Ballandean Estate is blending a new winemaker into the family fold, 32-year-old Boxi Zhen, who will be starting a new chapter in his winemaking career at Queensland’s oldest family-owned and operated winery.
Fourth generation vigneron Leeanne Puglisi-Gangemi says,
Mr Zhen is enjoying the thriving community of the Granite Belt, the considerably cooler climate, natural beauty and proximity to Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
“Boxi’s experience at Bird in Hand Wines in the Adelaide Hills and Chateau Nine Peaks in Qingdao is a perfect alignment with our unique terroir and cool climate.
He will continue our delivery of delectable, varietal, regional wines of character — and inject some fresh ideas. As a flying winemaker, Boxi has followed vintages around the world, from the Napa Valley to China, South Australia and now the Granite Belt.
We hope that his minimal intervention approach and fresh perspective will underpin the Granite Belt as a region that continues to build on its momentum for new, exciting wines that suit our ever-changing climate.”
“It’s good to see so many young people returning to the region, there’s such a good balance between rural life and being close to major cities.
What attracted me to the Granite Belt was the chance to work with the incredible fruit produced here, the high altitude and cool climate delivering intense flavours and such high acid, thanks to the slow ripening seasons and chilly nights. Throughout South Australia, climate change is increasingly more apparent, and producers are having to adapt as it gets warmer and warmer.
I want to bring out the best expression of the fruit and terroir, with minimal intervention and a mix of modern and traditional winemaking techniques.”
Boxi moved to Adelaide from China at the age of 24 to complete his prestigious Master of Viticulture & Oenology at the University of Adelaide. He also has a degree in Food Science, which places him in excellent stead to continue the R&D science-based approach employed by Ballandean Estate’s previous winemaker of 22 vintages, Dylan Rhymer.
Ballandean Estate continues its winning streak with a swag of medals awarded this weekend at a national wine show for boutique winemakers. The Australian Small Winemakers Show is held annually in Stanthorpe, attracting wine entries from across Australia and New Zealand.
Vintage 2022 delivered Queensland’s oldest family-owned winery 3 silver and 2 bronze medals, bringing the tally to 5 medals at one of the most prestigious shows on the annual wine circuit.
Fourth-generation vigneron Leeanne Puglisi-Gangemi says,
Ballandean Estate is famed for alternative white varietals, our Strange Birds™! This year, our great Italian whites Malvasia, Fiano and GFM (Giallo Fiano Malvasia) were awarded silver medals, which means they had to score greater than 17/20 points; and be considered exceptional on the palate, with freshness and finesse highly prized by the judging panel.
We’ve just released our 10th vintage of Fiano, a wine we’ve won critical acclaim for since 2012, thanks to its richer Italian style with mouth-watering acidity, grippy texture and mineral undertones. We sell out of this varietal every vintage within weeks.
Malvasia is another of our fastest-moving white wines at the cellar door. People fall in love with its big aromatics, richness and complexity. It is the kind of wine that has you excited before even taking your first sip.
Dad (Ballandean Estate owner Angelo Puglisi) is always keen to experiment with Italian varieties. His interest in Italian varieties is not just about the increased diversity of aromas and flavours, but most importantly about structure: and, specifically, acid. Grapes grown for natural acid balance deliver a fresh expression of our granitic terroir and require minimal intervention in the hands of the winemaker.”
Leeanne Puglisi-Gangemi
A wine pioneer, Angelo’s vinicultural vision has delivered 13 new Strange Birds™ for the Granite Belt Geographical Indication.
Ballandean Estate’s 2022 Viognier and Bolle Rosa, a refreshing sparkling pink Moscato, were both awarded bronze medals. A remarkably strong line up of wines was presented, with a marked increase in medals awarded for each class at the 2022 Australian Small Winemakers Show, which held its inaugural event in 1987, open to small wine producers who crush less than 500 tonne a year.
Ballandean Estate is preparing to release its 10th Fiano vintage this Friday 16 September. Ballandean Estate winemaker Dylan Rhymer lends a sophisticated finesse to the rare white wine varietal, delivering a richer Italian style with mouth-watering acidity, grippy texture and mineral undertones.
