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 Red
Heart wine is good for you, says Sainsbury's
UK supermarket Sainsbury's has taken a bold step by launching Red Heart, an
Australian Cabernet Sauvignon - Petit Verdot selling at £4.99, claiming it has
an antioxidant level 32% higher than other red wines. These antioxidants derive
from polyphenols in red grape skins and pips and might help our bodies combat
cell damage, heart disease etc. When drunk in moderation of course: excessive
alcohol will probably cause your liver to pack up. Red Heart is quite risky on
two fronts then: the anti-alcohol element could slam JS for promoting drinking,
and new research keeps appearing about possible health benefits of red wine,
which seems to be based on lab experiments. Writer, publisher of Wineanorak.com
and scientist-author Jamie Goode believes their claims are rubbish:
read his
blog for more details on antioxidants, wine and health etc. Still, in a
climate of binge-drinking and governments getting very heavy around the world,
it's commendable that potential benefits of moderate red wine drinking should be
communicated, as long as scientific evidence can back it up. Their press release
emphasises, of course, that "Sainsbury's supports sensible drinking..." and
includes the www.drinkaware.co.uk
website. Another good one is Alcohol in
Moderation. I look forward to seeing more research on antioxidants in red
wine and their actual effect on the human body. Would be good to know if it
really does have a place in a healthy balanced diet! Not that mine is very...
Posted 12/12/06.
 Fitou
appellation splits from Languedoc
The entire Fitou appellation and its producers have left the regional
association of Languedoc wineries (CIVL)...
Decanter.com
News Alert 1/12/06. Click here for the
full version of my story.
Lethal
Weapon writer signed up for Spurrier movie
Producers working on the film of the Paris tasting have signed up one of
Hollywood's top screenwriters for the script...
Decanter.com
News Alert 29/11/06
‘South of France’ earmarks €7 million for export
Wine producers in the south of France have allocated around €7m - half their
total budget - to export markets...
Decanter.com
News Alert 25/11/06. Click here for the
full version of my story.
 Austria: Mittelburgenland,
2006 vintage, festive breaks
Mittelburgenland is
Austria's
first red wine region to adopt appellation or DAC status -
bizarrely they decided to use the Latin words
Districtus Austriae Controllatus, although
perhaps easier to grasp than in German -
for wines made from and
typical of the Blaufränkisch grape variety, from the 2005
vintage. Where's that you may well ask? It's a small area in the far east
bordering Hungary. Outside of Austria, you have to question whether this will
help wine lovers understand Austrian wines better. The same could be said for
the other DAC appellation, Weinviertel for Grüner Veltliner. However, they are
trying to associate origin and actual taste by limiting it to each region's
main variety.
Mittelburgenland is a
smaller
part of Burgenland where
Blaufränkisch makes up over half the vineyard area. As I've
always argued, if terroir shapes unique character
in wines, it has to be on a measurable scale to have any meaning. By basing the DAC
on the variety that growers agree suits the area's climate etc best, it might be a good
idea and send out a clearer message, with a little explanation and tasting of course.
To
read the full release on the their website,
click here.
Some other Austrian wine tit-bits that have come my way:
The 2006 vintage is looking very promising, according to growers in all of
Austria's wine regions, with good ripeness and sugar levels coupled with
balanced acidity. The downside is a reduced crop of flagship variety
Grüner Veltliner.
More info here.
If you're thinking of going to Austria for Christmas or New Year, there are a few wineries
with a restaurant and accommodation that are doing festive slap-up meal
packages. Saziani Neumeister is one of
them, based in Straden in southeast Styria. Talking of which,
Weingut Polz is another estate worth
visiting in the region; their excellent Sauvignon Blanc has been attracting a
lot of attention recently in various magazines. Posted Dec 06.
Film review: A Good Year
They say never to work with children or animals. To which we can now add another
subset. Friends...
Decanter.com
News Alert
 Bond drinks Angelus. 82 Angelus
Chateau Angelus boss Hubert de Bouard was shaken – but not stirred – when Bond
chiefs demanded his top vintage for the British secret agent...
Decanter.com
News Alert
Sicilian winery opens up to environmental assesment
University of Palermo researchers have worked out the cost to the environment of
producing one bottle of red wine...
Decanter.com
News Alert
 Star
Trek wine goes for $6k
Two bottles of 22nd century Chateau Picard have sold for more than ten times
their estimate at Christie’s New York.
