News
Winter 2009
A Wine (or maybe
whine) with Otto
Let me
start by apologising for the repetitive nature of my last
column. Over the years I have been known to repeat myself.
For most of you this is nothing new. But for those who are
rather new to the rants and raves I call gospel, Sorry. But
that being said it more than likely to happen again.
Because over the years I have been known to repeat myself.
So for most of you this is nothing new. But for those….just
kidding I’m not that senile yet.
Since we last spoke so much has happened. The most obvious
of them is the completion of vintage and our complete
winery makeover. And my insider’s tip for the wines to
watch are as follows. Arneis, Riesling and Prosecco! And
now that Michael has a new winery to play in, we are
ecstatic about how these wines will look when they are
bottled later in the year.
Festival News – June Long Weekend. For all you lovers of
pasta out there it’s back, our Vino, Pasta e Basta
Festival…a celebration of all things wine and pasta. And I
know what you must be thinking. Doesn’t every Italian
celebration involve food and wine? Well the short answer is
yes. Not much more explanation needed. Anyway, Vino, Pasta
e Basta is here again and this year we will be releasing
the 2008 Sangiovese. And considering the last vintage was
in 2006 this is pretty exciting. So if you’re a lover of
Sangiovese you won’t want to miss this release. I’ve been
showing a few people the wine (pre-release on the quiet)
and the feedback has been sensational – they love it!
Also on the long weekend Sammy will be back with the famous
Kid’s Corner, a major attraction for all little folk (and
I’m guessing parents too). And who knows, maybe I’ll even
get my face painted this year. Elena wants me to get a
George Clooney…hmmm…
Other attractions include bocce, music and plenty of wine.
And don’t forget. If you’re a La Famiglia Wine Club member
your members discount applies. So you can buy more wine for
less! And after hearing Wayne Swan’s budget it will be
quite handy.
Last but not least. I recently took a trip over to New
Zealand with wife Elena and some friends of ours. And I can
say with out of word of a lie that it is one of the most
beautiful places I have seen. And I’m from Italy! But I
still can’t wrap my head around this Sauvignon Blanc
phenomenon. Surely I cannot be the only one who thinks this
way. I mean each to there own, but you can’t tell me a Sauv
Blanc is more enjoyable than a glass of Pinot Grigio or a
bottle of Prosecco? I really think it’s time for us
Australia wine drinkers to open our eyes to the other wines
out there…ahh but you wouldn’t be reading this if you
weren’t doing that already…thanks again for your lovely
support.
Ciao!
Otto
Download
our complete Winter 2009 Newsletter here...
DZ La Vite
Newsletter Winter 2009
Download our March 2008 Newsletter here...
Dal Zotto
Newsletter Mar08red
Download our October 2007 Newsletter here...
DalZottoNewsletterOct07web
June 2007
Dal Zotto and Rinaldo's...bringing the best of the King
Valley to the glass and table.
It's been a year and a half since Dal Zotto Wines relocated
their Cellar Door to the centre of Whitfield, at the same
time building Rinaldo's of the King Valley Restaurant. The
result is that the estate has now established itself as the
ideal showcase for the best the King Valley has to offer in
food, wine and hospitality. Whether it is a casual visit to
the Dal Zotto Cellar Door, dining next door at Rinaldo's or
soaking up the traditional Italian atmosphere at one of
their regular event weekends, look no further for a
memorable King Valley experience.
Over the last 20 years the Dal Zotto family, (led by Otto
and Elena), have been producing an increasing array of
acclaimed wines, starting with the more 'traditional'
varieties such as Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon,
Merlot and Shiraz, to the point now where they are also
recognised as one of the best producers of Italian
varieties in Australia. Pinot Grigio, Sangiovese, Barbera
and the wonderful sparkling Prosecco (an Australian first)
all give a taste of what the Italians call, La Dolce Vita.
Built in the early 1950's, the refurbished Cellar Door
(which originally served as the Whitfield Police Station)
was relocated to Dal Zotto Wines where it is now surrounded
by vineyards and hillsides. It is here you can sample your
way through Dal Zotto's delicious range of wines. (With its
history, you could say the views and wines from the Cellar
Door are quite 'arresting'....or maybe best not).
Rinaldo's of the King Valley is operated by Otto and
Elena's nephew, Adam Pizzini, who delights in sharing the
family history of traditional Italian hospitality centred
around the table. The restaurant sits next to the Dal Zotto
Wines Cellar Door in one of the farm's original tobacco
sheds - the corrugated iron tobacco sheds and kilns are a
major part of the King Valley landscape and offer a
reminder of the region's recent agricultural history. (The
Dal Zotto family, in fact, were tobacco farmers before
rekindling their long love of the grapevine). Adam's menu
features the best of local produce assembled into dishes
with a delicious Italian accent. The kitchen garden next to
the restaurant provides seasonal inspiration, especially
through the blackboard of specials that change daily
according to the available flavours. The menu works
beautifully with a wine list that features many options
including the Dal Zotto Estate range of favourites - hard
to go past wine and food combinations made from ingredients
you can see out of the window...but that's the King Valley
for you.
Keep an eye out for the seasonal King Valley events
including the Dal Zotto Primavera del Prosecco - Spring
celebration of Prosecco - in November, new releases and
much, much more.
For more information, please contact Christian Dal Zotto on
0409 002570 or email:
christian@dalzotto.com.au
Dal Zotto Wines - (03) 57 298 321:
Open 7 days a week - 10am - 5pm
Rinaldo's of The King Valley - (03) 57 298 000
Thursday - Saturday lunch and dinner, Sunday
lunch
Catch up on news of our next
event...
Did you know that...our long awaited Pinot Grigio &
Arneis are back in Cellar Door...