New drop added to Strange Bird

Ballandean winery release latest Strange Bird variety on Monday to coincide with the father of Queensland wine's 76th birthday.

NEW DROP: Angelo and Mary Puglisi from Ballandean Estate Wines. Picture: Glenda R Photographer

BALLANDEAN Estate released its latest Strange Bird variety on Monday, a 2019 Moscato Giallo, to coincide with the father of Queensland wine's 76th birthday.

Angelo Puglisi, estate owner of Queensland's oldest family-owned-and-operated winery, planted his first acre of Moscato Giallo vines in 2014.

A wine pioneer, Angelo's vinicultural vision has delivered 13 new Strange Birds for the Granite Belt Geographical Indication.

"First you need to understand the Italian. Moscato Giallo means 'yellow muscat'. Now you might be thinking this a sweet wine. Not this time,” fourth-generation vigneron Leeanne Puglisi-Gangemi said.

"Dad harvested the luscious golden fruit in March 2019. Our winemaker Dylan Rhymer has delivered an elegant twist on the varietal. Think medium-dry, a light and luscious mouthfeel, with a hint of lemon and gentle citrus overtone. Best of all, be blown away by the aromatic bouquet.

"Our 2019 Moscato Giallo Strange Bird has just 9per cent alcohol, and is a match made in heaven with an afternoon cheese platter and Asian flavour profiles.

"It's a big, fruit-driven delight, somewhere between a Gewertztraminer and our Semillon Sauvignon Blanc.

"We will be showcasing this wine at The Ekka.”

Mr Puglisi's vinicultural legacy was celebrated at the Royal Queensland show just recently.

He presented the inaugural Angelo Puglisi Grand Champion Wine of Show award to a Tasmanian pinot noir producer.

The award is a perpetual acknowledgement to Mr Puglisi's influence and respect in the industry.