Who makes it?

Are You Game, Shiraz is just one of the quirky wines from Fowles, a family winery based in Victoria. It has the benefit of having a cellar door that is easy to reach on the highway between Melbourne and the NSW border. The range has grown and has some innovative twists added lately such as the ‘Are you game? Sparkling’ which is a sparkling vermentino base with other companions such as Arneis. And it is just as intriguing as the savoury ‘Ladies who shoot their lunch’ Chardonnay. 

It certainly has the ‘cute critter’ factor on the label, but this time the wine really is a selling feature all on its own.

How do they make it?

This is actually a red blend. It is 95% Shiraz and 5% Cabernet sauvignon. The grapes have been sourced from the Strathbogie Ranges, in Victoria.  A region that is known for its cool climate. 

This wine has then spent a year in a mix of old and new oak. This smooths out the wine and adds lushness.

What does it taste like?

Are you game? Shiraz is more medium bodied, but is rounded out with that time in oak. Being cooler climate it has a peppery over tone that lifts the floral, plum and cherry fruit. It lasts a long while in the mouth. 

These wines are made to go with food and are in the drink now realm while the wine still retains those fresh floral notes. 

What to drink it with?

Enjoy with a very wide range of food from roast chicken with a spiced rub to bangers with truffled mash or a juicy burger. It is a good food wine.

Cheese

Go with hard cheeses such as Manchego, cheddar or aged comte.

Quickie review « Juicy elegant style with some succulent oak there amongst the flowers & pepper ! »

Country of Origin: Strathbogie Ranges, Australia
Tasting Date: March 2023
Price:  UK £16 | AU$28 
Drink: now – 3 years 
Needs food: no
Source: tasting

If you like Australian red wines, why not check out:
Kalleske Clarry’s

Visit Fowles Wine for more.