Decanter.com
News Alert
Reality TV catches up with wine
It’s always the same: you wait years for a wine reality TV show and then two
come along at once.
Decanter.com
News Alert
 Institute of Masters of Wine holds endowment auctions
The IMW received an endowment fund last year from two generous donors
(£200,000), on condition that MWs themselves raise matching funds by
donations and volunteering lots for auction. Hence their
London
auction on
30th October
at 6pm at Christie’s (8 King Street) and New York
auction on
1st November
at 5.30pm at Christie’s (Rockerfeller Plaza).
Siobhan Turner, director of the IMW, commented: "The money will be invested to
provide an income for scholarships, bursaries and other special projects that
the Institute could not otherwise fund from its general revenue." Lots include
one bottle of 1982 Le Pin (which apparently is one more than Le Pin has) and a
sumptuous trip for four to Bordeaux, including dinner and overnight at Ch.
d’Yquem, lunch at Palmer, dinner at Le Pin... Click on these highlighted links
to view the
London and
New York catalogues (PDF files). You don't need to pre-register to attend
the auctions but do if you want to make an absentee bid. Click on the logo above
to visit the IMW's website. Posted 3/10/06.
 Rioja rocks
The Rioja wine people have been heartened by
the findings of a recent
survey conducted in three of its top export markets - the UK, Germany and USA -
carried out by AC Nielsen. The study, which targeted 35 to 50 year old men and
women, focused on "regular wine drinkers" in London, Manchester and Nottingham,
i.e. those who consume at least one bottle of wine per week (average spend per
bottle £5.27). In the UK, where shipments came to more than 2½ million cases
last year, 'brand Rioja' has one of the highest recall rates amongst all wine
producing regions, coming in 7th after Australia, California and
Bordeaux. Among those questioned, 54% who “know Rioja” consume it, and of this
group, 29% are regular drinkers. The reasons why included: they like the taste
more than other options such as “full bodied, affordability and consistent
quality.”
Hence the launch of their 'Rethink Rioja' campaign featuring lots of
promotions and tastings. 'Dine with Rioja for £10' will run in The Daily
Telegraph from 8th October into November; from 23 - 29 October independent wine
shops will be participating in a Rioja week; tastings and daily seminars in the
wine theatre from 22 – 26 November at the BBC Good Food Show, NEC Birmingham (www.bbcgoodfoodshow.com)
stand number J51. And on 30th November, there's Decanter Magazine's Rioja
tasting at Lloyd’s of London; tickets priced at £20, see their website:
www.decanter.com.
Rioja producers have also launched a 'lifestyle' website for UK:
www.winesfromrioja.co.uk, which
has full details of these events, where to buy Rioja and tips for travelling in
the region. Further information from the Rioja Wine Information Centre, 58
Grosvenor Street, London WIK 3JB; tel 020 7409 0494 or
rioja@spearcommunications.co.uk
Tasting report on some new Rioja releases and vintages coming soon... By the
way, the "exceptional"
2005 vintage has been awarded an “Excellent” rating by the Rioja Regulatory
Council, the 13th vintage to be called this in the history of the
region. Of course they're obviously totally unbiased!
Posted 27/9/06.
Study finds Cabernet may combat Alzheimer's
A new study has found that red wine – specifically Cabernet Sauvignon – may
reduce the incidence of Alzheimer’s Disease...
Decanter.com
News Alert 24/9/06
Gruner Veltliner crops up in California
A Napa winery has harvested what it says is the first ever commercial crop of
Gruner Veltliner in California...
Decanter.com
News Alert 9/9/06
Move over Sideways, it’s A Good Year
"A new wine-themed feature film, starring Russell Crowe and Albert Finney, is
scheduled to open in the UK on October 27..."
Decanter.com
News Alert Aug 06.
 The
2006 Decanter Fine Wine Encounter
As the blurb says: "Join
Decanter magazine and 100 of the world’s most famous wine producers to celebrate
the 10th anniversary of London’s top wine-tasting event. A unique
chance to taste more than 600 (wow, some marathon) of the world’s finest wines
and meet the producers in person at this five-star tasting." The show takes
place on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th November at
the Landmark Hotel, London NW1,
and also features Masterclasses by
Jancis Robinson MW, John Radford etc. and charity wine auction in association
with Christie’s, to raise
funds for WaterAid. Booking:
phone +44 (0) 20 7471 2000 or online: www.decanter.com.
Posted 24th August 2006.
