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Wine-lovers descended upon Ballandean Estate last Saturday at the latest vineyard party celebrating the end of spring and the excitement of the new harvest to come. Revellers joined Angelo Puglisi, the Father of Queensland Wine — and five generations of the Puglisi family — for yet another a party to remember.

Angelo’s daughter and estate ambassador Leeanne Puglisi-Gangemi said,

“We farewelled Spring in spectacular fashion over the weekend. Our party people gathered on the Opera Block from far and wide, enjoying live music from No Relation and dancing in the rain. Moody skies, verdant greens, a shower or three helped make it a day to remember. With world-class wines flowing and a great Italian-inspired meal thanks to Italian-trained chef Jason Constanzo, we laughed, ate and danced the afternoon away, such a fabulous way to spend the day.

“We shared Angelo’s 1987 Rare Tawny as a special treat for everyone, the perfect pairing with Nonna’s amazing tiramisu. This is a history-making release, embodying Dad’s lifetime building one of the oldest family-owned wineries in Queensland. What a way to top off a relaxing afternoon in Ballandean.”

Over the past 80 years, Angelo Puglisi’s family business has been at the forefront of developing and promoting the Queensland wine industry, from modest beginnings to a now multi-million-dollar industry. Queensland’s Angelo Puglisi Grand Champion Wine of Show award is a perpetual acknowledgment to Puglisi’s influence and respect in the industry.

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Ballandean Estate Wines has released Angelo’s 1987 Rare Tawny, meticulously crafted by estate patriarch Angelo Puglisi. Aged for 37 years, the fortified wine boasts a complexity and palate-staining intensity that will captivate connoisseurs and collectors alike.

Angelo’s 1987 Rare Tawny is a tribute to the generational winemaking legacy at Ballandean Estate. Described as:

“rich, slippery and ultra-dense, loaded with molasses and treacle characters, cinnamon, bitter-dark chocolate, toffee and stewed plum, with dried orange peel, raisin, and preserved cherries in tow,”

Mike Bennie of Halliday’s Wine Companion

An unparalleled tasting experience

According to estate manager Robyn Puglisi-Henderson,

“Angelo’s 1987 Rare Tawny offers an unparalleled tasting experience, embodying Dad’s lifetime building one of the oldest family-owned wineries in Queensland. 

“To commemorate this release, Ballandean Estate Wines has curated a limited-edition Signature Barrel Collection. Each collection features a beautifully crafted Mongolian oak and glass barrel, signed and numbered, along with three bottles of the 1987 Rare Tawny. The current release is just 25 barrels,  offering a rare opportunity to own a piece of Queensland wine history. These are available for purchase at $950 each.

Charity auction

“We’ve kicked off the celebration with an exclusive online charity auction, wrapping up Friday 22 November at 12pm. The auction will feature Number 01, the inaugural Aged Barrel, ready to be filled with Angelo’s distinctive 1987 Rare Tawny.”

Single bottles of Angelo’s 1987 Rare Tawny can be bought online and at the cellar door for $130.

Ballandean Estate was awarded a plethora of trophies at the 40th Annual Queensland Wine Awards Presentation Dinner, held at the Queensland College of Wine Tourism in Stanthorpe Thursday 31 October. The event was attended by 100-plus vignerons, international critics and dignitaries.

A winning trajectory

Queensland’s oldest family-owned and run winery was awarded:

  1. Winery of the Year
  2. Winemaker of the Year – Boxi Zhen
  3. Viticulturalist of the Year – Angelo Puglisi and Robyn Robertson
  4. Champion Wine of Show – 2024 Fiano
  5. Champion Mainstream White Variety – 2023 Chardonnay
  6. Champion Mainstream Red Variety – 2023 Shiraz Viognier
  7. Champion Emerging Variety White – 2024 Fiano
  8. Champion Estate Grown White –  2024 Fiano

Ringing endorsement for winemaker Boxi Zhen

Fourth-generation vigneron Leanne Puglisi-Gangemi says,

“This is one of Ballandean Estate’s biggest wins, on a par with taking out the first major national trophy for a Queensland winery as Most Successful Exhibitor in the early nineties at the Australian Small Winemakers Show, and our gold medal  at the 2018 Saperavi World Prize.

