How to Pick Out a Good Australian Wine – What to Look For & Avoid



Sometimes we can’t be an expert in everything, especially wines from different regions, but if you’re confused about what makes a good Australian wine, wine experts Jane Lopes and Jonathan Ross have 3 great tips for you to try. They are authors of the book How to Drink Australian An Essential Modern Wine Book .

Jane Lopes and Jonathan Ross: There’s never been a more exciting time to drink Australian wine. The country most known for cheap critter wines and bold shiraz is actually the country to go to for quality wines in just about every style and price-point. Australia has reached an amazing confluence of generational knowledge, old-vine material, and a spirit of innovation that, combined, is creating some of the world’s greatest wines.

So how to you pick out a good bottle?

  1. Be willing to try something new. There are world-class wines made from the most popular and frequently consumed grapes: chardonnay, pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, and merlot. But, when grown at scale to achieve easy prices, they fall short almost everywhere.  If you venture further afield to try, say, an Australian nero d’avola, grenache or riesling, there’s a better chance that you’ll find something made and selected with care, rather than something manufactured to meet the demand of the market.
  2. Look for a region on the bottle. There are plenty of great Australian wines that say ‘South Eastern Australia’ on the back (a catch-all appellation for the wine regions of South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania, and Queensland) – take, for example, Penfolds Grange: Australia’s most prized and expensive wine! But often you can find wines made at an estate vineyard when there is a more specific wine region on the label: something like Heathcote, Barossa Valley, Yarra Valley, Beechworth, Tasmania, Margaret River, etc. The list is long!
  3. Find a wine shop you trust. This is the best piece of advice in all matters wine! Wine shops that spend lots of energy and time selecting bottles for you are going to come up with the best bottles. And small, independently owned wine shops will often be able to work with the smaller production wines that grocery stores and national chains won’t. So find your local wine merchant, and get to know them. They’ll get to know you – your pallet, your budget, your tastes – and will help you find the best bottle. 

ABOUT Jane Lopes and Jonathan Ross

Jane Lopes is a sommelier, author, and importer, having worked at New York’s Eleven Madison Park, Nashville’s The Catbird Seat, Chicago’s The Violet Hour, and most recently as the wine director at Melbourne’s Attica, before passing the prestigious master sommelier exam in 2018. Lopes published her first book, Vignette: Stories of Life and Wine in 100 Bottles, in 2019. In 2020, Lopes co-founded Legend, an Australian wine imports company, with husband Jonathan Ross, to help bring the great wines they’d experienced in Australia to the US. She is now based in Nashville. She is the co-author of How To Drink Australian: An Essential Modern Wine Book (Murdoch Books / September 2023 / $60).

Jonathan Ross is a sommelier and wine importer whose career in restaurants has included posts at New York’s Eleven Madison Park, Oceana and Anthos, and as the beverage director for Australia’s Rockpool Dining Group. Ross passed the prestigious master sommelier exam in 2017, has curated wine offerings for Qantas Airlines, and founded the boutique wine label Micro Wines. In 2020, Ross returned to the US, eager to spread the word of the world-class wine he’d worked with in Australia, and co-founded Legend Imports in 2020 with his wife Jane Lopes. He is the co-author of How To Drink Australian: An Essential Modern Wine Book (Murdoch Books / September 2023 / $60).

LUXURY HOLIDAY RECIPE: A Tender Rack of Aussie Lamb

Sometimes you can overdo the recipe for a great piece of meat, especially one that is as delicious as a cut of Aussie lamb. That is why this TasteTV Kitchen‘s recipe only relies on a handful of ingredients and prep.

Although we are huge fans of American lamb, we cannot walk away from a tasty source like Australia. Australia is known for many culinary treats, and one of them is great lamb. Aussie grass fed beef and lamb is  healthier than some other sources and types of meats, and is very time efficient to cook, often reducing meal prep time by 30%.

Australia ranchers also have made a large effort to be more sustainable. In a study over the last 30 years, Aussie ranchers have:

  • Reduced their water use by over 65%
  • Reduced their animals’ greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 14%

It doesn’t make the meat taste better, but it definitely helps satisfy your soul.

