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The Islander Estate Vineyards

News & Reviews

We love sharing our wines and our favourite parts of our beautiful Kangaroo Island.  Our blog shares our team's favourite ways to get the most from your visit when you're exploring Kangaroo Island.  And of course we like to share the latest news and wine reviews with you too!

Cath Williams
 
25 July 2024 | Cath Williams

Discover A New Side to Shiraz: Kangaroo Island Cool Climate Elegance

Shiraz at The Islander Estate Vineyards Kangaroo Island

As Shiraz lovers around Australia raise their glasses to toast National Shiraz Day, there's no better time to explore the distinctive charm of Kangaroo Island Shiraz.

Nestled off the coast of South Australia, Kangaroo Island is renowned for its pristine landscapes and unique maritime climate, which lends a special character to its wines, especially Shiraz.  Unique to those from any other Australian region, discover a new style of Shiraz.

Cool Climate Elegance: The Kangaroo Island Difference

While South Australia's traditional Shiraz-growing regions like Barossa Valley produce warmer-style wines known for their full-bodied, ripe fruit and robust tannins, Kangaroo Island enjoys a cooler climate, dominated by the maritime climate of its surrounding ocean.

This environment influences the growth of Shiraz grapes, which have a long, slow ripening period. The result is a more medium-bodied wine with beautifully balanced sugar and acidity. Kangaroo Island's Shiraz wines are lower in alcohol, elegant, and well-structured.

At The Islander Estate Vineyard, we employ wild fermentation for our Shiraz wines to fully express their terroir, along with our signature traditional French winemaking techniques. These methods accentuate the complexity and elegance of the mid-palate, making wines perfect for pairing with food.

Exploring Kangaroo Island Shiraz

Each of The Islander Estate Vineyard's ranges offers Shiraz wines for every kind of wine lover:

Varietal Range: Great value cool climate Shiraz

The Red Shiraz: We've just released Vintage 2022 of our classic cool-climate Shiraz, designed for everyday drinking. On the nose, notes of pepper, eucalyptus, and vanilla. Flavours of mulberry and red fruit, hints of toasty oak, and slightly gamey notes. A round, generous mouthfeel leads to a long finish. Winter Pairing: Mid-week casserole or Friday night pizza & footy. Drink now or cellar for up to 5 years.

Estate Range: Blending the Old World and New World of Wine

Our Estate range focuses on crafting unique & premium Shiraz blends, each with a nod to the regions of France.

  • Bark Hut Road Shiraz/Cabernet Franc: Our signature elegant Bordeaux-style blend offers firm tannins, natural acidity, blackberry and sarsaparilla notes at the darker end of the fruit spectrum, and vanilla and coconut oak notes. Winter Pairing: Classic French steak frites or beef bourguignon.  This will age beautifully – up to 10 years and beyond.
  • Old Rowley Shiraz/Grenache: Old Rowley is inspired by the Côtes du Rhône, a full-flavoured, medium-bodied wine about freshness rather than power. Supple raspberry and boysenberry flavours, fresh and soft lifted florals, balanced with vanilla oak and clove notes. Winter Pairing: Duck, Asian braised beef cheek. Drink now or cellar for up to 10 years.
  • Boxing Bay Shiraz/Cab Sauv: We've added European style to this classic blend. It has notes of pepper, eucalyptus, vanilla, cedar, and baking spices. The flavours are cherry, blackberry, sweet oak, and leather. On the finish, power and structure abound in the Cab Sauv, with Shiraz adding softness and elegance. Winter Pairing: Slow-cooked brisket. Delicious now or in the cellar for up to 15 years.

Flagship Range:  Bringing to life Jacques Lurton's vision to put Kangaroo Island on the world map of fine wine.

The Cygnet 2017 is no ordinary Shiraz, crafted over six years before release to craft a wine that balances power and elegance. With dark cherries, baking spices, and a touch of earth on the nose, on the palate, it's like Christmas in a glass: steeped cherries and dried fruit, spices, and savoury tannins, all wrapped up with a composed structure across the palate and long fine tannins. Pair it with darker meats and spice-based dishes, such as braised short ribs, Middle Eastern lamb dishes, or slow-cooked pork shoulder. The Cygnet pays dividends if you can cellar it for up to 15 years.