 Médoc
Marathon
This annual charity run hits the road on 9th September 2006 passing through the
famous villages and Châteaux on Bordeaux's Right Bank. As usual, a team of
Masters of Wine will be taking part (no doubt fuelled by samples of Margaux,
Pauillac and Foie Gras...) including Caroline Gilby MW, pictured. In her own
words, Caroline has "chosen to raise money for the breast cancer team at Bedford
hospital, a cause very close to my heart. I am keen to raise as much money as
possible to give something back after all the support I've had through my own
treatment. The best way to sponsor me is through
http://www.justgiving.com/carolinegilby. Thanks very much for any support,
or even your good wishes." More info on the marathon
here (in French). Posted 24th August 2006.
 Sensational
Beaune
Groovy tasting space and wine shop
www.sensation-vin.com, opened earlier this year by former director of the
Ecole des Vins de Bourgogne,
Damien Delattre, is now running wine courses, tastings and weekends in English,
right in the centre of Beaune. These range from an introductory Burgundy
discovery course to in-depth tastings of top Grand Cru wines; you can also go
for a spin around local vineyards in a 4x4 or enjoy a guided tour during the
harvest. Visit their website via the link above for more details. Posted 24th
August 2006.
Oddbins to end all price promotions on single bottles
From 21st August 2006, the British wine retailer is taking the extraordinary
step of more or less knocking promotions on the head. To compensate, I'm told
many of their regular range will come down to an all-year-round price. This is a
refreshing move, in a confusing world of buy 2 get one free, or one even; and
so-called, say, £6.99 brands being sold at £4.99 most of the time anyway, so was
it worth the full money in the first place... So I guess it's more honest too,
as the punter knows what they're getting this way, even if Oddbins' prices had
gone up quite a bit since Castel bought them (fair enough, they had to make some
money somehow...)
Emma Nichols, head of buying, commented: "This is a very positive message for
us. We have always been at the forefront of wine education and by offering a
genuine price for the wine, we are able to ensure that our customers can trust
that they are getting what they pay for." For purchases of six bottles or more,
Oddbins will continue to offer a 20% discount across their "entire exclusive
range", and the serious promo of six bottles of Champagne for the price of five
will also remain, as will current beer offers. Posted 10th August 2006.
Lebanon harvest increasingly unlikely
As the grapes in the Bekaa Valley ripen amidst the devastation wrought by the
continuing conflict in Lebanon, it is looking increasingly unlikely that the
harvest will go ahead...
Decanter.com
News Alert 3/8/06
More on Lebanese wines HERE
 Mediterranean Jazz 3-6
August
Château l'Hospitalet, part of the energetic Gérard Bertrand empire located in
the unfortunately named La Clape wine area near Narbonne, is hosting wine
tasting jazz concerts over the next few days. Artists include Nicole
Croisille on Thursday 3rd, on Friday 4th the Louis Martinez Quintet with
Charlie & Sourisse, Sat 5th: Guy Marchand with 'Amor y Perfidia' and a homage to
Frank Sinatra with the Big Brass Band on Sunday 6th August.
The 'Jazz in l'Hospitalet' shows start at 10pm (it'll be nice and cool by then)
with tickets priced at 25 €uros (hopefully including some wine!). Ring (+33) 04
68 45 36 00 for more info and booking, or the town hall on 04 68 90 30 30 or
check out their site
www.gerard-bertrand.com. Château l'Hospitalet also has 22 rooms in its
on-site Hôtel Mona Lisa plus two restaurants: l'Olivet and La Grange; phone + 33
(0)4 68 45 28 50 or fax : + 33 (0)4 68 45 28 78. Posted 2/8/06.
Paris town hall cellar to be sold
The Mayor of Paris is selling 4,000 bottles of wine and spirits owned by the
City of Paris – many amassed during Jacques Chirac’s lavish two-decade reign in
the town hall.
Decanter.com
News Alert 2/8/06
Haifa 'Tastings for Peace' draw crowds
An Israeli wine merchant is holding hugely popular ‘Tastings for Peace’ – with
both Lebanese and Israeli wines on the table.
