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Did you know that...our long awaited Pinot Grigio & Arneis are back in Cellar Door...
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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


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