Stella Bella Stella Bella Semillon - Sauvignon Blanc 2011
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Stella Bella is a boutique winery with vineyards around the Margaret River region. Janice McDonald and Stuart Pym took over the southern Suckfizze vineyard (then called Augusta) in 1996 and Stella Bella was born. Ever since, the winery has won numerous awards and accolades for many of their wines. They have the highest rating, five red stars, bestowed by wine writer James Halliday, signaling consistent production of quality wines. Vineyards are in Wallcliffe, Rosa Brook and Karridale (all in Central and Southern Margaret River), each with their own micro-climate and soil types. All vines are all on their own roots (and not on root stock). Practice is to use minimal chemical inputs or fertilizers in all vineyards and every block is picked and vinified separately.
Sometimes light and crisp, other times rich and creamy, Bordeaux White Blends typically consist of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. Often, a small amount of Muscadelle or Sauvignon Gris is included for added intrigue. Popularized in Bordeaux, the blend is often mimicked throughout the New World. Somm Secret—Sauternes and Barsac are usually reserved for dessert, but they can be served before, during or after a meal. Try these sweet wines as an aperitif with jamón ibérico, oysters with a spicy mignonette or during dinner alongside hearty Alsatian sausage.
Home to some of Australia’s most elegant and long-lived red and white wines, Margaret River is situated in the farthest reaches of Western Australia. Relatively warm and dry, the region is cooled by breezes from the Indian Ocean. Margaret River takes some inspiration from Bordeaux, producing top-quality Cabernet Sauvignons and Bordeaux Blends with firm structure, mouthwatering acidity, balanced alcohol and notes of herbs and spice. For white wines, refreshing blends of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon as well as complex, age-worthy Chardonnays are regional specialties.