Easy Rack of Lamb

Ingredients

  • 1 Rack of Lamb
  • 3 Tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons of kosher or sea salt
  • 2 teaspoons of garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon of Oregano (dried or fresh)
  • 1 teaspoon of  Rosemary or Thyme (dried or fresh)
  • Pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Combine the olive oil with salt pepper, garlic powder, and herbs in a bowl. Mix well.
  2. Score the fatty side of the rack of lamb in a cross-hatch formation  with a sharp knife
  3. Using a spoon or brush, spread the olive oil mixture over both sides of the meat evenly and allow to marinate for 15 minutes to an hour
  4. Heat oven to 450°
  5. Place rack of lamb with fatty side up on a baking tray covered with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Roast for 30 minutes
  6. Remove from oven, allowed to rest for 10 minutes. Slice and serve

 


Interested in finding out more about Aussie Lamb? Find more information here.

@aussiebeeflamb

Places to Work Abroad or Retire with a Second Passport

There’s been a lot of movement among people looking at places to work or retire abroad, especially since many now have the option to work from anywhere.

According to International Living, there are several destinations for sourcing a second passport and residence quickly, and without buying or inheriting it. They say that Americans exploring their move-out-of-the-U.S have plenty of places around the world that only take 2-5 years to gain citizenship-by-naturalization, and it’s perfectly legal for Americans to hold dual-citizenship.

HOW IT WORKS

Second passports and residence in other countries have long appealed to Americans interested in greater flexibility in their travels and investments,” says Jeff D. Opdyke, editor of The Savvy Retiree, a publication of International Living. “These days, that interest is rising—sharply—with more people seeking an ‘escape plan’ should the U.S. no longer suit them in the years to come, whether that be for political, economic, or social reasons.”

It’s possible to effectively buy a passport by investing in certain countries—but to do so typically requires a minimum of $100,000. It’s possible to gain citizenship (and a passport) through family heritage, too. But the genealogy route is hit or miss, depending on the country.

There is, however, a less-costly, more-organic, nearly assured path: Move somewhere and gain citizenship—and a passport—via the naturalization process,” Opdyke says, “and that’s not as difficult as it might sound.

While lots of countries require that you live within their borders for a decade or longer before you can apply for citizenship, several impose a much-shorter timeline of between two and five years. And as a U.S. expat who’s lived in Prague now for nearly two years, I can tell you those years fly by quickly.”

It’s legal for U.S. citizens to hold dual citizenship (and two—or more—passports), which means one needn’t give up their U.S. citizenship to avail themselves of the benefits a second citizenship can provide.

Right now, for instance, a U.S. passport isn’t opening many doors if you’re traveling from the States, but if you had a second passport, you could go on that,” Opdyke says. “It can simply open doors—and provide options not only for greater movement, but for investments, and overseas living as well.”

For folks considering securing citizenship and a second passport, the International Living report explores several countries where the process of citizenship-by-naturalization is relatively quick:


Argentina: 2 Years

Two short years in one of the world’s truly beautiful countries and you can apply for citizenship and, thus, an Argentine passport—the 19th most-powerful passport on the planet in that it gives you access to 170 countries without needing a visa.

There are definitive requirements for Argentina:

• Proof that you’ve lived continuously in Argentina for two years.
• Be over 18 years old.
• Proof of adequate income or employment.
• Passport.
• A DNI card—an Argentine residence permit.
• Proof of no serious criminal record.

Argentina seemingly has a financial crisis du jour. Still, if one’s life is denominated in dollars, their lifestyle in the land of tango will be pretty sweet. Argentina allows you to hold dual nationality as an American.

Peru: 2 Years*

The asterisk here ties to Peru’s requirement that a non-Peruvian can apply for citizenship two years after acquiring residence in the country. That’s not hard; with the correct documents folks can apply for Peruvian residence while visiting on a tourist visa. But it could take several months to complete the residence process.