Estate manager Robyn Puglisi-Henderson says,
“Originating in southern Italy, and widely grown throughout Sicily and the Campania region, Fiano is a premium alternative varietal. We made just 237 cases this year.
“The meteoric rise of Fiano’s popularity is a wonder to behold. We sell out of this great Italian white every vintage within weeks.
“We released our first vintage in 2012, which took out Winestate’s Top Alternative White trophy, and has continued to win critical acclaim ever since.
“Our 10th vintage of Fiano has high crispy acid, floral aromatics, tropical and stone fruits, hints of nuttiness on the palate and a sherbet-like finish.
Robyn Puglisi-Henderson
Fiano was first planted in Queensland in 2009 by Angelo Puglisi, the father of Queensland wine and Ballandean Estate founder.
Winemaker Dylan Rhymer says,
“When deciding if we should plant Fiano here in the Granite Belt, we tasted as many different styles from Australia and Italy as we could. A lot of the Aussie ones were more fruit-driven, in the style of Sauvignon Blanc, while the Italian examples were more complex at higher alcohols, which we preferred. Characteristically, the Italian wines express subtle nutty aromas, with fresh pear, citrus and honey flavours enveloped by rich texture. Our Fiano is picked at almost 13 Baume. It’s 12.8% alc to build weight in the palate, and was handpicked in April 2022 at optimal ripeness. This gives us delicious stone fruit aromas with a touch of honey and citrus.”
Dylan Rhymer
- Fruit: 100%, Fiano single vineyard from Bellevue at Ballandean, 850m above sea level
- Nose: Intensely aromatic, floral notes with hints of pear and pineapple
- Palate: Dry, unoaked, tropical and stone fruits, hints of nuttiness, lengthy finish
- Alcohol: 12.8%
- Price: $32
- Closure: Screw cap
- Drink: 2022–2023
- Weight: Light to medium bodied, rich and textural, similar weight to viognier, pinot grigio and unoaked chardonnay
- Winemaking: A mix of whole bunch and destemmed fruit was combined into the press. The juice was settled quickly in stainless before yeast was added. Stabilised, no finings added, filtered and bottled, unoaked.
Big changes are afoot at Ballandean Estate, Queensland’s oldest family-owned and operated winery. After 22 years at the helm, star winemaker Dylan Rhymer will be wrapping up vintage 2022 in the next few weeks. Next stop, Brisbane, as he moves to be closer to family and pursue a career in the bicycle industry.
Fourth generation vigneron Leeanne Puglisi-Gangemi says,
“Dylan has underpinned Ballandean Estate’s industry accolades for almost a quarter of a century. He’s our longest-serving winemaker. We’ve survived drought, bushfires, hailstorms and floods – he’s family”, says Ms Puglisi-Gangemi.
Ballandean’s winemaker Rhymer considers his legacy to be the birth and continuance of the estate’s signature wine, Generation 3.
“This premium wine is only made when the vintage is exceptional. No compromise, winning a swag of national gold medals since the first release in 2002.”
“Starting in the vineyard with a blend of science and years of experience in the Granite Belt growing grapes, to bring in our Shiraz and Cabernet fruit in optimal condition. Then there’s the winemaking. Premium barrels are hand-selected. We coax that fruit into releasing everything it has to offer, constantly striving to make something different and wonderful to show you, but still respecting its integrity,” says Mr Rhymer.
Rhymer led the development of an internationally acclaimed Saperavi style on the Granite Belt. In 2018, Ballandean Estate entered the Saperavi World Prize for the first time and came third in the world with its 2015 vintage. His commitment to premium wine saw Ballandean Estate convert to Procork, flying in the face of widespread screwcap adoption.
Over his tenure at Ballandean Estate, Rhymer’s legacy includes delivering the 50th Anniversary Edition 2018 Shiraz. Ballandean Estate’s award-winning single vineyard premium Shiraz is sourced from the Opera Block’s oldest vines, planted in 1968, some of the oldest in Australia.
