Italian classics from Cupitt's Winery

Winemaker Rosie Cupitt has introduced these Italian varietals because they are extremely food friendly as well as easy drinking. 'Drinking Italian varietals such as Arneis and Barbera is a perfect way to enjoy a casual Sunday afternoon overlooking the Budawang Mountains'.

Produced on-site at Cupitt's, the red grapes have been sourced from the Hilltops region NSW where the elevated topograpghy, cool climate and red granite soils has enabled the fruit to develop slowly thus producing strong red berry and cherry flavours.  The Nebbiolo with its powerful tannins is perfect with the roasted lamb on the menu in Cupitt's Kitchen. The friendly Barbera is a relatively low tannin wine and is easy-drinking; the soft savoury flavours perfectly complement Cupitt's handcrafted artisan cheese and wood fired pizza.

Let's learn a little more about these varietals.

Nebbiolo is known as 'the king grape of Piedmont'.  This austere, tannic red grape is the force behind Barolo, Barbaresco and Roero red wines.  Together with its often formidable tannins and high acidity promises many years of cellar ageing for those patient enough to do so.  Perhaps the most wonderful thing about Nebbiolo is its perfume.  The wine is typically intensely aromatic, developing the most extraordinary haunting bouquet in which roses, autumn undergrowth, woodsmoke, violets and tar can often be found.  On the palate, the wine is typically high in acidity and has flavours of dried red cherry, tar and rose petals.

Barbera is often referred to as the 'people's wine' and is considered an every-day affordable stunner that should be drunk young.  Somehow Barbera wine tastes both rich and light-bodied.  Very dark in colour, the taste of Barbera has notes of strawberry and sour cherry; flavours synonymous with light bodied wines.  It has low tannins and high acidity making it a juicy wine but there are also herbaceous flavours.  Barbera pairs well with rich dark meats, mushrooms and blue cheese.  The bright acidity in the wine will make a rich fatty or high tannin dish complete.

Arneis is named 'rascal' or 'little bugger' in its original home in Piedmont, Italy where it almost became extinct due to its temperamental nature.  The quite rare variety makes a fragrant and aromatic wine with intriguing and complex flavours.  The wine varietal characteristics are aromas of pear, stone fruit and almonds.  Despite its ripeness, the palate has food matching acidity and pairs well with a wide range of dishes; the palate shows broad stone fruit flavours, fresh hints of citrus and a lingering aftertaste of green herbs.  The medium-bodied palate has a long and clean finish.

If wine is not your thing you can always try the six Cupitt Craft Ales on tap also available at the Breezeway Bar.