Poor Gina...

The lady doth protest too much, methinks.

You might have seen in the past few days that Australia's richest woman, mining magnate Gina Rinehart, has called for a portrait of her to be removed from the National Gallery of Australia.

Why would she make a demand? Well, take a look at the picture. Let's just say that it's unmistakably a work by subversive portraitist Vincent Namatjira... and for the Aussies (of a certain age) seeing the family name, yes, Albert is his grandfather.

You see, Ms Rinehart is a very influential person in Australia very accustomed to getting things her way, whether it be pushing for more low-wage temporary workers to come and work at her mines or for a greater relaxing of environmental protection laws.

But not this time. In a classic case of the Streisand effect, interest has now boomed with Aussies now lining up to go see the portrait. Of course, the painting had been up for all to see at the Art Gallery of South Australia for months before, but no complaints there (poor Adelaide – it's undeservingly not on the radar).  

And in true Aussie style, people have capitalised on the painting's notoriety, such as Cedar & Pine Bar in Brisbane, who have inventively released a wine called... Pour Gina

This is what they have to say about it...

'Love it or hate it, this full bodied, rather unusual and rich drop, hasn’t aged particularly well. Inheriting complex, acidic flavours, its earthy, mineral notes will often leave a bitter aftertaste. For those however, who prefer caricature over character, you’ll want to say “This is mine, mine, mine!” Pairing perfectly with billionaire family squabbles, today only, Pour Gina is remarkably tax free, so come help remove it from our shelves - all proceeds to Netball Australia and Closing The Gap.'

Did you get all the references? Most Aussies would. But if you need any help in dealing with all things Aussie, like deciphering this wine blurb, why not send me a message.