winery owner at Saddler's Creek Wines. Wendy expresses her love for learning about wine and invites listeners to join her on the journey of discovery.

The episode covers various aspects of Chardonnay, including its diversity, food pairings, winemaking techniques, and the impact of factors like oak maturation and fermentation methods. Deb sheds light on the influence of regional variations, highlighting how the grape's characteristics change based on the climate of its growth from cool climate Tumbarumba to riper styles grown in the Hunter Valley.

Throughout the discussion, the hosts share personal experiences and preferences, touching on the significance of temperature, the role of oak in Chardonnay, and the wide range of styles available. They stress the importance of experimenting with different Chardonnays to discover individual preferences.

Deb provides insights into the winemaking process, explaining techniques like malolactic fermentation and battonage. The hosts also discuss the influence of bottle color on perception and briefly touch on the global popularity of Chardonnay.

The episode concludes with Wendy sharing her journey from initially disliking Chardonnay to becoming a devoted fan, emphasizing the impact of education and exploration on changing one's palate. Overall, the episode celebrates the diversity and complexity of Chardonnay, encouraging listeners to explore and appreciate this versatile wine.