AUSTIN, Texas (March 3, 2010) — Whole Foods Market, the world’s leading natural and organic foods supermarket, will highlight the value and quality of Australian wine this spring with selections from Australia’s diverse wine-growing regions.
Defined by a vibrant mix of cultures and an unmatched diversity of land and climates, Australia produces wine styles as rich and varied as the soil from which each grape grows.
“In just the past few years, Australia has earned a solid reputation for producing some of the finest varietals in the world. Whole Foods Market is excited to offer some of Australia’s highest quality selections at affordable prices,” said Geof Ryan, global wine buyer for Whole Foods Market. “From an organically grown Chardonnay and a spritzy, bright, aromatic Verdelho-Viognier blend to a dark chocolate cherry Pinot Noir and the continent's best Cabernet Sauvignon, we have styles for everyone. Throw some barramundi on the barbie and grab a bottle of one of these Aussie gems.”
From Mar. 3 to May 5, Whole Foods Market stores that sell wine will feature:
Hope Estate, Verdelho, Hunter
- This un-oaked wine is 100 percent Verdelho, a grape that grows particularly well in Hunter Valley, north of Sydney.
- Brims with bright, tropical melon, tangerine and peach flavors.
- Serve with quiche, spicy stir-fries, all things seafood or Yarra Valley Dairy Feta.
Spring Seed Wine Co., Four O’Clock Chardonnay, Made from Organically Grown Grapes, McLaren Vale
- Leaner than typical Chardonnay, there’s great length and a crisp finish in this wine.
- With racy acidity, its nose is chock-full of nectarines, grapefruit and lime.
- Enjoy as an aperitif or with ham, seafood scampi or King Island Dairy Seal Bay Triple Crème Brie.
d’Arenberg, d’Arry’s Original Shiraz Grenache
,
McLaren Vale
- From vineyards established in 1912, this respected king of Australian Shiraz doesn’t disappoint.
- A smooth, spicy wine with juicy, ripe red fruit flavors and mineral notes.
- Pair with Parmigiano Reggiano or serve with beef dishes or your Easter roast.
St Hallett, Gamekeeper’s Shiraz, Barossa Valley
- A satisfying value in an accessible classic.
- Loaded with jammy plum and black currant flavor and herbal notes.
- Drink with everything from chili and pizza to leg of lamb.
Cooralook, Pinot Noir,
Strathbogie Ranges & Mornington Peninsula
- From a family-owned, sustainably farmed vineyard.
- Instead of a Burgundy, look to this vibrant, well-balanced red with hints of cherry and cranberry and a fine, dry finish.
- Match with Manchego or poultry dishes such as roasted duck and grilled chicken.
Innocent Bystander, Pinot Gris,
Yarra Valley
- A thoughtful and refreshingly zingy wine from Victoria’s first wine-growing district.
- Its aromas of lime leaves, honeydew and tart apples end with cashew notes and a nice dry finish.
- Enjoy with Murray Bridge Australian Cheddar or light main courses such as sashimi or oysters.
Shoofly, Buzz Cut,
Adelaide Hills
- This wildly aromatic white is a blend of Riesling, Viognier, Verdelho, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
- Spritzy, with an herbal edge, tropical flavors and citrusy crispness.
- Drink with spicy Thai or Vietnamese food, pork, whitefish or Cypress Grove Purple Haze goat cheese.
Jacob’s Creek, Reserve Riesling,
Barossa Valley, Clare Valley & Eden Valley
- A delicate, restrained varietal from a wine-producing powerhouse in South Australia.
- While apples and lemon blossoms float in the nose, natural acidity gives the palate a satisfying structure.
- Serve alongside shellfish, salads, Asian food or Whole Foods Market™ Organic Fresh Goat Cheese.
Big Woop, Red Wine,
McLaren Vale, Riverland, & Limestone Coast (Coonawarra)
- This Grenache, Shiraz and Petite Verdot mix is a huge value in a huge (1-liter) bottle!
- A bold, gently spicy red with dark berry flavors and a deeply fruited but dry finish.
- Perfect with burgers, barbecue, pasta with marinara sauce or King Island Dairy Roaring Forties Blue or Rogue Anniversary Blue.
Angove, Nine Vines Shiraz Viognier, Riverland & Southern Flinders Ranges
- 94 percent Shiraz and 6 percent Viognier, this centuries-old Rhone blend hails from a long-producing family winery.
- Warm, rich and lively with spicy black pepper and apricot notes.
-
Pair with pulled pork, roasted root vegetables, hearty pasta dishes or creamy Bleu d’Auvergne
cheese.
Penley Estate, Phoenix Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra
- An impeccable balance of fruit and gently smoky oak, ripeness and elegance.
- Deep flavor of cassis and layered violet notes make for a youthful wine that’s perfectly supple and delicious.
- Pour with a juicy steak dinner, or serve alongside hearty Seaside Cheddar.
At wholefoodsmarket.com/wine, Whole Foods Market offers pairing tips, takes users on a virtual tour of Australia’s diverse wine regions with an interactive map and video, and offers a “do it yourself” Aussie wine-tasting party with downloadable wine descriptions, cheese tray cards, recipes and more.
Whole Foods Market has also partnered with Tourism Australia (australia.com/now) and Wine Australia (wineaustralia.com) to offer a chance to win a trip Down Under. Whole Foods Market’s Facebook and Twitter (@WholeFoods) pages will offer chances to win “My Grill,” a cookbook by Pete Evans, one of Australia’s top celebrity chefs, by testing their Australian wine knowledge.
To find these great picks in stores, just look for Australian wine displays throughout Whole Foods Market wine departments, along with recommendations for pairing wine with food and the season’s best cheeses. Or buy a whole case and cash in on a case discount.
Note: High resolution wine photos are available at wholefoodsmarket.com/pressroom/photo-gallery.
