Growing Notes
Welcome to the Shiraz Republic’s Growing Notes. Here we keep you up to date with news direct from The President, Brian and President-elect, Spencer. This includes updates on harvest throughout the year, especially as we approach vintage, Rent-A-Row activities, events and more.
Veraison 2022
The new year break doesn’t last long for us in the vineyard. We are seeing the first signs of veraison (grapes ripening and turning purple). Within the next 3 or 4 weeks we will see the whole crop turn purple. The season is moving along. All signs are that we will be...
All set to go
Early Pick for Sparkling We had an early pick for someone wanting to make a sparkling shiraz and wanted a Baume' of less that 13. As I've written before, not all irrigation blocks ripen at the same rate and this is a good thing for hand picking over a few weeks. We...
Picking will start from 9th March
We have a date for the start of picking! We will start in earnest on the 9th March. Baume reading on 24th Feb was 12.8 Be' (23 Brix). The fruit is ripening quickly; warm days, a few warm nights and there you have it. For anyone who wants a lower Baume, I have a...
Full Veraison – Baume Tests for 2021
We have just completed our first Baume’ test for the vineyard for the 2021 Vintage (3rd Feb 2021)
Brewing with 2020 Fresh Hops
Using 2020 Harvest Ella Hops for our first ever can release. In our final brew before the effects of the COVID-19 lockdowns fully hit, we used freshly harvested Ella hops from Hop Products Australia for a special one of release. The beer, Fresh Hop Pils, is a...
Family Pick Day & Baume’ Readings 1st March 2020
We had our first test-pick on Sunday 1st of March. The results were good and lots of fun was had. Roll on harvest.
Baume’ Readings Feb 17th 2020
Picking for deliveries will start on Saturday 14th of March for deliveries to Melbourne on the Sunday 15th and 22nd March
Oak & Wine
A discussion about the addition of oak to wine. The history of oak and barrels, modern methods of adding oak to wine and the difference between French and American oak.
The Evolution of Rent-A-Row
Our Rent-A-Row Wine Experience began over 7 years ago, but has quickly become a month and a bit long festival of wine - and has attracted attention from punters and media alike. As we go on, Rent-A-Row is becoming an an increasingly social experience - a true...
Rent-A-Row 2019 Preparations
A quick update from Secretary of State Janet on the upcoming 2019 Rent-A-Row vintage, including explanations on what winemakers look for in the ripening of grapes.
Shop Wine
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Democracy! Mixed Pack
$135.00
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2021 Democracy! Sangiovese
$25.00 – $240.00
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Cornella Brewery - Draught Lager Cans
$25.00 – $80.00
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2019 Democracy! Shiraz
$25.00 – $240.00
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2021 Democracy! Tempranillo
$25.00 – $240.00
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Tinto de Verano - Shiraz and Lemon Spritzer
$22.00 – $100.00