With the recent floods, many people are looking to support Queensland producers to try and provide consumer led economic support through these difficult times. The Australian Wine Community has been brilliant in coming together to raise funds, led by
Tyson Stelzer. Consumers can also assist with supporting local producers directly - of all goods, not just wine - both in the local community through farmers' markets, bottle shops and also Cellar Doors.
I had the fortune to visit the Mount Tamborine based Cellar Door of Witches Falls Winery (Twitter @TheWineryWitch) . Whilst the CD is Mount Tamborine based, on the Gold Coast hinterland, in the main Witches Falls gets its fruit from contract-grown supplies from the Granite Belt. It also has a small estate planting of Durif - a quite appropriate planting for the area given the rainfall it receives.
Witches Falls is a Halliday four star rated winery - if you pay much credence to that - with an impressive portfolio across red and white wines. As with any subjective matter, the best thing to do is try them out for yourself.
Witches Falls also has an excellent members' club, with good discounts on CD prices - prices quoted here are member's prices - and, impressively, a free case for every 36 bottles purchased.
Overview
2010 Fiano, $16: Very 'green' tasting wine, excellent crispness on both the nose and on the palate; excellent lingering finish.
2008 Wooded Chardonnay, $16: Heavy oak on the nose; pineapple, peach and nectarine through the palate. One for the wood-ophiles who live by the 'Now Wood, No Good' mantra.
2005 Riesling, $16: Showing good development on the nose with some kerosene and toasty notes. The palate delivers an impressive citrus burst and some tangy acidity on the finish. Excellent value for $16 (members price).
2009 Wild Ferment Viognier, $23: Hints of honeydew melon and pear deliver a delicate lingering palate. Quite a subtle Viognier, a good introduction to the variety.
2009 Wild Ferment Chardonnay, $16: More my kind of chardonnay. A bouquet of Melon and vanilla, the oak here supporting the fruit, not dominating. Toasty oak in the palate that delivers a long and lingering finish.
2010 Saignee Granite Belt, $16: Saignee, from the French 'to bleed' reflects the style of winemaking for this Rose. made from 100% Syrah grapes. The aroma is of fruits of forest that also deliver through to the palate. Chill down and enjoy.
2009 Wild Ferment Grenache, $23: More a lightly chilled style. Dark cherry and a hint of molasses/ toffee on the nose. The finish delivers some pepper and general All Spice. Serve lightly chilled with friends and a barbecue!
2007 Syrah, $20: Aroma of Cassis lead to an extremely silken palate; fine tannins support a touch of spice on the finish to lead you home. Well crafted, beautiful medium bodied style with a bit of structure.
2008 Granite Belt Merlot, $20: Hints of plum and cherry on the lead in that deliver spice. Some fine tannins leave you a little something to remember the wine by in the finish.
2007 Granite Belt Cabernet Sauvignon, $20: Plenty of blackcurrant notes both on the nose and in the generous presence on the palate. There is some good length and fine drying tannins. Would reward further cellaring.
Summary
I've been to Witches Falls on two occasions now. Each visit has been has been a rewarding experience and I have come home a few bottles heavier. This is a serious winery, I would sincerely taking the time to visit the area, combining it with some of the other craft producers in the area.
