How about a bottle of De Bortoli Shiraz from Healthcote, located in the Australian state of Victoria! That is where I am taking you for my contribution to the #WorldWineTravel writers topic this month. We are digging into the red wines of Victoria and scrolling down reveals more of these wines from group writers.
The ‘Woodfired’ Brand
Heathcote Shiraz belongs to the De Bortoli ‘Woodfired’ brand, which they posit has a true sense of place and an identity defined by the soils of the Heathcote region in central Victoria. The majority of the soil is Cambrian, deep and red with pockets of limestone. Calcium rich, it contains weathered “greenstone” which has excellent water retention capabilities, while the patches of limestone within can keep vines cooler. The region receives minimal rainfall, thus this soil helps moisture stay in the soil longer.
DeBortoli Woodfired Heathcote Shiraz 2019
Heathcote is home to big, brooding red wines and Mark and I were expecting such. It was our first, complete enjoyment of a bottle of Aussie Shiraz since living in Bordeaux, except for those at various tastings.
Dinner for two on a cool and rainy spring evening, this was an easy meal to prepare and the food and wine combo, most flavorful.
This 2019 vintage was aromatic, reminding me of a charcuterie board with black cherries, fennel slices and chocolate interspersed throughout. Smooth, round and mouth-filling, I welcomed the gauzy tannins in a medium plush body.
De Bortoli Woodfired Heathcote Shiraz is a seamless pairing with seared entrecôte over chunky mushroom purée with mixed greens Parmigiano Reggiano and toast.
The alcohol at 14.5% is higher than what I like to drink for an everyday wine yet at just 12.50€ in the EU who can say no?!? Available in the US, including through Vivino.
About De Bortoli
The sixth largest producer in Australia, De Bortoli has four wineries. Two are located in Victoria in the Rutherglen and Yarra Valley regions, and two just above in New South Wales in the Hunter Valley and Riverina regions.
To say they grew immensely after Vittoria De Bortoli immigrated in 1924 is an understatement. Today, just over 90 years later, the third and fourth generation of this large family run the business including total vineyard holdings of 820 hectares, of which 700 produce fruit (1,730 acres). Photo: De Bortoli
A Sustainable Mindset
De Bortoli has “…adopted a wide range of innovative programs and practices. Water management, an ongoing move to biological farming in an increasing number of our vineyards, and a careful overhaul of our packaging and waste management practices. The ultimate – and achievable – goal is to be a ‘Zero Waste Wine Company’.” De Bortoli website
A commitment to several aspects of sustainable operations and production, De Bortoli works with Australian Certified Organic with a goal of certifying all vineyards and winery operations, and also with Sustainable Winegrowing Australia. On the packaging side of the business, they work with Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) to reduce the harmful impact of packaging on the Australian environment. You can find their APCO 2021 review report and plan here.
World Wine Travel Writers Explore Red Wines from Victoria
It would make our day sparkle if you clicked over to other posts from our World Wine Travel writers, then join our conversation on Twitter later today, April 23, from 11-12 am EDT. We use the hashtag #WorldWineTravel. Here’s a sample of what we will be chatting about:
- Wendy at A Day in the Life on the Farm writes “An Australian Farm to Table Dinner”
- Robin at Crushed Grape Chronicles shares “Celebrating Rutherglen Red Wines with Bobbie Burns and a Stovie“
- Camilla from Culinary Adventures with Camilla shares “Turmeric-Kissed Salmon, Coconut Rice, and a Pinot Noir from Victoria“
- Susannah at Avvinare shares “Finding Value in Victoria, Australia”
- Linda at My Full Wine Glass writes “Can Low-Priced Shiraz Really be a Good Value?”
- Terry at A Good Life shares “Bone-in Grilled Pork Chops Paired with The Butterfy Effect Shiraz“
- Jeff at Food Wine Click! writes “You Say Shiraz and I Say Syrah…”
- Lynn at Savor the Harvest writes “Going Woodfired with De Bortoli Australian Shiraz”
Your “simple dinner” looks amazingly delicious! I have heard the De Bortoli name (I may have had one when we visited NSW). This definitely sounds like a delicious bargain!
I love the picture of the family!
You’re too kind about the dinner. It was about wanting something quicker and easier to make. If you’re looking for everyday bargains, definitely have one here!
It’s been a long time since we had one of their wines but it sounds like the ’19 vintage is already fairly approachable given your notes. I’m pretty sure their wines make it here so we’ll see what we can find (and obviously we’d have to pair as you did–looks amazing!
In fact, the ’19 is very drinkable no yet could hang out 5 more years. I was expecting a bigger wine yet it’s fruity and supple. Thanks for stopping by!
It’s so fabulous learning about different soil types and how each varietal flourishes or flounders in them. Similar to how the wine pairs with food styles and mouthfeel. I bet that Shiraz goes great with wood-fired pizza with sausage & arugula!
Oh you betcha, I’ll take that wood-fired pizza you mention with this wine!
It’s interesting to see the wide variety of sustainability approaches in vineyards around the world. It makes one’s head spin, though I’m glad for every one.
With you on the many faces of sustainability. I have a document by country/region listing all I’ve stumbled upon so far.
Great information was shared. Like learning about the new soil types.
Thank you! The soils are 500+ million years old, from the decomposition of cambrian volcanic basalt. Amazing that there is a strip of this in Heathcote.