“Yet another ringing endorsement for our young gun Boxi Zhen in his second vintage as a Granite Belt winemaker. He is really making his mark as Emerging Queensland Winemaker of the Year.”

Congratulations to the winners

“We congratulate our friends and neighbours from Sancerre Estate Brad and Stacey Allen, Ridgemill Estate, Sirromet, Riversands Wines and Tony Hassell from Just Red Wines, who received the Samuel Basset award for his significant contribution to the Queensland wine industry.”

Other awardees were:

  • Samuel Bassett Award –  Tony Hassell from Just Red Wines
  • Champion Emerging Variety Red  –  Ridgemill Estate 2023 WYP Saperavi
  • Champion Fortified or Sparkling Sirromet Wines 2022 Nadin Blanc de Blanc
  • Champion Wine of Provenance – Sancerre Estate Alvarino
  • Champion Estate Grown White  – Ridgemill Estate 2023 WYP Saperavi
  • Stewards Choice Best of Queensland  – Riversands Wines 2023 Merlot
  • Stewards Choice Granite Belt  – Sirromet Wines 2009 Sparkling Pinot Noir Chardonnay
  • Stewards Choice South Burnett  – not presented

Vineyard accolades

“It’s great to see the work we do in the vineyard recognised. It’s the quality of our fruit that sets us apart, high altitude and cool climate delivering intense flavours and such high acid. Big thanks for the tender loving cultivation of our vines by vineyard manager Robyn Robertson, and Dad, the Father of Queensland wine, Angelo Puglisi, and to our vineyard and winemaking teams.”

James Halliday 95-point wines

“We’ve just had three of our wines announced as 95-point wines by James Halliday: 2023 Nebbiolo, 2023 Small Batch Reserve Chardonnay, and Angelo’s Vintage Tawny 1987, which we’ll be releasing as an exclusive limited edition in a few weeks’ time. These 95-point wines qualify us to be a five-star-rated winery in the next release of the Halliday Wine Companion.”

Ballandean Estate’s winemaker Boxi Zhen has continued his winning streak at the Royal Agricultural Society of Queensland 2024 Australian Mediterranean Varieties Wine Show, held in Toowoomba. Queensland’s oldest family-owned and run winery was awarded Best in Queensland White for its 2023 Wild Ferment Viognier, and Best in Queensland Red for its 2023 Nebbiolo.

A word from our winemaker Boxi Zhen

“These wines reflect the efforts we are undertaking in the  vineyard and cellar. To me, the medals are good signs that we are on the right path.  I feel honoured and  excited that our wines are being recognised by the show judges. It says a lot about how great our Granite Belt wines can be, and just how much potential we can explore from the terroir here.”

Young Asian man holding two bottles of wine in front of a vineyard in crouching position

Judges praise texture and finish for a gold medal score of 95 points

Estate manager Robyn-Puglisi Henderson says,

“Judges praised the Wild Ferment Viognier for its beautiful texture and finish, awarding it 95 points out of 100, a gold medal score.  It’s a real testament to the fresh perspective and minimal intervention approach Boxi is bringing to the Granite Belt. Boxi was recently awarded the Emerging Queensland Winemaker of the Year, it’s so exciting to see him further develop his reputation for winemaking excellence and judging capability.  

“Ballandean Estate’s Nebbiolo has an excellent pedigree as our first Italian Strange Bird™ planting and has received ongoing critical acclaim, awarded 92 points at this show. In 2022 it took out the trophy for Best Italian Red Varietal at the Queensland International Emerging Wine Variety Challenge.  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.

“Three of our wines have just  been announced as 95-point wines by James Halliday: 2023 Nebbiolo, 2023 Small Batch Reserve Chardonnay, and Angelo’s Vintage Tawny 1987, another ringing endorsement for Boxi’s second vintage as a Granite Belt winemaker.  These 95-point wines qualify us to be a five-star-rated winery in the next release of the Halliday Wine Companion.”

