Four Winds Vineyard Alinga Sangiovese 2009 + Falafels

Canberra is a beautiful area with the mean January temperature being 23.2 degree Celsius which means that the region has a bit of sun but not quite as much as its Tuscan counterpart. The vineyard at Four Winds may push the boundaries for the Sangiovese variety but with any endeavour it is great to see people experimenting.  The vineyards were planted in 1998 by Suzzane and Greame Lunney with daughters Sarah and Jaime taking responsibility for the winemaking.  There are 33 acres of vines that are planted to a variety of French and Italian varieties. For such a young vineyard these guys are turning out quality wines, if this wine is anything to go by.

Falafels

Vegetable Oil
400g Soaked Chickpeas
2 cups Parsley, Chopped
1 cup Coriander, Chopped
Handful of mint
2 Garlic Cloves
1 Onion
3 Teaspoons ground Coriander
1 Teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 Teaspoon Baking Powder


Place all ingredients into food processor and process until combined. Set mixture aside and heat vegetable oil in large saucepan.  Roll mixture into balls about the size of a golf ball and then place into oil once the oil is extremely hot.  Remove balls onto paper towel, when it is golden brown and serve warm.

This recipe is so easy and simple and it pairs well with the wine as it is light and fresh. You could serve the falafel with a mint yoghurt, if you like but I decided to leave the ball nude. The photo below has the yoghurt added as my wife wanted the extra moisture.

Four Winds Vineyard Alinga Sangiovese 2009

For such a light bodied wine this has a lot of silkiness attached. The palate almost feels like bed sheets in my mouth which is enticing and cerebral at the same time. The tannins are light and playful with a huge core of acidity pairing well with the flavours of sour cherries, pomegranate and cinnamon. The two most attractive elements of the flavour profile are the pomegranate, it is tart and almost crunchy, and an earthiness that reminds me of sitting in Italy eating a warm ham and bocconcini roll with a glass of chianti in my hand. This wine is truly Australian as it doesn't have enough structure to be Italian but it does have enough drink-ability to consume the whole bottle without thinking.

Alcohol: 13.5%
Price: $21
Rated: 86
Drink: Now or over the next 5 years