Once you’ve been a resident for two years, citizenship can be applied for. The necessary documents are similar to those in Argentina, but there are also requirements:

• Write an application to the president of Peru.
• Prove you’re healthy.
• Can communicate in Spanish, and pass an exam about Peruvian history, culture, and geography.

Ecuador, Honduras, Poland, Paraguay: 3 Years

Ecuador demands three continuous years, and if there is an interruption of more than 90 days, folks have to start over.

Honduras shortens the requirement to two years if you are Ibero-American (from a Spanish or Portuguese-speaking country).

Poland is interesting because it’s a European Union member, meaning this is the quickest path to an EU passport. One will also need proof of a stable source of income, such as Social Security or a pension. Perhaps the hardest requirement: proof—by way of official certificate—that you can speak Polish, not one of the world’s easiest languages for native English speakers.

Paraguay is straightforward: Live there for three years as an upstanding citizen.

Brazil: 4 Years

Very much like Paraguay in how easy it is. Four years of continuous residence in the country, command of Portuguese, and no criminal record.

5 Years

Australia, Barbados, Belize, Chile, Colombia, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Ireland, Jamaica, Latvia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Panama, Singapore, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, Uruguay: 5 years

This is not a complete list of the five-year countries. Quite a few others impose requirements that make them less appealing (Indonesia and Japan require that you relinquish your U.S. nationality), or they’re countries most won’t rush to, such as Iran, Congo, or Afghanistan.

Most of these countries are straightforward: five years of continuous residence.

Finland requires folks speak Finnish or Swedish, the Netherlands requires applicants be conversant in Dutch, and Thailand demands folks speak Thai.

Panama wants to know you can speak Spanish and have a basic understanding of Panamanian history, geography, and politics.

TRAVEL: Dine in the Winter Igloo Garden at Melbourne’s Auburn Hotel

If you find yourself in Melbourne, Australia during its chilly season, then fear not. The Auburn Hotel has brought back it’s Winter Igloo Garden, complete with comfy popup domes and tasty food and drink.

Chill out without getting chilly.

The garden has two different packages based on group size. The packages include the chef’s gourmet tasting board + a chocolate & Melbourne Rooftop Honey fondue to share – paired with your choice of a bespoke American Honey Bourbon cocktail, espresso martini, wine, or Hawthorn pint.

G’Day! (or night)

Find out more here.

Australian Macadamia Nut Milk from Milkadamia is a Tasty Alternative

There are several alternatives for the lactose intolerant, or people who are simply avoiding dairy. One of the newest is made with tasty macadamia nuts, called Milkadamia.

The Top 100 Hotels In The World

Elite Traveler, a leading private jet lifestyle magazine, has announced the Top 100 Hotels in the World for 2018.

For the second edition of this list, Elite Traveler presents updated picks of the properties that offer the most opulent hotel experiences. Hand selected by Elite Traveler’s editors, the list feature 14 new entries, including the spectacular Fogo Island Inn in Newfoundland.

From basking in the foothills of a Unesco-designated wilderness reserve in British Columbia to rubbing shoulders with A List celebrities in Mexico , the collection offers a true ‘round the world’ variety of hotels frequented by those who travel by private jet.

Highlights Of The Top Hotels Include

1) Clayoquot Wilderness Reserve a completely outdoors hotel set inside a Unesco park where guests can be flown by helicopter to dine on the peak of a 3,000 ft tall mountain.

 

2) The Belmond Copacabana Palace regularly visited by the likes of Justin Bieber, Mick Jagger and Tom Cruise.

 

3) Explora Patagonia Hotel Salto Chico overlooking Lake Pehoé, this hotel is home to a huge 14,830-acre equine facility and sits at the bottom of the picturesque Patagonian mountains.

4) The Royal Suite at the Plaza, New York which features a library personally curated by Prosper Assouline.

5) The Royal Entourage at The Savoy, UK – where guests have the services of a bartender, spa therapist, stylist and beauty technicians, as well as the use of the American Bar which was recently voted Best Bar in the World for 2017.