Experimental approach in both the vineyard and cellar

According to Boxi,

“Nebbiolo is a hard variety to grow and make. It’s always the first variety to bud burst in the vineyard and last variety to pick at the end of the vintage. Extremely high acid, heavy tannins and light colour while the maturity level, in most of the years, are not enough to climb up to it should be. We are actually undergoing  heaps of trials in the vineyard and cellar year by year, trying to boost the quality and quantity of the Nebbiolo, finding the best way to best express its varietal characters while building up its perfect texture during the maturation.

“The 2023 Viognier was  part our minimal handling scheme in the vintage of 2023. The harvest was of meticulous design, harvested in batches. Winemaking saw 20% percentage of pre-ferment skin contact, wild ferment, lees stirring during the aging period and  barrel maturation. The trophy and gold medal awarded to this wine expressed the winemaking efforts that we committed to the wine. ”

Boxi Zhen 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 has announced a vineyard party on Saturday 30 November 2024, celebrating the end of spring and the excitement of the new harvest to come. Wine lovers will be joining Angelo Puglisi, the Father of Queensland Wine — and five generations of the Puglisi family — for a soiree to remember. Angelo’s daughter and estate manager Robyn Puglisi-Henderson says,

“Our 2023 vineyard party was in honour of Dad’s 80th birthday and lifetime contribution Queensland’s wine industry. Over 250 people gathered on the Opera Block from far and wide, feasting on a long Italian lunch, dancing in the vines and enjoying Ballandean Estate’s world-class wines. It was heartwarming to celebrate with our amicis.

“This year, we’ll be mixing up the festivities, kicking up our heels and seeing out spring with a splash of sensational wines and a mouth-watering long lunch.
“We can’t wait to see what Italian-trained chef Jason Costanzo will be thrilling our senses with this year. We have a long Ballandean connection with Jason, who is the son of Golden’s Grove’s Sam and Grace Costanzo.
“Our party guests will be revelling to live music from No Relation, lucky door prizes, bocce, croquet, and more. We’ll have a charity raffle in support of Rotary Stanthorpe, for whom we’ve raised more than $1.6 million over the years, thanks to Opera In the Vineyard and charity race days.”

Robyn Puglisi-Henderson

Festivities kick off at 11am and continue until 4pm.  Tickets are strictly limited, $80 per person including a glass of sparkling on arrival, Italian buffet lunch and an optional shuttle bus.

You can book tickets here: https://www.trybooking.com/CVAPL

Over the past 80 years, Angelo Puglisi’s family business has been at the forefront of developing and promoting the Queensland wine industry, from modest beginnings to a now multi-million-dollar industry. Queensland’s Angelo Puglisi Grand Champion Wine of Show award is a perpetual acknowledgment to Puglisi’s influence and respect in the industry.  

ENDS For all media enquiries please contact: Robyn Puglisi-Henderson Ph: (07) 4684 1226

Robyn@ballandeanestate.com

Ballandean Estate’s winemaker Boxi Zhen has just been announced Emerging Queensland Winemaker of the Year by the Royal Queensland Wine Awards, testament to the fresh perspective and minimal intervention approach he is bringing to Queensland’s oldest family-owned and operated winery.

Star Entertainment Group’s Emerging Queensland Winemaker of the Year award recognises emerging talent and craftsmanship.

Emerging winemaker to undertake wine assessement scholarship

Fourth generation vigneron Leeanne Puglisi-Gangemi says,

“We’d like to thank the RNA and Treasury Brisbane for giving our young winemaker Boxi such a great opportunity to further develop his reputation for winemaking excellence.

“Boxi is thrilled to be undertaking the Australian Wine Research Institute’s Advanced Wine Assessment Course.

“He’s really looking forward to having his  wines featured at Treasury Brisbane outlets, and the privilege of being an Associate Judge at 2025’s Royal Queensland Wine Awards.

