We were sampling wine from the Mourvedre grape, we found out Hewitson's Old Garden in South Australia has the oldest of these vines, in the world! Over 160 year's old! Mourvedre originated in Spain and then Southern France, however most of them were destroyed, but today they live again! Just for us to drink!
First up we got to taste 6 wines 3 from 2002 and 3 from 2004, from Spain, France and Australia. It was amazing the differences in flavours and smells! Then we got to taste 5 more from the "Old Garden" from 1998 to 2008 and again the range and different depths were astonishing.
Paul "the wine doctor" was very informative and interesting. I know sometimes you can go to these things and you sit through lots of ramblings, well not with Paul, it was open friendly and fairly informal. He gave you just enough information to take away so you can sound like a wine expert to your mates! Since the tasting we have sampled a few bottles of red and it has made us think of the years, the flavours, the smell and more.
If you want to find out more about Mourvedre click here and you will be able to watch a video of Paul talking about the grape.
The Oak Barrel which is situated at 152 Elizabeth Street has many tasting nights. The next one is a Whisky night! I would highly recommend you trying one of their evenings.