As a “Flying Winemaker”, Dylan has followed vintages and wine seasons around the world, from Marlborough, Hawkes Bay, Bulgaria, Spain, to South Australia and the Granite Belt.
Dylan was working in Spain when he saw the opportunity to be part of the growth and development of the Queensland wine industry in the late 1990s. In the time Dylan has served at Ballandean Estate, he has supported the Queensland wine industry as it has grown in leaps and bounds.
The symbiotic relationship that exists between Dad’s (Angelo Puglisi) experimentation with rare varietals and Dylan’s R&D approach to modern winemaking has helped position the Granite Belt as a region that continues to build on its momentum for new, exciting wines that suit our ever-changing climate”, says Ms Puglisi-Gangemi.
Ballandean Estate opened the Granite Belt’s first wine lounge on Friday 15 July 2022. Signature restaurant The Barrelroom has been made over into a snug and sophisticated space, designed to make you feel like you’re walking into the Puglisi family cellar.
Fourth-generation vigneron Leeanne Puglisi-Gangemi says,
“I’ve been wanting to do this for years! The ultimate space for Ballandean Estate wine-lovers.”
“We hope to provide a first-class, relaxed, extended tasting experience here. Visitors can sit back and indulge in fine wine and local produce from 9am to 5pm each day.
“Our signature grazing platters are accompanied by a tasting of premium wines, of your choice. You can expect to be served wine several times as you enjoy your platter.
“Showcasing our Italian heritage and local artisan producers complements our award-winning wines. We are working with Stanthorpe Cheeses, New England Larder, the Bramble Patch, Ballandean Bakery, Foxy’s Bakery, The Folly Truffles, Cypress Ridge Garlic, Lirah Vinegars, Italian producers Sandhurst and Borgo Brisbane for our traditional Italian salamis.
“Over the last two weeks, the venue has undergone a significant renovation into an intimate moody space, accented by lighting, leather and luxury, with a roaring fire as its heartbeat.”
“Sink into a leather lounge beside the fire, indulge in a wine flight of your choice, a Strange Bird varietal, or a glass of our 50th Anniversary Opera Block Shiraz.”
“The massive increase in visitation over the pandemic has given us the opportunity to innovate with our visitor offering.
“This has been years in the making, and the first time in 30 years we have stepped back from having an onsite restaurant.
“As a family, we live and breathe wine. We want the wine lounge to be an extension of our Italian hospitality, a place where we can share our stories, heritage and of course our world-class wines,” says Ms Puglisi-Gangemi.
Reservations for the wine lounge are now open. Walk-ins will be welcomed. Bookings are recommended. Add The Barrelroom to your must-do list during a visit to the Granite Belt, just over two hours from Brisbane, Toowoomba and the Gold Coast.
Ballandean Estate has been recognised by Tripadvisor today as a 2022 Travellers’ Choice award winner. This award celebrates businesses that have received great reviews from cellar door visitors on Tripadvisor over the last 12 months. As challenging as the past year was, Ballandean Estate Wines stood out by consistently delivering positive experiences to cellar door visitors.
Fourth generation vigneron Leeanne Puglisi-Gangemi says,
“We aim to make sure every Ballandean Estate experience is unforgettable. Ballandean Estate is thrilled to be announced as the Granite Belt’s 2022 Best Tour.
The massive increase in visitation over the pandemic has given us the opportunity to innovate with our visitor offering. As a family, we live and breathe wine. Our cellar door is an extension of our Italian hospitality, a place where we can share our stories, heritage and of course our world-class wines!
We are about to open the Granite Belt’s first wine lounge. It will be place for you to bring your friends and family, sink into a leather lounge beside the fire, indulge in a wine flight of your choice, a Strange Bird varietal, or a glass of our 50th Anniversary Opera Block Shiraz.”
LEEANNE PUGLISI-GANGEMI
“Congratulations to the 2022 Travellers’ Choice Winners,” said Kanika Soni, Chief Commercial Officer at Tripadvisor.
The Travellers’ Choice Awards recognize the best in tourism and hospitality, according to those who matter most: your guests.”
