d’Arenberg The Stump Jump Red

South Australia
$15-18

www.darenberg.com

I live to try new wines and I’m always on the hunt, but for special occasions (I’m looking at you wedding season) it’s good to rely on the tried and true. D’Arenberg is one of my favourite producers – not only from the Land of Oz, but worldwide. I’m always being asked for wedding and party wine recommendations. It’s a special case. Something that is widely appealing both for your hipster cousin and great aunt, something that is wallet-friendly for bulk buying, something that is in good supply and easy to find, and, not to be forgotten, something that is TASTY. Wedding planners, let me introduce you to Stump Jump. This old bush-vine GSM (Grenache, Syrah Mourvèdre) blend has a nose of ripe, dark berries and cracked black pepper, with supple cherry, herbal mulberry, earth and spice on the medium-bodied palate. Supple and soft finish, consistent, well-made, widely appealing and fantastic value. I do! Let’s hope the happy couples’ union has the staying power of d’Arenberg’s Osborn family. They’ve been tending vineyards since 1912.

*Bonus – Stump Jump White will make a perfect partner for the Red on the tables.

D’Arenberg wines have esoteric names – all referring to various stories from legend or reality. The Stump Jump was so called after the Aussie-invented plough that could ‘jump’ over stubborn mallee tree stumps and roots in the ground after clearing.

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