By James Atkinson
Mudgee’s newest winemaker, Well Mannered Wine Co., has recently released two new wines within its ‘Manners’ range, the 2013 Manners Shiraz and 2013 Manners Tempranillo.
Well Mannered Wine Co. was formed by industry professionals Nick Bacon – co-founder of distribution business Vines to Venues and more recently, owner of Orange's Union Bank Wine Bar – and James Manners, who has been making wines in Mudgee for over 15 years.
“There were great synergies… I have access to fantastic grapes from some of the best vineyards in central NSW – Tempranillo from Mudgee and Shiraz from the most awarded vineyard in the Hilltops region," said Manners.
A component of the 2013 Manners Hilltops Shiraz ($45) was made using some unconventional fermentation methods, aimed at developing soft, velvety tannins and slow, gentle uptake of the oak. This component was then blended with fruit that underwent more conventional fermentation in order to further shape the wine’s complexity.
The 2013 Manners Mudgee Tempranillo ($28) was made via more traditional techniques.
“We have a real affinity for savoury, alternative varieties and Mudgee is developing some great vineyards. The climate lends itself to Tempranillo, similar to some of the dry regions in Spain,” said Manners.
Bacon said the new venture will benefit from Vines to Venues' access to "some of the country's best sommeliers and wine buyers".
"These are the guys that know what is working, what is trending and what the wine consumer are looking for. We’d be silly not to use them as a resource,” he said.
Well Mannered Wines are distributed by Vines to Venues as well as being available online at www.wellmanneredwine.com.au.