“We blended Boxi into the family fold at the start of 2023, when he started  the next chapter of his winemaking career, after working across the  Napa Valley to China, South Australia and now the Granite Belt. 

Critical acclaim for young winemaker Boxi Zhen

“Boxi’s first showing was in 2023’s Queensland Wine Awards, where his foray in Rosé saw our 2023 vintage awarded gold, and his small-batch 2023 Viognier awarded the Stewards Choice prize.”

“In late June 2024, Boxi’s wines won Gold and  the Trophy for the 2024 Semillon Sauvignon Blanc at the Cairns Show Wine Awards, where we also took out Bronze for his  2023 Wild Ferment Viognier, 2023 Shiraz Viognier and 2024 Rosé.

“He’s humbled  be recognised by a prestigious national wine show in his  second vintage as a Granite Belt winemaker.  RQWA awarded a Silver for our 2022 Saperavi, and Bronze for the 2023 Wild Ferment and 2023 Shiraz Viognier, our high altitude and cool climate delivering intense flavours and such high acid.

“We hope that Boxi’s minimal intervention approach 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.”

Boxi Zhen 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 is pleased to announce it has been recognised in Tripadvisor’s® Travellers’ Choice® Awards for 2024, making this the third consecutive year for Queensland’s oldest family-run winery. The award honours businesses that consistently earn great reviews, placing these winners placing these winners among the 10% of all listings on Tripadvisor globally.

Trailblazing family legacy

Ballandean Estate Wines sustained its reputation for excellence through consistent delivery of memorable cellar door experiences. It continues the Puglisi family’s trailblazing legacy as outstanding advocates for Queensland’s wine industry and as some of Australia’s most influential people in wine: Winemakers Federation Board memberships,  Samuel Basset award winners, and export market innovators for Shiraz trade to China. With the winery now in its fourth and fifth generations, the  family continues to be wine pioneers in the Granite Belt region.

Fourth generation vigneron Leeanne Puglisi-Gangemi says,

As the world’s largest travel guidance platform, Tripadvisor has unparalleled authority with travellers and diners. This award is based on genuine feedback from anyone in the community who has visited and left an authentic, first-hand review on Tripadvisor over a 12-month period, making it a valuable and trustworthy designation of great places to visit.

“Congratulations to Ballandean Estate on its recognition in Tripadvisor’s® Travellers’ Choice® Awards for 2024,” said John Boris, Chief Growth Officer at Tripadvisor.

“Travellers’ Choice honours businesses that consistently demonstrate a commitment to hospitality excellence. This means you have made such a memorable impact on your visitors that many of them took the time to go online and leave a great review about their experience. People rely on Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice seal to help them navigate the myriad of things to see, eat and do across the globe. We hope this recognition continues to drive business to you in 2024 and beyond.”

To see Ballandean Estate’s reviews, visit Tripadvisor here.

Ballandean Estate has released its first minimal intervention wine series, thanks to young gun winemaker Boxi Zhen, who is literally shaking things up at Queensland’s oldest family-owned and operated winery.

Inspired by 2023’s best-in-a-decade Malvasia vintage, Boxi’s  love affair with Granite Belt fruit is a beautiful expression of terroir. Ballandean Estate’s 2023 Minimal Intervention Series includes a Wild Ferment Viognier, Malvasia and Wild Ferment GFM (Giallo Fiano Malvasia).

Winemaker Boxi Zhen explains his minimal intervention inspiration

“Ballandean Estate may be Queensland’s oldest family-run winery, but it built its reputation on innovation and a dash of rebellion,” says Mr Zhen, who started a new chapter in his winemaking career last vintage.

“The fruit produced here is spectacular, the high altitude and cool climate delivering intense flavours and such high acid.

“I treat these grapes as a best friend, try to bring the best out in them, love them with loyalty and the utmost respect for where they came from – terroir!

“Wild yeast is nature’s gift to the winemaker. It is a chance to express your personality, creativity and showcase the unique characteristics of the varietal. Vitality, vigour and fun!

