Decanted: McLaren Vale, Australia

Drift Dining and Bar presents:

Decanted — McLaren Vale, Australia

An evening with chief winemaker and owner of Chapel Hill Wines

How can one of a kind be so different just a matter of miles away?

That’s the beauty of science and what drives farmers and viticulturist to constantly survey the land.

For each new discovery means a new sensation, a new experience, a new way of doing things.

In wine making this manifests itself in catalogues of significant wine growing regions; each with their own reputation and notoriety.

South Australian wines have capitalised on their own success, growing in stature over the years.

The Barossa Valley, (see article We Love Barossa Wine) north of Adelaide, has always held court as the most popular and best known of these regions, attracting thousands of visitors weekly.

But it’s 45 minutes south of the city in McLaren Vale where it all began.

McLaren Vale is the birthplace of South Australia's wine industry and home to some of the world's oldest grape vines.

More than a hundred wineries produce wines from a host of grape varieties. This diversity reflects variations in climate and soil type.

Foremost is the internationally acclaimed shiraz.

Given the terroir and range of sites it’s planted on, it can be anything from:

> Full-blooded with pronounced spices

> Bitter chocolate and berries

> To medium bodied and nuanced with raspberries

Relative to those of the Barossa, it’s more malty, less jammy and fruity.

These differences have helped carve out its own unique story. Its slice of the pie in an ever expanding and evolving market.

Its now-famous nine kilometre tourist stretch dubbed the ‘Shiraz Trail’ and award-winning titles such as Wirra Wirra and Hardy’s Tintara is testament to that.

As we continue our global wine journey, Drift Dining and Bar is proud to to present Chapel Hill Wine Night, where we bring the McLaren to you.

Head to Drift on Thursday October 12 for an evening with chief winemaker and owner of Chapel Hill Wines, Michael Fragos.

Chapel Hill has been a mainstay in McLaren Vale for 45 years, championing a “sensitive winemaking philosophy” to preserve its connection to the land.

Shallow rocky soils are a feature of the site with its geological formations dating back 600 million years.

McLaren Vale’s maritime climate, influenced by the nearby ocean, provides excellent ripening conditions.

As a visionary, Fragos knows all to well the significance of the land and the subtle variations in terroir owing to his hand-crafted creations.

“The purity and balance expressed in our wines is inspired by a deep respect for our land and vines,” he says.

Join Fragos as we taste two of Chapel Hill’s finest shiraz varietals:

> Chapel Hill McLaren Vale Shiraz 2014

> Chapel Hill The Vicar Shiraz 2014

The Australian Wine Review considers the former “the best ‘standard’ Chapel Hill shiraz in ages” delivering a “cocoa power-esque, savoury bitter-sweetness”.

For the first time you can enjoy our amazing wine tasting selection with an expertly matched 5-course experience.

Pairings Menu

Chapel Hill Chardonnay 2016

~ Steamed Manila Clams, Creamy Garlic, Saffron Sauce, Serrano Ham

Chapel Hill Sangiovese Rose 2017

~Salmon, Wild Rocket, Orange, Caper

Chapel Hill The Parson Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

~Rosemary Lamb Rack, Mashed Potato

Chapel Hill McLaren Vale Shiraz 2014

~Pork belly, Broccoli, Pumpkin puree

Chapel Hill The Vicar Shiraz 2014

~ Assorted Cheese Plate

You can also purchase these amazing Chapel Hill Wines at better than retail price on the night.

For more information or to reserve your table contact events@driftdining.com or call 0321102079.

Pay in advance by Tuesday, October 3 to receive the early bird price of RM175 nett or full price of RM189++ after that. 40 pax capacity.

Chapel Hill Wine Night

WHEN: Thursday 12 October @ 7.30pm

WHERE: Drift Dining and Bar, 38 Jalan Bedara, Ground Floor Bidara Condo, Bukit Bintang

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