For Discerning Palates: Our Commitment to Quality

At The Islander Estate Vineyards, we are committed to crafting wines that mirror their unique terroir and reveal the true potential of the Kangaroo Island wine region. By blending traditional French winemaking methods with the creative freedom of the New World, we ensure that each bottle of Shiraz is a testament to our dedication to quality and a fresh interpretation of this renowned variety.

If you're discovering Kangaroo Island's wine region, we invite you to explore the elegance and sophistication of our cool-climate Shiraz.  Visit our cellar door or explore our collection online.

Shop Our Shiraz Wines Now 

Time Posted: 25/07/2024 at 6:12 AM Permalink to Discover A New Side to Shiraz:  Kangaroo Island Cool Climate Elegance Permalink
Cath Williams
 
5 March 2024 | Cath Williams

Our favourite vegan & vegetarian wine pairings

Our guide to vegan food and wine pairings

Wine lovers everywhere are seeking more sustainable and health-based eating methods. 

Whether you are vegan, vegetarian or just trying to eat more plant-based meals, matching your favourite wine with plant-based dishes can be a new challenge.

We're proud that all The Islander Estate Vineyards grapes are sustainably grown using organic principles. And our entire wine range is 100% vegan. So, we're sharing tips for matching our wines to vegetarian and vegan dishes.
 

What is vegan wine?

All wine combines grapes and yeast (wild/naturally occurring or added). However, animal-based products derived from eggs, fish, or dairy have traditionally been used to clarify and filter wine to create the clean, bright wines consumers love to drink. Vegan wine producers like us seek alternatives like bentonite clay to achieve the same result without using any animal products.

Some basic guidelines for pairing wine with plant-based dishes.

The fundamentals of wine pairings apply regardless of your diet. Here are some overarching guidelines we like to follow:

  • Pair fresh foods like salads with bright wines with acidity or minerality;
  • If you're having something fatty or fried, choose a wine with higher acid to help offset the richness & cleanse the palate;
  • Spicy foods like curries pair well with lower alcohol, off-dry or sweeter wins (as alcohol highlights spice);
  • Off-dry wines with a hint of sweetness can also work with sweet dishes when it comes to desserts;
  • Umami-based foods work well with wines with texture;
  • Grilled or BBQ dishes. Root vegetables & salty meals call for the tannins of red wine;
  • The famous rule of thumb, "What grows together goes together", also works for vegan foods – think Tomatoes & Sangiovese, Pesto & Pinot Grigio.
Our favourite plant-based dishes to pair with The Islander Estate Vineyards range:
 
The Islander Estate Vineyards Petiyante Sparkling Chardonnay/Pinot NoirEstate Range Petiyante Sparkling Chardonnay/Pinot Noir
Tasting Notes: Classic champagne acidity & creamy texture. Brioche, pear, white peach & an elegant finish.
Petiyant's texture & acidity complement:
Sushi with avocado & cucumber
- Spring Rolls with soy dipping sauce
- Crispy fried salt & pepper tofu

The Islander Estate Vineyards Sauvignon BlancVarietal Range Sauvignon Blanc

Tasting Notes: Tropical fruit, citrus, herbal notes & sea spray with middle palate texture.

Sauv Blanc's fresh citrus flavours & crisp acidity are delicious with:
- Asparagus & pea risotto
- Spring grilled vegetable skewers
- Spinach & feta stuffed mushrooms


The Islander Estate Vineyards The White ChardonnayVarietal Range The White Chardonnay

Tasting Notes: Peach, nectarine, melon, toasted nuts with refreshing acidity & a long finish.

Pair Chardonnay's toasty notes with creamier dishes like:
- Creamy mushroom and garlic pasta
- Vegan Caesar salad with cashew dressing
- Butternut squash and sage pasta


The Islander Estate Vineyards Enigma Skin Contact Sauv BlancThe Enigma Extended Skin Contact Sauvignon Blanc

Tasting Notes: Passionfruit, lime zest, ripe citrus, and herbal notes blend with savoury/sour secondary characteristics and tannins.

Skin contact white wine can carry more robust & umami flavours like:
- Vegan Thai green curry with tofu and vegetables
- Zucchini noodles with vegan pesto
- Vegan sushi bowls with marinated tofu and seaweed


The Islander Estate Vineyards Semillon Sauvignon BlancVarietal Range Semillon Sauvignon Blanc

Tasting Notes: Preserved lemon, apricot, citrus & tropical fruit with a textural palate.

