Another vintage is almost over, bringing to a close a great but dry season at Canowindra, Australia. Life at Rosnay is as exciting as ever, with everybody in good health, Sam and Simone were married in November, a steady flow of great WOOFers (Willing Workers on Organic Farms) from around the world, and the enjoyment of hard work, good food, wine, and music at Woolstock 2005.
Vintage news
Of course, the drought continues, but we had a few beneficial falls of rain that have kept the vines growing well – supplemented with a little bore water. Some hail, too, but no serious damage. It is always amazing how much better the vines grow with a good 50mm of rain. There were no scorching heat waves, like the 2001 and 2003 vintage, and the fruit ripened gradually and fully, with no disease. Only Cabernet is yet to be picked by mid April. The 2005 Vintage is looking great, with full bodied Merlot, Shiraz and Semillon now fermenting at Windowrie Estate. We will be releasing the 2004 Triple Blend in the next few months, as well as the 2004 Semillon, followed by a Rose – our newest wine style – in July. As more people recognise the benefits of organic wine, more outlets are stocking Rosnay, and our first export shipment is close. Our cellar door wine list is at www.rosnaywines.com.au/orderform.doc and now includes a special Autumn hamper offer.
Food News
The 2004 olives turned out as good as ever, with Florence and Richard continuing to develop their natural pickling method with less salt. We all love the taste of the kalamatas and look forward to picking the next harvest in May – please join us! The 2005 olives will not be ready for bottling untill November. But we will have freshly pressed extra virgin olive oil from the 1500 corregiola trees bottled for release by mid year.
Meanwhile, Greg Kocanda has been very busy planting and now harvesting a range of organic vegetables which are being sold through the Sydney, Orange and Bathurst markets. Andrew Wooldridge (“Wooly”) and Margie Crowther are running 300 certified organic lambs, and taking orders for organic lamb cuts. Other crops are beginning to bear now, including figs and peaches, of which many different varieties were planted 4 years ago, and some of the first fruits have been made by Florence into jams and conserves.
Herb and Jenny Gardner have also had a successful grape harvest, and are planning the building of Stage 2 of their beautiful strawbale house, with Huff’n’Puff planning a 5 day strawbale building workshop in October (participants welcome).
Martis, New Art Gallery and Wine Tasting
Martis Balloon Fiesta is on again, and we hope that you can make it on the Anzac Day Long Weekend. From the mass ascent of balloons, to balloon rides and workshops, bush poetry, kite building workshops, winery tours, antique furiture show and auction, camel rides, helicopter rides, chainsaw carving, regional art show, blacksmithing, markets and amusement rides, plus all the cafes, galleries, historic pubs and museums in town – this is a weekend not to miss. For more info see www.martisfiesta.com.au
Our French cousins, Patrick and Tiffanie Leclerc, have migrated to Australia and are now leasing the former Westpac Bank building in Canowindra. They will be opening the new Riverbank Gallery at 7pm on 22 April, with a show of Patricks unique paintings. Having lived in Australia as a teenager, Patrick paints the Australian landscape with the passion of separation, using Australian sand, clay, rock, fossil and crystal fragments in his paintings, many of which were painted in Germany and France. The evening will be catered with delicious French cuisine by Restaurant Legall, bookings essential via [email protected] e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Local wines will also be on show the same night. Canowindra vignerons will be presenting their best wines to the public at the Martis Wine Tasting, at the Royal Hotel, main street, from 6pm. All welcome.
Classical Music
If classical music is your thing, Richard has again organised a great performance by the Sydney Conservatorium student quintet, for the 4th year in a row, at All Saints’ Church, Canowindra, at 2pm on Saturday 23rd April (during Martis) Tickets for this Church fund raiser are $25 (concession $12.50) at the door with a 20% discount for advance bookings on 6344 3215 or [email protected] e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .
The next day the same group will be performing a twilight concert under The Dish Telescope at Parkes. This should be an unforgettable experience. Tickets $15 or $35 family, and strictly limited, available from the Dish on 02 6861 1700. Both events are supported by Rosnay Organic Wines and include wine tasting and light refreshments.