St Maur June 2023 Newsletter
October 23, 2024 11:35 amWelcome to our St Maur newsletter for June 2023. In this newsletter:
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- Vineyard & Winery Update
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- Harvest BBQ Postponed
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- Sangiovese to be Added to Shed No.2 Range
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- Latest St Maur Releases
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June 2023 Vineyard and Winery Update
Here we are fast approaching the middle of 2023. Time just seems to accelerate and pass faster as the years go by. I hope you have had a good first half of the year. Like most businesses in the Southern Highlands, we have worked hard and overcome some challenges.
Here’s a quick update on the vineyard and happenings at St Maur since we last spoke.
The weather in the Southern Highlands during the 2023 vintage was a mixed bag for all vineyards in the region.
In late April, we harvested a small amount of fruit from our vines compared to previous years. While we acknowledge the adage that the wine is made in the vineyard, this year we leant on production to finesse and extract the best from the fruit.
Having worked with St Maur for twenty years, our winemaker Eddy Rossi has applied his knowledge and skill through all our vintages. Working with our fruit from both the challenging and brilliant years in the vineyard, Eddy has consistently created wines that we enjoy.
We look forward to the results as the wines develop and we release our wines in the years ahead. You’ll get a sneak preview with the 2023 St Maur Lot 41 Pinot Noir Rose that we are releasing this July. Read more on our latest releases below.
Harvest BBQ Postponed – Our Sincere Apologies
We had scheduled a Harvest BBQ in May to celebrate the 2023 Harvest but had no choice other than to postpone the event. Like many other businesses in the Highlands, finding good staff in hospitality has been incredibly difficult since the start of Covid-19.
Following the pandemic, we had hoped that the situation would improve. However, we believe that the landscape has changed significantly. It’s a challenge that is forcing me to consider how we operate moving forward and host events for our members that live up to our combined expectations.
To arrange members gathering on a more casual basis we have purchased a wood fired pizza oven and in the process of having this installed, it is taking a little longer than anticipated but we are almost there.
As soon as possible a roaming lunch will be offered with a selection of pizza hot from the new wood fired oven, char-grilled barbecue from our grill, assorted canapes and finger foods and of course, our St Maur wines.
The exact date will be confirmed soon.
Sangiovese to be Added to Shed No.2 Range
Sangiovese is a red grape variety that is primarily grown in Italy and has been cultivated there for centuries. The grape is named after the Latin term “Sanguis Jovis,” which means “the blood of Jove,” and is a reference to the Roman god Jupiter.
The main grape used in many famous Italian wines, including Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, more recently, Sangiovese’s popularity has also spread beyond Italy. Plantings are now found in other parts of Europe, as well as South America, the United States, and (of course) Australia.
It’s not surprising Sangiovese has found a home in Australia, as the variety produces a range of styles from light and fresh to bold and powerful. Typically, medium-bodied with vibrant acidity, red fruit flavours, and a touch of herbal and savoury notes. They pair well with a variety of Mediterranean cuisines, including, Spanish, and Italian.
Recently, St Maur secured a limited release of certified organic 2022 Sangiovese from the Goulburn Valley in Victoria which we have bottled under the Shed No.2 label. The Shed No.2 label ranges distinctive wines and varieties from other like-minded boutique producers, for our club members and customers.
With St Maur’s Italian heritage and sensibility, Sangiovese stood out as a variety of wine that would sit well in our range, and also with our credo of enjoying our wines with good food and friends.
We’re keen to see what our members think of the Sangiovese, as we think that the wine is drinking well and we’re very happy with the certified organic provenance. It is available for purchase this month.
Latest St Maur Releases
We are happy to announce the release of the following wines to our members in June.
St Maur Lot 41 2021 Pinot Noir
Our sought-after Pinot from our signature back block. This vintage has a nose with earth and black cherry fruit and a well-structured palate. Drink now or cellar through 2032.
St Maur Lot 41 2023 Pinot Noir Rose
Clean and crisp. Good berries on the nose – raspberries and strawberry, finishing light and dry on the palate. Serve chilled and drink now or stock up for summer.
St Maur Shed No.2 2022 Sangiovese Goulburn Valley Vic. (Certified Organic)
Medium style with great fruit – cherry, rhubarb and savoury notes. Drink now (can be served lightly chilled), or cellar to develop character.
St Maur Lot 41 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot
This 70% Cabernet 30% Merlot blend balances the rich fruit of the cabernet with the smoothness of the Merlot. Drink now or cellar through 2032.
St Maur Saint Series 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon
Well balanced with dense ripe fruit and subtle tannins. Great to drink now with a roast or cellar for a few years to improve.
Members can order wines by phone (02) 4883 4401, via email: info@stmaurwines.com.au or through our website: stmaurwines.com.au
Please note that the Cellar Door is open every third weekend of the month, Saturday and Sunday, 10:30am – 4:30pm. However, I am happy to arrange to meet members at the cellar door for your wine purchases. You can reach me (Marco) on 0412 911 239 and we can arrange a suitable time.
We will keep you posted on the Members’ Event in place of our Harvest BBQ – keep an eye out for an email and invitation to the event.
After a period AWOL, our vineyard cat Pinot has come back to join Merlot. After a month away, we thought we farewelled Pinot, but they returned. Both will be happy to sit by the fire in the months ahead.
Until then, stay warm, be well.
With kind regards,
Marco
This post was written by John Giro