John Gerard Wines in Dorset

Another Western Australia specialist, albeit with an idiosyncratic diversion into Irish Whiskey. Based in deepest Dorset they also offer regular tastings -

We hold regular, free, local tastings here at Castle Hill Cottage, Cattistock at which new wines, as well as some on our list, are open for tasting. Our customers have been able to taste many different Western Australian wines in the last year.

The site offers an interesting range of wines including tasting notes, but the background information on the region and winemakers is a bit thin at the moment. That said its the wines that are important and these include, in addition to the tradtional Shiraz, Chardonnays, Merlots and Cabernets, some Pinot Noirs, a Tempranillo a Sangiovese/Cabernet, a Verdelho and a pink Muscat!

Western Australia is quite a diverse wine region made up of numerous distinct wine producing areas. On the continent’s West coast, there is the relatively cool climate of the Margaret River, although it is bascially a continental climate, with high summer daytime temperatures and cold nights.
The Great Southern Region runs along the south coast of Western Australia and includes 5 very different sub regions, whilst Perth Hills is known for hot dry summers and cool, wet winters.
Hence I doubt if there is a Western Australia style, but a wide range of interesting and innovative wines.

John Gerard Wines will be exhibiting at the Real Food Show in London 24-27 April 2008.

John Gerard Wines, Castle Hill Cottage, Cattistock, Dorchester, Dorset DT2 9JH
www.johngerardwines.co.uk/
T:01300 320987