Wine Matters

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/

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

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

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: Return of Travel Influence: Overseas travel, particularly to wine regions like Italy, has influenced the popularity of grape varieties in Australia. Alternate Varietals: Consumers are showing increased interest in alternate grape varieties and exploring new styles beyond the traditional favorites. Chardonnay Resurgence: There's a resurgence of interest in Chardonnay, with various styles gaining popularity, from light and crisp to fuller-bodied and buttery. Innovative Winemaking: Winemakers are experimenting with alternative winemaking techniques, such as barrel fermentation and wild yeast fermentation, to create unique and complex wines. Low Alcohol and No Alcohol Wines: The market for low and no alcohol wines is expanding, reflecting changing consumer preferences for healthier options. Sustainable Practices: There's a growing emphasis on sustainable growing practices and environmentally friendly packaging in the wine industry. Flexible Wine Clubs: Wine clubs are becoming more flexible, allowing members to choose their own wines and providing more options for customization. Evolution of Cellar Door Experiences: Cellar door experiences are evolving to be more hospitality-focused, offering bookable experiences and emphasizing food and wine pairings. 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. 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

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. https://saddlerscreek.com/podcast/

5 mistakes when drinking sparkling wine In this festive episode of Wine Matters Podcast, hosts Wendy Laureti and Deb Szabo explore the nuances of enjoying sparkling wines. They discuss common mistakes, such as underestimating the amount needed, serving at the wrong temperature, and improper storage methods. The hosts also delve into the misconception that champagne is superior to other sparkling wines, emphasizing the excellence of Australian sparkling varieties. The episode includes insights into the different types of sparkling wines, their ideal pairings, and entertaining anecdotes, highlighting the joy and celebration associated with these effervescent beverages. This holiday season, it's likely you'll be popping a bottle or two of sparkling wine. So we've put together a checklist of how to best enjoy your bubbles and mistakes to avoid. The last thing you want is exploding bottles, warm champagne or flat fizz 👇 https://saddlerscreek.com/sparkling-wine/ Saddler's Creek Wines is a boutique family owned winery in the Hunter Valley, NSW Australia. The sparkling wines mentioned; Nv Sparkling Saddler's Wild Pink 2023 Scotty's Semillon Limited Edition 2021 Bluegrass Sparkling Cabernet Sauvignon NV Saddler's Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir https://saddlerscreek.com/ Watch on YouTube https://youtu.be/Ec4PMXoa9Ik #sparklingwine #champagne #huntervalley #podcast #saddlerscreekwines

Wine Matters is hosted by Wendy Laureti, the accidental winery owner of Saddler's Creek Wines. In this podcast, I invite you to join me as I share what I believe is the true meaning of loving wine, and for me, that is bringing people together. I am no wine expert, though I am a wine lover. I love to learn and explore all things wine, including how it is made and how it is best enjoyed. What I've discovered is that the more I learn, the more I enjoy and appreciate wine. I would like to share with you what I've learned along the way and debunk some of the myths, but most importantly, I invite you to learn along with me. I will be inviting way more knowledgeable people than myself to share their expertise and their love of wine. Speaking to producers from the Hunter Valley and greater wine community. So cheers to Wine Matters! If you would like to know what foods pair with what wines, how to cellar wine, what temperature is best to serve your favourite drop. We will explore wine regions, varietals, styles, and winemaking techniques. #winetime #wine #huntervalleywine #redwine #wineandfoodpairing #whitewine