
Recent days have seen some great feedback for Ciavarella Oxley Estate Winery.
At the Federation Square's North East Victorian Wine Showcase in Melbourne recently, the judging panel awarded Ciavarella Oxley Estate's 2008 Zinfandel the only gold medal of the showcase event.
The event organizers commented on the high number of medals awarded to the NE Victoria wines, with 1 gold, 10 silver and 23 bronze bestowed upon the 51 wines judged.
Ciavarella Oxley Estate's 2005 Late Harvest Semillon Aucerot received a bronze medal at the same event. It was also recently highly praised by wine critic James Halliday. In Halliday's newly released Wine Companion 2011, the 2005 Late Harvest Semillon Aucerot was awarded 90/100.
Tony Ciavarella submitted the same late harvest wine to James Halliday in 2008, when it got 87 points. He said it has developed so well in the bottle he submitted it to Halliday again for the latest edition. It seems that Halliday agreed, and upped its score.
James Halliday also thought highly of Ciavarella Oxley Estate's 2009 Sauvignon Blanc (89 points), 2006 Evans Lane Merlot Shiraz Cabernet (88 points) and 2006 Shiraz Viognier (88 points).
Both the Zinfandel and Semillon Aucerot are examples of the amazing array of grape varieties and wine styles grown locally.
Zinfandel is not common in Australia, but has a band of loyal followers. In Italy, it is grown under the name "primitivo" (meaning early) in Puglia, the region from which the Ciavarella family emigrated in 1926. It is known for its intense cherry fruits, great tannin structure and lively nature.
The Late Harvest Semillon Aucerot is a luscious dessert style that matches perfectly with lemon tart or cheese and fruit platters. The Ciavarella family believes they are the sole custodians of the variety aucerot in Australia.
Ciavarella Oxley Estate Winery is situated at 17 Evans Lane, Oxley. Ph (03) 5727 3384 Website:- www.oxleyestate.com.au
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