Monday 19th August

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Hello Canberra,

📆 Today: It’s Monday 19th August

☁️ Weather: 15° and cloudy

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🍷 Canberra's Pinot Noir Gems

Yesterday was International Pinot Noir Day. Emma Shaw from Pique Nique Wine was kind enough to share her expertise and put together this section:

The Canberra District wine region is best known for riesling and shiraz, but our cool-climate region can produce some beautiful pinots too. One of the "noble grape" varieties, the best pinots are medium-bodied, complex, layered wines. Australian pinots often show bright strawberry, raspberry and cranberry notes and intriguing earthy characters, whether this is "forest floor" or savoury mushroom/charcuterie notes. Fine, lingering tannins are a must, and as always we're seeking wines packed full of flavour and character.

In celebration of International Pinot Noir Day on Sunday 18th August, here are a few of my local and regional favourites:

Lark Hill Coppabella Pinot Noir 2023

Violets and fresh aromatics, and a delicious, berry fruit-sweetness are melded together with gentle grip on the palate and fine feathery tannin. I would happily sip this on its own, but it would also pair well with truffle risotto or crispy duck pancakes.

Poachers Pinot Noir 2021

Awarded the trophy for best pinot noir at the NSW Wine Awards in 2022, I find this a beautifully earthy, dense and savoury expression of pinot, a standout from the past few cooler years in this region which have favoured lighter and aromatic styles.

Pankhurst Pinot Noir 2022

Refined, taut and compact. Beautifully made and with good, firm presence on the palate. A "serious" pinot noir.

Sapling Yard The Four Pinots 2023

A creative take on both pinot and rosé - it's a blend of pinot noir, pinot gris, pinot meunier and pinot blanc. Some skin contact, delicious aromatics and a quite chewy, moreish palate, all make this wine perfect with a grazing platter.

Emma Shaw is a local winemaker who's passionate about wine communication and the wines of the Canberra region. She regularly runs wine appreciation classes and events focused around regional wines. Follow her on Instagram, Facebook or through her website.

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News: 🏗️ New Supermarket and Homes in Kippax

The ACT Government has reached an agreement with the owners of Kippax Fair to significantly update the aging centre. The upgrades will include a larger Woolworths, a new Coles, a community centre, a 6000m2 park, increased parking, and a dining and social precinct. 200 homes will be constructed as part of the precinct including public housing. A development application from the developers is expected to be lodged in the coming months.

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Something to do: 🌱 Isaacs Ridge Planting Day

Come along to the Isaacs Ridge Community Planting Day for a fun day of planting and connecting with nature and the community. Remember to bring water, closed shoes, gloves, and a hand trowel if you have one. There will be a thank you BBQ at the end of the day. The planting day is being run by the Southern ACT Catchment Group. Details here.

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News: 🏀 Men's Basketball Coming Back to Canberra?

NBL chief executive David Stevenson met with the Chief Minister last week to discuss bringing professional men's basketball back to Canberra. The proposed Canberra Convention and Entertainment Centre could host the games with the refurbished AIS arena accomodating games until the new city centre sports and entertainment precinct is constructed. The Canberra Cannons played in Canberra from 1979-2003.

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This Weekend: 🦸‍♀️ Oz Comic Con

Oz Comic-Con is Canberra's largest event for pop-culture fans. It's happening at EPIC this weekend. Whether you're a veteran of conventions or a first-time attendee, Oz Comic Con guarantees an immersive and enjoyable experience for everyone. There are over 100 exhibitors and artists, meetups and demonstrations. Details here.

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Tidbits:

Stephen Fry Tickets: A reminder that tickets to Stephen Fry's show in Canberra go on sale today. More.

Southside stadium upgrade: A $50 million plan has been pitched to local and federal politicians to upgrade Viking Park in Erindale. The ACT Brumbies are looking to upgrade the 10,000 seat stadium so it's fit to host Super Rugby games.