Organic and non-organic viticulture has been a hotly debated topic over the past few years and the effects in the marketplace have been significant. The relative advantages of these systems are largely dependent on where the grapes are being grown (country, region, site) as well as the price that the final product is able to achieve. The question of labeling, …
The Question of Delicacy in Wine
Check out this excellent article by Andrew Jefford from Decanter tackling the subject of subtlety and elegance in modern winemaking. This is an issue which I hear time and time again as I travel around the world’s wine regions. Alcohol levels still seem to be creeping up, new oak is everywhere, wine show medals and “Parker Points” are as important …
Mulled Wine -The Perfect use for Bad Red Wine!
Have you ever bought a bottle of red wine that despite all the great reviews, the hype, the beautiful label, the wonderful terroir and the delightful descriptions etched painstakingly into the back of the bottle, it just tasted like old socks and your garbage bin on a hot day? Sometimes we even receive these little gems as gifts in our …
Burgundy Lovers Rejoice…then Weep
The annual 2012 Hospices de Beaune wine auction in Burgundy was recently concluded with some high priced action. This auction of whole barrel lots traditionally sets the tone and pricing for the whole vintage to come, as industry heavyweights bid for the best lots. The event was supposed to have been graced by French actor, Gerard Depardieu who ended up …
Wines for the Holidays
With the Holiday season fast approaching, the inevitable festive social gathering is unavoidable. Here are five tips on what to bring that will please even the snobbiest of wine snobs in your circle of friends…without breaking the bank.
New Wine film “Chateau Chunder: A wine Revolution” about to be Released
A new wine film”Chateau Chunder: A wine revolution” is about to be released next week. The tongue in cheek Australian film about the rise and cultural changes wine has wreaked on this island nation should be must see for all Aussie wine lovers out there. It is set to air on ABC1 TV in Australia (30 October) and then on …
Jancis Robinson releases 6 LB Book on Wine Grapes!
Jancis Robinson (and friends) has just released a massive tome of Ampelography (Wine Grapes) which weighs in at a massive 2.66 kg. This books investigates the intriguing world of wine grapes and looks at the DNA, history and origins of hundreds of different varieties…and you thought there was only Chardonnay and Cabernet. More about this book at be found at …
Great news for new world wineries…as the French argue amongst themselves.
The latest Right Bank Bordeaux, St Emilion classification results have been announced, and already it appears that local wineries may challenge the verdict. This is great news for new world wineries who should continue to gain market share as the French undercut the reputation of their own classification systems. These results have been released to coincide with the other Bordeaux …
Tokyo Wine Apartments – What a cool Idea!
These would be really cool in Canada, especially in Vancouver and Toronto…where the real estate is so expensive. Read the full story at Decanter.
Sonoma Trip Summary – Spring Offering
I had always enjoyed the wines that I’d tried from Sonoma and was keen to visit the area in person. I had previously only gotten as far as Napa, where flat valley floor vineyards mix with massive architectural winery marvels, like from a theme park in Disneyland. Forgive me for saying so, but many Napa wines I’ve tried tend to …