I’ve never been to Australia, but now I have another reason why I’d like to visit: Australian wine.
Last week I met with Bernard Hickin, Chief Winemaker for Jacob’s Creek, one of the most well-known wineries in the Barossa Valley of South Australia.
Jacob’s Creek recently launched a new line of Reserve wines from three key wine regions in Australia: Barossa, Coonawarra and Adelaide Hills. Each new wine is said to reflect the distinct personality of each region through the chosen grape variety.
The philosophy of Jacob’s Creek is to offer a range of wines that suit all occasions, which they certainly do, but the wine I want to talk about today is one that embodies their philosophy on its own: Jacob’s Creek Reserve Pinot Noir.
Now, we all know that I’m not the most enthusiastic red wine drinker.
There are some that I enjoy, like Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel, which you can buy at Walgreens, but for the most part, if I’m ordering wine in a restaurant or picking something to pair with a meal, I tend to favor whites.
Yet, the Jacob’s Creek Reserve Pinot Noir is something I could drink every day.
Well. You know. If I drank wine every day.
It’s a medium-bodied wine that has the aroma of ripe, red fruits: sweet cherry, strawberry and rhubarb. It’s sweetness is balanced by mild oak tannins, leading to a lingering and well-structured finish. It’s a very smooth wine, even for a Pinot Noir, and pairs wonderfully with dinner as well as dessert.
Why should you drink this wine? If you don’t know what you feel like drinking. This has the perfect balance of fruit and tannins so if you can’t decide whether you’re in the mood for something light and sweet or full-bodied and bold, this is a great middle ground that will pair with just about anything you’re eating.
When should you drink this wine? This is a wine that you could easily drink on its own [think: happy hour] but you could pair with anything from salmon to a rich chocolate cake.
How should you drink this wine? Room temperature or slightly cooler.
How long should I age this wine? Don’t be fooled into thinking that all wines get finer with age. Gnarly Head wines are crafted in a “drink now” style so they won’t get noticeably better over time. Drink within three years of the date on the bottle.
Food Pairings: Though Hickin recommends serving this alongside a roast duck or mushroom ragu sauce over polenta, I think this would pair beautifully with a sun dried tomato risotto or stuffed turkey or chicken breast.
20 Comments
dave scott
March 8, 2013 at 10:59 amSorry guys but just drinking the 2011 Adelaide Hills bought with great expectations in Abu Dhabi dutyfree and it’s a major disappointment. Looks like pinot, pours like pinot, first impressions on the mouth say ‘pinot’…. But there it stops…. no second flush, maybe some rhubarb…. Now I like rhubarb, stewed and acidic, on my cornflakes, but I expect more in my glass. Not good. Maybe some age? Or a ‘pythonesque’ … “lay down and avoid”
Heather @ Get Healthy With Heather
May 1, 2011 at 12:43 pmSounds perfect, I’ve tried Jacobs Creek once before… if memory serves me right.
Miami eye doctors
April 28, 2011 at 10:00 amI prefer red wine rather then the white wine, red wine has more flavor and has a rich savor. It is recommended that we should drink a glass of red wine every day, it’s good for our health, it helps the heart and the blood circulation and if is associated with a good meal than is perfect.
Vivienne
April 28, 2011 at 6:58 amive heard of jacobs creek…it’s pretty big here but ive not visited the winery in south aust before! yeah, im not much of a red wine drinker myself…although i am ‘trying’ to work my way through my collection from many many winery tours!
Little Inbox
April 28, 2011 at 4:25 amI’m allergic to wine, so I don’t drink. Too bad.
Amanda
April 28, 2011 at 3:18 amI love red wine and especially a good pinot noir. I haven’t heard of Jacob’s Ceek before, but I’ll look for it the next time I buy wine.
yummychunklet
April 28, 2011 at 2:46 amThis looks like a great recommendation! This is my first visit to your blog, and I like your concept. Thanks for commenting on my blog. I’ve added yours to my Google Reader and look forward to reading your future posts.
Lora @cakeduchess
April 28, 2011 at 2:05 amHi Maris-A great post about Jacob’s Creek :)I never had it before and now I am very interested in a glass with a delicious bowl of pasta!Hope you’re having a wonderful week. 🙂
Christina @ Sweet Pea's Kitchen
April 28, 2011 at 2:02 amI love Australian wine. My favorite wine, Pike’s Shiriz, is from Australia. We have tried the Jacob’s Creek pinot noir many times and we always enjoy it.
Laura @ SweetSavoryPlanet
April 28, 2011 at 1:56 amI will have to give this a try. I have a wine tasting buddy (we have a lot of fun going to wine tastings in nearby wine shop) but we really haven’t tried any Australian wines. It sounds delicious.
NancyC
April 28, 2011 at 1:27 amI don’t drink a lot of wine, but I usually preferred white wines when I do. So I’ll have to keep this red wine in mind!
alyssa - fashion fitness foodie
April 28, 2011 at 1:26 amI’m really trying to get into red wine – I’ll have to try this one!!
Esther
April 28, 2011 at 12:46 amI just fell in love recently with a Jacob’s Creek Chardonnay, so you can bet I”ll be trying this when I get a chance!
Roz
April 27, 2011 at 7:44 pmLOVE Jacob’s Creek wines!!! They are always good, and very affordable.
Thanks for the pairing ideas. Yum!!! Have a great day Maris!
Lauren@LittleYellowKitchen
April 27, 2011 at 10:08 pmGreat tips! I haven’t ever had their wine but I would really like to try it now 🙂 Thanks for the recommendation!
Pudding Pie Lane
April 27, 2011 at 10:08 pmJacob’s Creek is readily avaliable in our supermarkets, but I’ve not had it. Sounds decent enough though – I’d be happy with this for happy hour! 🙂
daryl
April 27, 2011 at 8:49 pmWow That glass of wine looks so pretty! I am a white wine drinker but looking at that glass I can be convinced otherwise!
Three-Cookies
April 27, 2011 at 7:03 pmI am quite familiar with Jacob’s Creek, great well priced wine. Many years ago I may have shared Jacobs Creek and a huge chocolate cake – it was a great combination, mostly because of good company:)
Erica
April 27, 2011 at 6:20 pmI wish I enjoyed wine (although I can’t have it right now anyway ;)). BUT I love that you provide pairing information! So cool
Shari @ Chicago Cuisine Critique
April 27, 2011 at 6:11 pmYum! Sounds great. I recently discovered Jacob’s Creek and I love every one I have tried so far. I will have to lookout for this one.