There are scores of wine connoisseurs across the globe and their choice of red and white wine depends on a number of factors that include but are not limited to the taste, the acidity, and the overall age of the wine. Though both types of wine are made from grapes and the fermentation process for both includes getting the grapes ready and adding yeast extract, there are a number of differences between red and white wine.
Red Wine
Red or black grapes are used in making red wine. It is the pigment in the grapes that give red wine its characteristic red color. During preparation, the grapes are mashed with their skins intact before the fermentation process begins.
Tannins are natural preservatives that occur mainly in red wines. These produce the dry sensation at the back of the throat and in the mouth when swallowed. The skin of red grapes is rich in a chemical compound known as resveratrol, which is renowned for its chemo-protective and cardio protective properties as well as a number of other health benefits. This compound is produced as a result of the natural process of fermentation by the skins of these red grapes when they are exposed to the yeast extract. However, don’t start downing bottles of red just yet – despite animal studies, the health benefits of red wine are widely debated and moderation is, as always, a good idea.
Our own Western Australian wines include reds such as the Deep Woods 2008 Ebony Cabernet Shiraz, Hartley 2007 Shiraz, and West Cape Howe 2008 Tempranillo.
White Wine
White wine is produced through fermentation of white or light colored grapes that have little or no pigmentation. Sometimes white wine is also made from red grapes after removing the skins, seeds, and pulp. As grape skin is almost never included in the preparation process, white wines are thought to possess fewer health benefits when compared with red wines. White wines can be either dry or sweet or have a mix of both, but are generally thought to be lighter and fruitier than the robust reds. Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc are a few examples of some of the famous white wines.
Our WA white wines include 3 Drops 2009 Riesling, Hillbrook 2009 Sauvignon Blanc, and more.
Choosing a wine
Based on their taste and flavor, red wines tend go well with red meat dishes while white wines go well with seafood and poultry. It’s also important to note that red and white wines, while often the most talked about, are not the only main types of wine. Rosé, orange, and yellow wines are also popular along with some more obscure varieties like Sangria and Oxblood.
In the end, wine preference remains up to the individual, with some preferring the sweeter fruity taste of white wine and others opting for the richer, more robust taste of red. Have a look at our own collection of WA wines.
Western Australia boasts thousands of different species of Australian native plants and our wildflowers are among the most diverse and beautiful in the world. Many Western Australian wildflowers are hardy plants that can thrive in a large range of temperatures and environments. One such wildflower is the Albany Bottlebrush.
The Albany Bottlebrush
The Albany Bottlebrush is hard to miss, not least because it is the largest of all bottlebrush flowers. Its flowers (“brushes”) are of a rich scarlet colour that appear from spring all the way through summer. Nectar-eating Lorikeets are often spotted in the vicinity of the Albany Bottlebrush.
Tending to the Albany Bottlebrush
The Albany Bottlebrush is evergreen and hardy, thriving in damp as well as dry conditions and almost any type of soil. It can be kept in partial shade as well as full sun and can adapt to almost any habitat and environment.
Though the bottlebrush is a very tough plant, the seedlings can be frost tender. The best time to grow the Albany Bottlebrush is when any danger of frost has passed. Fill several pots with sandy, moist soil and sow several seeds per pot (there is no need to cover the seeds with soil). Next, place the pots in a container and fill it with enough water to submerge one-third of each pot. Keep the pots in a warm and shady position until germination in two to three weeks.
The Albany Bottlebrush is no doubt a great addition to any garden, but there is another Western Australian wildflower that is even more famous and symbolic of WA.
Red and Green Kangaroo Paw
The Angiozanthos maglesii, also known as the Red and Green Kangaroo Paw, is the floral emblem of Western Australia. Its gorgeous red and green flower is striking in its unique shape, making the Red and Green Kangaroo Paw perhaps the most easily recognisable flower in WA.
The Red and Green Kangaroo Paw flowers between August and November and can be found in various regions of WA. A license is required to collect its flowers. Like the Albany Bottlebrush, this native Western Australian wildflower also attracts nectar-feeding birds such as Lories and Lorikeets.
