My Melbourne Wine Adventures #1 - Botanical and Massena Barbera

With the best of intentions, we commenced an invigorating walk on a Melbourne spring evening. Our favourite loop around the Botanical Gardens led us onto Domain Road and into the Botanical restaurant.

Above: Botanical Wine Store

The extensive wine list boasted many enticing options, but the Massena Barbera it had to be. Whilst possessing a full flavour, there is a definite lightness to this wine. “The nose is laced with apricots. Christmas cake and an underlying savoury edge. The palate is full of flavour and displays vivid red fruits supported by racy acidity, finishing light on its feet,” says Wine Odyssey (http://wineodyssey.com.au)

Above: Massena Barbera

Dan Standish and Jaysen Collins are the winemaking masterminds behind Massena, based in the Barossa Valley. Working predominantly with Shiraz, Grenache and Mataro, Barbera is one of the newer varieties Massena are trialling. “Our aim is to produce wines that are true to the Barossa style, being rich, warm and generous,” say Dan and Jaysen.

Pick up a bottle of Massena Barbera at Botanical or our other favourite wine haunt, MacPhees, 249 Coventry St, South Melbourne.

www.thebotanical.com.au

www.macphees.com.au