To see Ballandean Estate’s reviews, visit Tripadvisor here.
Ballandean Estate’s 2019 Nebbiolo took home the Trophy for Best Italian Red Varietal at the Queensland International Emerging Wine Variety Challenge. Angelo Puglisi, founder of Queensland’s oldest family-owned and -operated winery, accepted the prize at the Brisbane awards dinner held at 66 on Ernest restaurant at Southbank, Thursday 26 May 2022.
Wine analysis
- Colour—Pale ruby with orange hues
- Nose—Cherry, tar and roses
- Palate—Medium-bodied with red fruits, strong tannins, high acidity and earthy tones
- Alcohol/Volume—2%
- Cellaring potential—Drink now to 5 years
- Winemaker—Dylan Rhymer
- Viticulturist—Angelo Puglisi
- RRP $42
Estate owner Angelo Puglisi says,
“Experimenting with varieties that fit our unique climate and terroir is what gets me excited. In 2001, I thought it was about time we had an Italian red under our belt. Hailing from Northern Italy’s Piedmont region, this grape is known for producing bold red flavours, grippy tannins, and high natural acidity — all while looking as pale as Pinot Noir.
Nebbiolo was our first Italian Strange Bird™ planting. We call it the Italian version of Pinot Noir at the cellar door. Lighter in body, big tannins, cherry, tar and roses on the nose, ruby and orange hues synonymous with aged Nebbiolo—it’s a real food wine.
Nebbiolo is a finicky variety to grow in Ballandean, but when it’s right, it is so right! Incredibly sensitive to terroir—it needs great drainage and a long, bright growing season,” says Mr Puglisi.
ANGELO PUGLISI
Overcoming low yield with great viticulture
Ballandean Estate’s high altitude, cool climate and granite traprock soils on Bellevue’s slopes saw the vines mature a low yield initially. Angelo Puglisi overcame this by using a different pruning approach that produces more fruit bunches. The fruit is the last to be harvested, as it matures slowly with the cool nights at the end of growing season.
Queensland International Emerging Wine Variety Challenge
The Queensland International Emerging Wine Variety Challenge is in its third year. Queensland-grown alternate varieties take on the best of Europe in this unique event hosted by Queensland Wine Industry Association. The varietals are judged and benchmarked against wines from their place of origin.
Ballandean Estate is preparing to convert its much-loved signature restaurant into the Granite Belt’s first wine lounge. Slated to open late July 2022, The Barrelroom will evolve into an atmospheric, cosy venue where visitors can sit back, relax and indulge in fine wine and platters of local produce.
The venue makeover is the brainchild of fourth-generation vigneron Leeanne Puglisi-Gangemi, who is beside herself with excitement as she prepares for her role as chief storyteller.
Now that we can travel freely again, we saw an opportunity to enhance our cellar door experience with the ultimate space for wine lovers.
This has been years in the making, and the first time in 30 years we have stepped back from having an onsite restaurant.
The massive increase in visitation over the pandemic has given us the opportunity to innovate with our visitor offering. As a family, we live and breathe wine. We want the wine lounge to be an extension of our Italian hospitality, a place where we can share our stories, heritage and of course our world-class wines!
Bring your friends and family, sink into a leather lounge beside the fire, indulge in a wine flight of your choice, a Strange Bird varietal, or a glass of our 50th Anniversary Opera Block Shiraz. The ambience will be rustic, moody, and a just a little bit quirky. Think leather and luxury, the oaky gurgle of our port barrels, a roaring fire, ambient lighting and mirrors. Decadent platters will be yours to graze upon.
“If you can’t imagine a Granite Belt visit without a meal made with love by Matt and Bobbi Wells, never fear! You can find them at their new venture in Stanthorpe, Marley’s Little Kitchen”, says Ms Puglisi-Gangemi.
Reservations for the wine lounge will open in May 2022 for bookings in July. Walk-ins will be welcomed. Bookings are recommended. Add The Barrelroom to your must-do list during a visit to the Granite Belt, just over two hours from Brisbane, Toowoomba and the Gold Coast.