Tending to the Red and Green Kangaroo Paw
Like the Albany Bottlebrush, the Red and Green Kangaroo Paw grows readily from seeds. They are best sown over spring and summer in a seed-raising mix. They tend to flower after about one year, preferring a sunny environment and well-drained soil. The Red and Green Kangaroo Paw is usually considered an annual or biennial plant. It needs to be watered on a regular basis after planting until the roots are established, after which watering can be decreased to once per week in dry weather.
Other Western Australian wildflowers
The Albany Bottlebrush and Red and Green Kangaroo Paw are just two of the huge variety of unique wildflowers that can be found in WA. Some other Western Australian wildflowers include the Blue Rottnest Island Daisy, Swan Peach Myrtle, WA Christmas Tree, and more. If you’re interested in growing your own Western Australian wildflowers, have a look at our full range of WA wildflower seeds.
Just 19 kilometres off the coast of Perth, Rottnest Island (also known as “Rotto” to locals) offers the perfect setting for a laid-back day trip to residents of Western Australia’s capital.
After less than half an hour on the ferry, you’re ready to explore the island. One of the best ways to do this is by bike, which the ferry company will happily rent to you, although there is also a bus service stopping off at many of the major points around the island.
Cycling on the undulating landscape of Rottnest is a pleasure, one which is increased by the complete absence of private vehicles on the island’s roads. You may be dragged into a false sense of security by the flatness of the opening stretch, but as you head farther west you’ll begin to enjoy the more variable heights of the roads.
Hiring a bike also gives you the added bonus of being able to stop off where you like, meaning you can discover your own Rottnest. This is particularly handy if you crave a quiet beach. With so much of its coastline suitable for building sandcastles, it’s easy to find a secluded spot. If you prefer a more popular sunbathing area, The Basin and Salmon Bay are two of the busier spots.
Whether you want to relax in the sun, snorkel or surf, the quality of the beaches is so high that the 2007 edition of Explore Australia named Rottnest’s beaches as the best in Australia.
As well as snorkelling, the water by Rottnest offers some top diving sites where you’re likely to see plenty of wildlife including stingrays, nudibranchs and crayfish. Above water, there’s the opportunity to go on whale-watching tours where you’re also likely to spot dolphins and fur seals. As well as the clear waters off the coastline, be sure to go inland to check out Pink Lake, which has a definite rose hint to it.
Back on land, Rotto’s most popular animal, the quokka, roams free. The small marsupial has been hunted to the brink of extinction on the mainland, but on places such as Rottnest and Bald Island, it is free from the danger of any predators. Visitors are warned not to touch or feed the animal, fines are even spoken of for the offences, but the way in which they bound up to human visitors suggests that these rules aren’t always strictly followed. The most important thing to remember is not to feed them any dry foods such as bread or crisps as fresh water supplies for quokkas are not common, meaning the wrong food in its diet can have a fatal effect. If you’re responsible and patient, you’ll be able to enjoy the company of a quokka and take photos of the cute little things that have become almost synonymous with the place. Indeed, the island was given its name by Dutch explorer Willem de Vlamingh who mistook the quokkas for rats. Rottnest, previously Rattenest, means “rat’s nest” in Dutch.
Because of its location off the coast of Perth and Fremantle, Rottnest was seen as an ideal place to build a lighthouse to warn ships of dangers lurking nearby. The first lighthouse — the Wadjemup – - was completed in 1849 and became the first lighthouse built of stone in Western Australia. In 1896 this was replaced by a lighthouse twice as tall, which became the first in the whole of Australia to have a rotating beam. This still stands proud in the centre of the island.
As well as Wadjemup, Rotto has a second lighthouse built in the early 1900s. The Bathurst lighthouse is found in the north east of the island and was built in response to a shipping disaster in nearby waters. This second lighthouse increased safety for ships entering into Fremantle that naturally wanted to avoid the reefs.The island is also home to the last remaining World War II defence guns of their kind – the 9.2 inch diameter guns. Situated on top of Oliver Hill, the guns are well worth checking out but be sure to take plenty of water with you as you go, as the exertion of going up the hill combined with the heat can be exhausting.
The road network gives the cyclist an easy route to circle the island and take in most of the highlights so whatever the purpose of your visit — whether it’s the wildlife, the beaches or the seclusion, Rottnest Island is unique to WA and is sure to be able to offer you something for a memorable trip.
Essential oils are fragrant oils extracted from plants, usually through the process of distillation. Some people use essential oils for their fragrances while others believe essential oils hold various soothing or healing properties and use them for aromatherapy purposes. There are countless uses for essential oils. As we recently began stocking WA essential oils ourselves, we thought we’d mention some of their uses here.
