Guest Selector ➺ Louella Mathews
@LOUTHESOMM
Louella Mathews’ wine career and affinity for cool climate wines began in her hometown of Orange. Much like the wine region's turbulent growth, Lou moved to Sydney to further her wine knowledge, working at numerous dining institutions such as Rockpool 1989 and Bibo Wine Bar. Fast forward 10 years, she’s now the Group Sommelier at Trippas White Group – whose venues include Botanic House, ESQ, Infinity and Bar 83 – sharing her wealth of knowledge.
An active wine-fluencer and content creator Lou is no stranger to recommendations and collaborations with the wider Australian gourmet scene. Aside from wine judging, writing and consulting – Lou’s most recent pursuit is co-owner and winemaker at The Somm & The Winemaker with childhood friend and celebrated winemaker Najda Wallington.
“Coming from Orange myself, I’ve always been a champion of NSW wine. In the last 10 years, I have been so excited to see new producers emerge and evolve, creating unique wines that are of high quality and incredible value.”
Louella Mathews 6-Pack
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Celebrating her home turf, Lou has selected a mix of unique wines from emerging producers, to honour the diversity, ingenuity and winemaking skill coming out of NSW.
22’ Brokenwood ‘Twenty70’ White Blend, Hunter Valley, NSW
22’ Balmy Nights ‘Amber’ Skin contact, Hilltops, NSW
22’ ChaLou Pinot Noir, Orange, NSW
22’ Frankly This Wine Was Made by Bob Syrah, Canowindra, NSW
22’ The Somm and The Winemaker Mourvèdre, Central Ranges, NSW
22’ Renzaglia Wines - Murnang di Renzo Vermentino/Sauvignon Blanc
THE SELECTION STORIES
Brokenwood 'Twenty70' White Blend 2022
“An innovation from Assistant Winemaker Kate Sturgess. A cheeky blend of Semillon, Chardonnay and Verdelho – all the Hunter classics – to create a wine with lots of energy and balance between freshness and texture.”
Balmy Nights 'Amber' Skin Contact 2022
“Dan Simmons wears many hats; started off in hospo, turned wholesaler and launched his own business Grafted Wines, which represents some of the most exciting up-and-coming producers in Australia and around the world. And he’s a winemaker, working in a co-op winery making Balmy Nights – fun and refreshing wines, my favourite the Amber. Think dried apricots, ginger spice, lime zest – incredibly versatile with food too!”
ChaLou Pinot Noir 2022
“Young Winemaker of the Year, my best friend, and one of the most talented, humble winemakers I know (might be slightly biased). Nadja Wallington’s wines are like her: delicate, detailed, nuanced and complex… one to watch for the future of NSW wine.”
Frankly This Wine Was Made by Bob Syrah 2022
“The garagiste vintners are back – working out of Blackheath in the Blue mountains and sourcing fruit from organic and/or biodynamic vineyards, they are the ones to watch. Not to mention recently opening Frankie and Mo’s Wine Shop and Bar. 100% whole-bunch Shiraz with no sulphur additions – not that you can taste it.”
The Somm and The Winemaker Mourvedre 2022
“Collaboration between childhood friends: Nadja from ChaLou wines and myself! We chose Mourvèdre because of its untapped potential as a single variety. Every year when we press, it smells like mulberry and clove spices, and we make ours in a light expression.”
Renzaglia Wines Murnang di Renzo Vermentino/Sauvignon Blanc 2022
“Sam de Renzo has to be one of the most innovative winemakers I know, a jack of all trades, just an inquisitive human being all round. Every year he heads to the Mosel to make a Riesling too. A modern day SSB blend, with the Vermentino being picked twice to insure freshness, flavour and ripeness. A touch of skin contact savvy gives a nice phenolic grip and bellpepper notes on the nose.”