“Minimal intervention protects the highly-prized acidity, gives exotic flavours a chance to breathe, and delivers creamier textures. Complex wines and layered flavours that are unique to the vineyard and the vintage,” says Mr Zhen.

Winemaker Boxi Zhen

Master of Wine Peter Scudamore-Smith speaks to innovation

“These are innovative wines, with great appeal for the emerging under-thirties market.. As  we say, untouched — or few additives — so that the wine evolvement takes its own trajectory, rather than be controlled by its winemaker who underwrites its destiny.

“I am impressed by a cloudy-style Malvasia; finding its natural dryness.

“The Viognier builds on Chardonnay techniques of today’s Australian winemakers: use of multiple harvests, harvest choice that lowers alcohol, short new barrel fermentation; texture extension from harder press fractions, lees aging and skin ferments.

“All point to a multiple input blend getting to be the standard process to make decent textural whites.

Master of Wine Peter Scudamore-Smith

A love affair with Malvasia

Wine critic Steve Leszczynski from QWine says of  Ballandean Estate’s 2023 Malvasia,

“Boxi Zhen gives this cloudy Malvasia time on lees with regular stirring to build texture, bottled without fining or filtration. A new style of wine from this iconic Granite Belt producer, it was harvested in batches and fermented with wild yeast, turning what was done prior on its head. 

“The techniques used are consistent with the other new releases in the range and as a result, there is a fine veil of spice running through the core. It opens with scents of candied ginger, arrowroot biscuits, canned pear, white nectarines and baked apple.

“The veneers of interest keep coming with cut parsley and an ever so soft cinnamon and white pepper spice. Ribbons of fine spices sit at the core of this wine with a delicate creaminess framed by a squeeze of lemon juice. A fine layer of texture is seemingly painted on leading to a long and persistent finish. Considered, curious and delicious – nicely done.”

Steve Leszczynski from QWine

Learn more about Boxi Zhen

Boxi Zhen 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.

For all media enquiries please contact: Leeanne Puglisi-Gangemi

Ph: (07) 4684 1226 Leeanne@ballandeanestate.com

Ballandean Estate Wines has announced a new fundraising partnership through the Containers for Change program with Stanthorpe Scouts. Every used bottle from the estate is now being donated to the local Scout group, aiding in raising vital funds for their programs and activities. Over 3000 bottles have been donated to Containers for Change thus far.

Ballandean Estate Wines, a family-owned winery with a long-standing tradition of excellence and community involvement, views this partnership as a great alignment with their core values.

“Community and custodianship has always been at the heart of what we do,” said Robyn Puglisi-Henderson, past president of Stanthorpe Scouts and fourth generation vigneron.

“By donating Ballandean Estate’s used bottles to the Stanthorpe Scouts, we’re not just helping to raise funds for their outstanding programs; we’re also contributing to environmental stewardship and instilling these values in the next generation.”

The Stanthorpe Scouts will collect, sort, and return the bottles for recycling, with all proceeds going directly towards supporting Scout programs and activities in the area. These programs are crucial for youth development, teaching skills such as leadership, teamwork, and community service.

“We are excited and grateful for the support from Ballandean Estate Wines,” said Samantha Palmer, treasurer of Stanthorpe Scouts.

“We provide development opportunities for our local youth to become responsible citizens and members of their community.”

This innovative partnership is a call to action for other businesses and organisations within the community, highlighting how collaborative efforts can lead to meaningful environmental and social impact.

Did you catch Ballandean Estate on Channel 9’s My Way Sunday 18 February 2024? Angelo shares the Puglisi family heirloom story, our true vine to glass tale.

“Queensland’s oldest winery, Ballandean Estate Wines offers award-winning wines made with love on-site, where visitors can enjoy a genuine vineyard experience at the Cellar Door. With the winery now in its fourth and fifth generations, the Puglisi-Gangemi family continues to be wine pioneers in the Granite Belt region.”

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