More complex whites like Sem Sauv Blanc pair beautifully with:
- Quinoa salad with fresh herbs and citrus dressing
- Grilled corn on the cob with lime and chilli
- Marinated Tofu Poke Bowl


The Islander Estate Vineyards Wally White SemillonEstate Range Wally White Oaked Semillon

Tasting Notes: Textural & elegant, lemon curd, vanilla custard & a mouth-watering natural acidity.

A sophisticated, textural white like Wally White complements dishes like:
- Cashew Alfredo pasta with roasted vegetables
- Bell peppers stuffed with wild rice
- Truffle-infused polenta


The Islander Estate Vineyards The RoseVarietal Range The Rosé

Tasting Notes: Strawberries & cream, peach notes & a light leesy grip add complexity.

Elegant, delicate & fresh, The Rose is delicious with:
- Watermelon and mint salad
- Vegan Caprese salad with tomatoes, basil, and vegan mozzarella
- Strawberry and rocket salad with balsamic glaze
 


The Islander Estate TempranilloVarietal Range Tempranillo

Tasting Notes: Black fruits, spice, vanilla, mocha, hints of liquorice & tobacco leaf. 

Pair our Tempranillo with Spanish-inspired dishes like:
- Vegan paella with assorted vegetables
- Eggplant and chickpea curry
- Vegan Tapas platter


The Islander Estate Vineyards SangioveseVarietal Range Sangiovese

Tasting Notes: Spicy cherries, vanilla oak & hints of leather. Mid-weight with fine-grained tannins.  

Sangiovese's tannins are stunning with tomato based & Italian dishes like:
- Vegan margherita pizza
- Ratatouille with polenta
- Spinach and vegan ricotta-stuffed shells
- Eggplant parmigiana


The Islander Estate Vineyards Old Rowley Shiraz GrenacheEstate Range Old Rowley Shiraz/Grenache

Tasting Notes: Plush & elegant with raspberry, boysenberry, lifted florals, vanilla & clove oak.

Rich & elegant Old Rowley deserves dishes to match:
- Dolmade's stuffed with rice and herbs
- Roasted red pepper and walnut dip with pita bread
- Vegan lentil and vegetable curry
- Eggplant & Chickpea Tagine
 


The Islander Estate Vineyards Cabernet SauvignonVarietal Range Cabernet Sauvignon

Tasting Notes: Red fruit, cherry, cranberry & raspberry with earthy notes, good acidity & a rounded palate.

Cabernet Sauvignon's tannins & earthy notes go well with:
- Ratatouille
- Vegetable Bolognese
- Mushroom red wine risotto with shaved parmesan
 


The Islander Estate Vineyards The Investigator Cabernet FrancFlagship Range The Investigator Cabernet Franc

Tasting Notes:  Blackcurrant, plum & mulberry, dried herbs & fennel. Lean with super fine tannins & a composed structure.

Pair elegant, lean Cabernet Franc with umami flavours like:
- Lentil and mushroom burgers
- Grilled portobello mushrooms with a balsamic glaze
- Vegan shepherd's pie with lentils and vegetables
 


The Islander Estate Vineyards The Cygnet ShirazFlagship Range The Cygnet Shiraz

Tasting Notes: Blackberry, liquorice, anise, menthol, cedar & savoury tannins.

The more robust flavours of Shiraz go with:
- Spicy black bean & corn chilli
- Vegan dark chocolate mousse
- Vegan pasta puttanesca
 


The Islander Estate Vineyards The Independence MalbecFlagship Range The Independence Malbec

Tasting Notes: Malbec's full-bodied structure & firm tannins with black plum, blackberry, cocoa & sweet tobacco.

Hark back to Malbec's home in South America, pair it with:
Vegan Argentine empanadas with vegetable filling
Black bean and corn salad with cilantro lime dressing
Vegan chilli con carne with kidney beans

Our vegan, sustainably grown wine range provides a host of options to bring out the best in your plant-based meals, from fresh, easy-drinking wines to the elegance of our Flagship range.

Choose a selection to have one wine for your next vegan or vegetarian dinner.
Shop The Islander Estate Vineyards now.

 
Time Posted: 05/03/2024 at 12:00 PM Permalink to Our favourite vegan & vegetarian wine pairings Permalink