Japanese Knives
The Yanagiba: Every sushi chef’s essential Japanese sashimi knife
When I started making sushi years ago, I thought I would be fine with my chef’s knife. But that quickly changed when I tried to
High, cool, and insanely delicious: wine tasting at De Salis Wines, Orange, Australia
Sometimes you know it after the first sip: this is going to be special. We had one of those moments at De Salis Wines in Orange, NSW, Australia. Everything was just right. The location. The altitude. The wines. And above all, the feeling that the work here is done with care and conviction. As a sushi chef, I automatically pay attention to balance, acidity, and texture. That’s exactly why wine moves me so much. Especially when it’s as refined and exciting as it is here.
The combination of wine and sushi has fascinated me for years. The interplay between freshness, umami, and texture never ceases to surprise me. It’s no coincidence that I previously wrote extensively about my favorite sushi and wine combinations, which you can read here:
https://schoolofsushi.com/what-is-the-best-wine-with-sushi-the-top-10-best-pairings/
There’s something else. We are big fans of Australian wines. Australians make incredibly good wines, but often keep the very best ones for themselves. Smart! That’s why every wine tasting here feels like a gift. And often a complete surprise, because you simply have no idea what you’re going to find in your glass. The tasting that Corinne and I did at De Salis Wines was a perfect example of this.
Who are De Salis Wines?
De Salis Wines is not your average winery. On the contrary. This family business has deep roots in the Orange region of NSW. De Salis was founded with one clear vision: to make wines that perfectly reflect the unique terroir of the high-altitude vineyards. No compromises. No shortcuts.
On their own website, they beautifully describe how tradition, innovation, and respect for nature come together. Everything revolves around precision and balance. From grape to bottle. You can feel that philosophy in every wine.
What makes De Salis extra special is their focus on cool-climate wines. This is no place for quick, heavy flavors. Here you taste finesse. And excitement. Lots of excitement. Exactly what makes my heart and Corinne’s beat faster.
The location: high, cool, and breathtaking
De Salis Wines is located just outside Orange, at an altitude of no less than 1,050 meters. Just slightly higher than their neighbor Printhie, where we enjoyed a delicious Sparkling & Oyster tasting. You can feel it immediately. The air is fresh. The view is endless. And the temperature is noticeably cooler than lower down in the region. This is a distinctly cool climate winery.
This altitude is not a minor detail, but a key to their style. The grapes ripen more slowly. They develop greater complexity. Acids remain fresh. Aromas remain crisp. The result? Elegant wines with energy and depth.
As we looked out over the rolling hills, we immediately understood why this place is so special. This is a winery where location and taste tell a single story. And that story was told with great enthusiasm by our host, Alberto Moretti.
The start of the tasting: sparkling Rosé
Our tasting began immediately with a smile. A sparkling Rosé appeared in the glass that had it all. Robust. Full-bodied. And bursting with aroma. Strawberries jumped out. Ripe, yet fresh. Every sip felt like a treat.
The mousse was lively yet refined. No loud bubbles, just elegance. This was a bubble that made you quiet. And at the same time made you want more. A perfect opener. The tone was set.
White wines to fall in love with
From the very first moment, we were given a warm and enthusiastic welcome by Alberto. A host through and through. With passion. With knowledge. And with a genuine interest in our stories about sushi and wine. He took us on a journey into the world of De Salis. How wonderful is that?! It makes you feel instantly welcome as a guest.
We sampled their distinctive Sauvignon Blanc styles: De Wild and Lofty Fumé. Both were exciting and layered, yet each possessed its own character. Next, we sampled their Chardonnay, which was beautifully balanced, rich, yet never heavy.
And then it happened. Alberto looked at us, smiled, and poured something that wasn’t actually on the tasting menu. The Lofty Blue Chardonnay 2023.
This wine struck like lightning. It made an immediate impression. Made from the best hand-picked grapes and fermented in partly new French oak. You taste a soft, creamy buttery note, but everything remains beautifully balanced. No heavy wood, no excessive power. Just an elegant wine with class. The result? A subtle buttery flavor. Soft. Round. Perfectly integrated. No wood bomb. Just pure refinement.
We could picture it right away. A plate of thick Norwegian salmon sashimi. Maybe hamachi. Maybe toro tuna. It would be an incredible combination.
Rosé and red: a grand finale
As an appetizer, we were served the Rosé 2023. Made from 777 Pinot Noir clone. A cool and dry year. The wine ferments in older barriques. Ten months sur lie. You can taste it.
The color was light salmon pink. The aroma was reminiscent of strawberries, cream, and even umami notes such as kombu and dashi. On the palate, we tasted stone fruits, macadamia nuts, and cultured butter. With fine minerality. Luxurious and exciting at the same time.
Then it was time for red. Not two, but secretly three Pinot Noirs. Host Alfredo clearly enjoyed sharing. The Lofty Red Pinot Noir 2022 stood out.
This wine immediately transported us back to winter evenings in the Netherlands. Snow outside. Friends around the table. A plate of tuna tataki. A glass in hand.
And then the Grande Finale. The M 2022. 93 percent Merlot. 7 percent Cabernet Franc.
Mulberry. Fresh earth. Dark chocolate. A Bordeaux without being a Bordeaux. Without the robustness, but with elegance. A wine with structure and soul. A perfect finale.
Conclusion
De Salis Wines is a winery to keep a close eye on. Exceptional wines. Exceptional stories. And a unique location at high altitude in Orange, NSW, Australia. We spent hours enjoying the view, the wines, and Alberto’s stories.
This was no ordinary tasting. It was a truly wonderful experience. All the other guests felt the same way. We saw nothing but smiling, happy faces around us. How wonderful is that!
So… are you in Orange, New South Wales, Australia? Definitely worth a visit!
Hi, I'm Rik!
Sushi chef and founder of the School of Sushi. Making your own sushi is easier and more fun than you think! Through workshops and online courses, I’ll show you how to roll delicious sushi for your friends & family. Ready to roll?
READY TO ROLL SUSHI AND WOW YOUR FRIENDS?
- COMPLETE ONLINE COURSE
- STEP-BY-STEP GUIDANCE
- 5 * GOOGLE RATING
- 50 SUSHI RECIPES
POPULAR ARTICLES
MERCHANDISE
Legendary Volcano Roll Hoodie – Black
$40.00
School of Sushi Signature Hoodie – Black
$50.00
School of Sushi Signature Sweatshirt – Black
$50.00
Don't forget to share this post!
Read more
Sushi Wiki
The ultimate Chardonnay guide: 9 Perfect matches for your Sushi
Discover 9 irresistible chardonnays that pair perfectly with sushi. Learn about flavor profiles, vineyards and the ultimate pairings. Try them now!
Our World Trip
Sushi Restaurant SaiKaku in Sapporo, Japan – our review
Looking for fresh sushi in Sapporo? Read our review of Sushi Restaurant SaiKaku, where we enjoyed incredible tuna, mackerel, and sea bass nigiri after 20 hours of travel.
Japanese Knives
What makes Japanese knives so special?
Unlock the secrets of Japanese knives! Discover 750 years of tradition, the world’s finest steel, and razor-sharp precision in every slice.
Sushi restaurants reviews
Hokkai Kitchen, a unique sushi gem in the Netherlands!
Sushi lovers, I discovered this unique sushi gem in the Netherlands. A feast for your taste buds: restaurant Hokkai Kitchen in the small city of IJmuiden!
Our World Trip
Eating Fugu (Pufferfish) in Japan: our personal experience
Join us on our thrilling fugu adventure in Osaka. Discover what it’s really like to eat Japan’s deadly pufferfish — safely and deliciously!
