Piggs are flying - Hunter Valley Wine

by Mitchell Matalone
(Ritual resturaunt, Nelson Bay)

Piggs are flying higher than ever, Piggs Peake that is. I am the sommmilier at a small restauraunt in the Port Stepehens Penisula who's style of cooking is quite modern. We do our own style of degustation dinner with a taste journey with up to 16 small course 8 of which I must match with an accompanying beverage. At present 3 of the eight are from Piggs Peake and I must say I'm proud to be serving them with our foods. they are beautifully crafted wines with a uniques Piggs Peake twist.

The 2008 Calling Birds reisling from their new Peartree range is exquisite and is the perfect suitor for any fruity dishes with a sweet undertone. Only a baby this wine has a fresh fruit aroma and a long fruity palate that co exists beautifully with a mango or apricot dish.

Next up the again '08 Partridge Eye Merlot rose wow soft palatable beatuful wine. hasnt got the sharpness as per usual rose such a beautiful wine well crafted to leave your mouth wanting more.

And last but certainly not least the 2007 Wolfie Zinfandel. Now this is not for the light hearted this wine has a challenging body to it that leaves my customers in ore of this wine "is it a shiraz i get a peppery finish/" "is it merlot? it's so smooth" "what is this wine?" yes the customers the chef the waitstaff have found a favourite hunter wine "the best" (to the best of our knowledge at this point in time) it is such a beautiful wine starts with soft fruity flavours and a nice velvety feel to it minimal tannin left lingering and finishes with a crisp oaky and peppery flavour is a must try.

The vineyard itself is in Pokolbin and if in the valley all great "winos" both professional and ametuer must stop by.

All in all I think Hunter Region wine is rising up the corporate wine ladder becoming some of the best. Let's just see what else comes out of the Hunter especially Piggs Peake.