Incense
Essential oils are often used in incense, either in the form of incense sticks or incense cones. Some people even make their own incense using essential or other fragrant oils.
Soaps
Soaps are often made with essential oils. Some oils are said to have soothing properties, but often essential oils are used in soap making simply for their fragrance. Essential oil soaps are often sold in health food stores or soap-specific shops; you likely won’t find them in the bigger supermarkets, which sell mass produced soap.
Candles
Again, whether for their relaxing aromatherapeutic properties or the fragrance, essential oils can be used in candle making. Some of our own Western Australian soy candles are made using essential oils.
Reed Diffusers
Essential oil is often a main ingredient in reed diffuser oil. You can learn more about reed diffusers in our reed diffuser FAQ.
Massage
Essential oils can often be coupled with carrier oils for use during massage. Essential oils are very potent, so should be diluted before use on the skin. Some examples of carrier oils can include almond, hazelnut, or avocado oil.
Bath
You can add a few drops of essential oil to carrier oil when having a bath. Some suggest that bathing with various kinds of essential oils can relieve muscle ache, moisturize and soothe the skin, and provide other benefits depending on the type of oil used.
Skincare and Health Products
Some essential oils are commonly used in skincare products. Tea tree oil (a great multi-purpose essential oil) is said to combat acne and has been used as an effective antiseptic for years here in Australia.
Insect Repellent
Some essential oils, such as citronella, are said to be a great insect repellent. In addition, essential oils can be used as an effective form of pesticide. Tea tree oil, for example, does not repel insects, but is extremely toxic upon contact with them.
Before using essential oils
Remember that essential oils are quite potent, so diluting them with carrier oils is often advisable. You can find many recipes online for mixing essential oils with carrier oils for various purposes. In addition, it is important to do your research on the particular type of essential oil you’re interested in to make sure it is suitable for your household, whether it be for pets, people with allergies, or children.
Along with our new Western Australian reed diffusers, we’ve also recently begun to stock a great range of WA soy candles. Following our last post about some reed diffuser frequently asked questions, we’ve put together some questions and answers about soy candles.
What exactly are soy candles made of?
Soy candles are made from soy wax, which is a form of soybean oil.
What is the benefit of soy candles vs paraffin candles?
- Soy candles tend to burn cleaner and release fewer chemicals into the air than paraffin wax candles.
- Properly-wicked soy candles tend to last longer than straight paraffin candles
- Soy candles do not produce as much (or often any) black soot like paraffin candles do when they are properly wicked. Keep in mind, however, that there is no such thing as a “soot-free” candle. Soot is a result of incomplete combustion, which is not limited to paraffin candles. Even soy candles produce some soot, which is often white and invisible to the naked eye.
- Paraffin wax is a petroleum by-product. Soy candles are eco-friendly whereas paraffin candles are made from petroleum, a limited resource. Both soy and high quality paraffin candles are biodegradable, though paraffin often take longer to degrade.
How long does a soy candle’s wick need to be?
Keep the soy candle’s wick at about 6mm, trimming before lighting if needed. A wick that’s just the right length will help to increase a candle’s lifespan and help the candle to burn cleaner.
My soy candle isn’t fragrant enough. Is there anything I can do?
When burning a soy candle, allow it to burn for approximately one hour for each 2.54cm (1 inch) of its diameter. This will allow the sufficient amount of wax to melt into a pool around the entire diameter of the candle and release fragrance more efficiently. If the candle is not allowed to burn for a long enough amount of time, the burn may “tunnel” down through the middle of the candle, leaving remaining wax on the sides. The entire top of the candle should turn to a pool liquid wax.
What are some other soy candle burning tips?
- A soy candle should be allowed to cool down completely before being relit.
- Avoid leaving your soy candle in direct sunlight for long periods of time as this can cause discoloration.
- Keep in mind that if the candle’s flame is too “jumpy” or leaning, such as in a draft, it may produce more soot.
When does a soy candle “run out”?
This depends on each individual candle – its size and how it was made. Our own Perth soy candles have a burn time of 50 hours and up, depending on the candle. A soy candle’s lifespan is usually complete when it has burned down to about half an inch of wax at the bottom.