6) The Four Seasons Hotel George V is the first hotel in Europe to house three Michelin-starred restaurants under one roof. Le Cinq, Le George and L’Orangerie have five stars between them making this an exceptional gourmand destination.

7) The Ritz Paris, France has recently undergone a $450 million renovation and is home to the world’s first Chanel spa, focused on fragrance, makeup and skin care.

 

The New Hotels for 2018

1) Qualia in Whitsundays, Australia – a favourite with the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio and Johnny Depp, Qualia’s airy open interior overlooks the turquoise waters of the Great Barrier Reef

2) Fogo Island Inn in Newfoundland, Canada – while Fogo Island Inn’s spectacular suspended build may be the star of the show, each of the hotel’s 29 guest rooms offers spectacular views out onto the dramatic landscapes surrounding the hotel.

3) Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake, Four Seasons, Hangzhou, China – sitting in a set of tranquil gardens on the shores of the West Lake (a UNESCO World Heritage site) the Four Seasons at Hangzhou blends traditional Chinese architecture and design with all the luxuries expected from one of the world’s most prestigious hotel brands.

4) La Réserve Paris, Paris, France – With views over the Eiffel Tower, Grand Palais and the Panthéon, it’s easy to see why this beautiful French hotel makes our list, especially when you add in their two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Le Gabriel.

5) Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris, Paris, France – With two restaurants, its own art gallery and a 99-seat cinema, Le Royal Monceau is putting in a big claim for the best hotel in Paris.

6) Hotel Eden, Rome, Italy – Having closed for just under 18 months, Hotel Eden reopened back in April 2017, bursting back onto the scene with 98 new rooms and suites, unmatched views across the Rome skyline and Europe’s first spa to offer treatments from award-winning skin-care pioneer Sonya Dakar.

7) One&Only Palmilla, San José del Cabo, Mexico – Situated in the very chic Los Cabos, the One&Only Palmilla features the area’s only swimmable beaches and offers guests remarkable views of the Sand José del Cabo and the Sea of Cortez.

8) The Royal Mansour, Marrakech, Morocco – If a series of restaurants headed up by a three-Michelin-starred chef and accommodation in the form of 53 individual three-story riads isn’t enough to entice you to The Royal Mansour, then maybe the fact that the hotel is the city’s highest point (other than the tower of the Koutoubia mosque) offering unrivalled views across Marrakech is enough of an attraction.

9) Six Senses Zighy Bay Resort, Dibba-Musandam, Oman – With its own private beach, a live-in guest-experience manager and its own Omani dhow cruise boat, the Six Senses Zighy Bay Resort is easily one of the country’s most luxurious hotels.

10) Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore – As the original Shangri-La Hotel, the Singapore outpost recently had a major makeover and is the perfect hotel to offer guests a peaceful getaway from the buzz of Singapore city centre.

11) La Residence, Franschhoek, South Africa – Overlooked by a series of beautiful mountains and surrounded by a series of vineyards and plum orchards, La Residence is a true sanctuary of calm, offering guests an amazing luxury hotel experience alongside quaint countryside views.

12) Chewton Glen, Hampshire, UK – The only British hotel to be added to the list for 2018, Chewton Glen is a gourmand’s heaven. Situated within 130 acres of beautiful forestry, the hotel is most well known for its amazing restaurant, The Dining Room, and for guests being offered the chance to receive cooking lessons from celebrity chef, James Martin.

13) Lanai, Four Seasons Resort, Hawaii, USA – After a somewhat sizeable cash injection from the fifth richest man in the world (aka Larry Ellison), Lanai has become the most desirable luxury destination in all of Hawaii. Sitting in an unspoiled and uncrowded island, the Lanai features some of the most aweinspiring nature you’ll ever see.

14) Plaza New York City, New York, USA – Set within a beautiful Beaux-Arts style building, The Plaza’s interior takes its inspiration from Louis XV interiors, with the Royal Suite featuring a grand piano and a personal library curated by Prosper Assouline.

See the full list of extravagant places to stay by visiting the Elite Collection Top 100 Hotels

www.elitetraveler.com/category/top-100-hotels-in-the-world