TWO MINUTES WITH | Christie Schulz, Turkey Flat
Turkey Flat was first planted, to Shiraz, in 1847, by Prussian Lutherans who named the site after a large native bird – the now almost extinct plains bustard – which frequented the rich flats. The Schulz family have been custodians of Turkey Flat since the 1860s, with current owner, fourth-generation Christie Schulz, making the move from professional photography in Adelaide to winemaking in the Barossa in the 1980s. While the plains bustard is today rarely seen, it remains a conspicuous presence on the Turkey Flat labels
What’s your ‘last supper’ wine?
How do I narrow it down to just one? Grenache was always my first love, ever since we saved our 100+-year-old bush vines from the famous vine-pull scheme in the late 1980s. We re-established them and made our first 100% Grenache in 1992 – so I feel my ‘last supper’ wine should really be a Grenache from Australia. But as it is my last, can I be greedy and choose two? I’ll take a 1998 Château Rayas Reserve Châteauneuf-du-Pape alongside our 1998 Grenache. That would be a great exit….
Where’s your dream vineyard?
With my love of the sea and my passion for Grenache I would have to say Priorat. It would be a dream come true to be able to combine the Spanish lifestyle of tapas, wine and the beaches of the Mediterranean while living on an ancient vineyard steeped in history.
Who’s your wine hero?
James Halliday, without a doubt. His contribution to the Australian wine industry is second to none. As a wine writer, winemaker and leading wine competition judge, he has educated us on and promoted Australian wine for over 50 years. His weekly wine reviews in our national paper, The Australian, are sadly missed.
What’s the next big thing in wine?
Light, bright, fresh wines that are not overpowered by oak but are a true reflection of the variety and the vineyard on which they have been grown. Well-balanced wines that are lower in alcohol have been our focus for many years, and it now seems to be the trend that most winemakers are following. The other focus, with the increasing importance of sustainability, is lightweight packaging in both bottle and cans.
Christie celebrating Turkey Flat’s Jimmy Watson win with Mark Bulman, the then winemaker, and her son Alex
What’s your favourite wine memory?
I’m going to be greedy again, I’m afraid. I have two…
The first was an all-Shiraz dinner at the Vintage Festival in 1995 (I think). Maggie Beer, Serge Dansereau and Chong Liew, all famous Australian chefs, each prepared a course, and there were five flights of Shiraz served. Our 1990 Shiraz was among the line-up with Penfolds Grange, Henschke Hill of Grace, Yalumba Octavius, St Hallett Old Block Shiraz, Rockford Basket Press and Saltram No1. As we were relative newcomers to the wine industry, I was overwhelmed how well our wine showed in such company, and the flavours and memories of the night have stayed with me forever.
The second was winning the Jimmy Watson Trophy for our 2016 Grenache. The Jimmy Watson Trophy is Australia’s most sought-after accolade, and is awarded annually to the best one- or two-year-old wine at the Melbourne Royal Wine Awards. It was the first Grenache to receive the accolade in the 55 years the trophy has been presented. A wonderful reward for championing the variety for so many years, and a wonderful night…
Not a 67 Pall Mall Member? Sign up to receive a monthly selection of articles from The Back Label by filling out your details below
WHAT
I’VE
LEARNED
Marc Kent, Boekenhoutskloof
ON
THE
LIST
Elvio Sgaria
ON
THE
ROAD
Federico Moccia on Barolo 2021