ENDS
For all media enquiries please contact: Leeanne Puglisi-Gangemi
Ph: (07) 4684 1226 Leeanne@ballandeanestate.com
354 Sundown Rd Ballandean 4382 www.ballandeanestate.com
Let us take you on a wine adventure! Be the first to try Taste Ballandean, an intimate wine and food tasting experience.
Ballandean Estate Wines continues to tantalise palates with an all-new visitor offering, Taste Ballandean. This is the Granite Belt’s first elevated tasting room experience. It’s your chance to discover the history, winemaking, people and passion of Ballandean Estate, broadening your wine horizons with new varietals andmuseum wines.
Taste Ballandean will showcase the rich tapestry of tradition, winemaking, terroir and storytelling at Queensland’s oldest family-owned and -operated winery.
Fourth-generation vigneron and estate manager Robyn Puglisi-Henderson says,
“We have seen increased interest in tasting our limited release wines from cellar door visitors and our wine club members.
“Our elevated tastings will be intimate and interactive, so you can ask all the questions you’ve always wanted to know about wine. Taste Ballandean is hosted by our wine educators: our most experienced cellar door staff and family members.
Immerse yourself in the world of wine
“Autumn is the perfect time for visitors to experience Taste Ballandean. Your wine adventure begins with an intimate tasting in our Cellar Tasting Room. It’s a seated premium tasting of six limited release wines paired meticulously with seasonal, creative small bites.
“Sample award-winning Strange Birds ™ such as Saperavi, Fiano, Malvasia – or a limited edition 50th Anniversary Opera Block Shiraz.
“We’ll be complementing your elevated tasting with decadent individual tasting platters. Think house-made delicacies, Granite Belt cheeses and local produce.
Hear the stories
“Our family has been making wine on our Granite Belt estate since 1932. There is no better way to experience the real Ballandean Estate than an immersive, interactive elevated tasting.”
Make sure you add Taste Ballandean to your must-do list during a visit to the Granite Belt, just over two hours from Brisbane, Toowoomba and the Gold Coast. Taste Ballandean launches 1 April 2022.
Generational growers at Ballandean Estate, Queensland’s oldest family-owned and operated winery, are hailing vintage 2022 right on track to make up for years of drought, bushfire and hail.
Fourth-generation vigneron Leeanne Puglisi-Gangemi says,
We’ve had the wettest year in over 30 years on the Granite Belt. Combining that with an exceptionally cool spring and summer is delivering an abundance of beautiful fruit. We are lucky to have escaped the heavy rainfall hitting much of southeast Queensland.
In 2020, we harvested just 7.5 tonnes of fruit in 2020, a vintage heavily impacted by the end of drought and a hailstorm. In 2021, Ballandean Estate was fortunate enough to bring in 90 tonnes of fruit. This year, we are seeing our vines, some of which are amongst the oldest in Australia, well on their way to a full recovery from drought with a harvest of 100 tonnes expected.
In 2023, we expect to return to full production of 150 tonnes when our baby Shiraz, Chardonnay and Merlot vines begin producing fruit.”
White varietals outperform expectations
Today we picked and crushed 9 tonnes of viognier, making that 30 tonnes of white varietals processed since the start of 2022.
Semillon is a surprise performer, we were expecting 2 tonnes and harvested 6 tonnes. Our white varietals are golden and clean, just magnificent this vintage, especially our much-loved Malvasia.”
A lucky escape and unexpected blessing
We’ve managed to escape the disease pressure the region has been under. This wet weather has seen our vines as happy as Larry, thanks to strict vineyard management and the many years of combined grape growing experience between Dad (Angelo Puglisi, estate founder) and Robyn Robertson (Ballandean Estate vineyard manager).
The western escarpment of the Granite Belt has a unique microclimate. Our grapes have a very different rain requirement to the apples and stone fruit grown in other parts of the Granite Belt. This rain has been perfect timing for our red fruit’s last growing spurt before harvest in three weeks’ time. Bloody good news here!” says Ms Gangemi.
