Bouquet for Rockford Wines

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There is something unique about a visit to Rockford Winery on Krondorf Road just outside Tanunda in the Barossa Valley. On this autumn day just after vintage, the pressing baskets are still in the yard, and full of grape must, starting to smell of the sickly sweet natural fermentation.



They famous old presses have seen a vintage or two. Natural pressing of grapes is an ancient art, and rare in the modern era of mass wine production and marketing.



At Rockford, at the right time of year, you walk past the presses and into the small, but equally sweet Cellar Door. On the day of this visit the place was buzzing, but they found room, and time for us, to explain the wines, and the history of the site. Robert "Rocky" O'Callaghan is the founder of this famous brand, having bought the property in 1971. We had just come from lunch at the fabulous "1918" restaurant, which was early founded and owned by Robert, for many years.



We enjoyed a range of wines on taste and chose some of the more obscure, but very pleasant offerings, a White Frontignanc, the Alicante Bouchet, and the very welcome Moppa Springs Red blend. Because they were not the most famous and popular wines, they were more reasonably priced. They are very pleasant indeed.


However, if you have the budget, then the Basket Press Shiraz and the Sparkling Black Shiraz (limited to 3 per customer), are just the finest examples of their kind.


It is the ambience that shines through and the main reason for the visit. A must on any gastronomic tour of the Barossa.

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