Decanter.com
News Alert 29/7/06
More on Lebanese wines HERE
 World
Wine Challenge™ quiz for wine geeks
Created by American wine educator Barry Wiss, as part of his Vine To Dine
culinary and wine education programme designed for the Trinchero Family Estates
winery, an Advanced Level of the game has just been launched in the UK on CD
Rom. Complete with sound effects, it takes the form of a virtual wine wheel on
screen which spins when you click the mouse. An arrow lands on a wine
region and points to a question - such as ‘Sangiovese Grosso is also known as?’
or ‘The Walla Walla AVA is located in?’ - giving a choice of answers. World Wine
Challenge™ is available from
winegiftcentre.com at £12.95. I'd recommend playing with a glass or two of
something appropriate to make it even more fun... Posted 22/7/06
Cybernose: smell like a butterfly, sniff like a bee
Australian scientists are trying to harness the odour receptors of insect
antennae to develop a ‘cybernose’ to detect aromas in the minutest
concentrations...
Decanter.com News Alert 22/7/06
New mortgage uses your cellar to secure your home
You might have got your fingers badly burned with an endowment mortgage, but now
you have a chance to invest your mortgage in your cellar...
Decanter.com News Alert 22/7/06
N.B. If this sounds appealing, you should check out a few sites about the
realities and dangers of wine investment, such as journalist Jim Budd's
InvestDrinks.org and the
professional-looking Liv-Ex.com
 Winetourisminfrance.com goes live
A new website dedicated to, erm, all things wine tourism in France has just been
launched: click on the title above to check it out. At the moment, the site's just in
French but it will soon be available in English (translated by yours truly) and Chinese. Magazine, regional
winery and restaurant guide, what's-on, organised tours and tastings, wine books
and films... you can plan your trip around where the best vineyards are; find
all the useful addresses, phone numbers and websites, and also sign up for their newsletter
if you like. More news and information to follow. Posted 15/6/06.
 'Journée Portes Ouvertes'
Vins de Pays d’Oc 17th June
Which means open
day by the way. Forty one
producers from across the Languedoc-Roussillon, south of France, will be
offering their wines for tasting this Saturday 17th June at Domaine de Manse,
Lattes (Montpellier), from 10am to 6.30pm. So there'll be plenty of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay,
Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Cinsault etc to try.
Too many winemakers to name them all, but here are a few worth checking out:
Domaine de la Baume, Les Collines du Bourdic, Domaine de Causse, Domaine des
Deux Ruisseaux, Maison Gabriel Meffre, Domaine Jorel, Vignerons de Puisserguier,
Château de Stony, Château de Raissac, Domaine Saint-Hilaire... There'll also be
prizes to be won, a well-earned restaurant, interactive games and tasting
workshops. Vin de pays d'Oc is celebrating its 18th birthday this year and
is France's runaway success, being the biggest wine exporter (in volume) and the
4th largest global exporter of varietal wines, according to the producers'
association. Ring +33 (0)4-67-13-84-20
for more information.
 BKWine
Autumn wine tour program: Bordeaux, Rhône and Portugal
Britt Karlsson has launched her autumn wine and food travel line-up.
There are three tours scheduled for September and October: “The Northern Rhône
Valley” (September 27–October 1), “Bordeaux at Harvest Time” (October 11-15),
and “Portugal: Wine, Food and History” (October 18-22). Details can be found on
the their site:
www.bkwine.com/wine_tours/wine_tours.
BKWine is a tour organiser focusing on wine and culinary travel run by Paris
based Swede Britt Karlsson, also a respected wine writer and educator, who over
the last ten years has done around one hundred tours. Britt said: “The
autumn program goes to two of the most popular wine destinations in France -
classic Bordeaux and very trendy Rhône Valley, a great tourist destination too.
I've also added Portugal as it's a very exciting country. It used to make
old-fashioned wines but over the last ten years a lot has happened. Today they
make really exciting wines for the international market.” Posted 14/6/06.
Grahm looks at English vineland
California mogul Randall Grahm is searching out new territories – in southern
England...
Decanter.com News Alert 18/5/06
 The
Great Italian Decanter Fine Wine Encounter
"With 100 winery stands and over 600 fine wines to try, this is London’s biggest
and best Italian wine tasting," claims organiser Decanter magazine. So why not
tour the vineyards of Italy from Antinori to Sassicaia at
the Landmark
Hotel, London NW1 on Saturday 20th May, when
top producers are flying in to pour
their wines in person. A day
tasting ticket costs £36 per person and includes all
samples, use of Riedel glasses (what no free glass!) and
tasting note catalogue. In addition, there are three
tutored tasting
Masterclasses: 10am Allegrini for
£30 per person, 12.45pm Brunello (£45)
and at 3.30pm Barolo
(also £45).
Book your tickets
online at
www.decanter.com or
call the credit card
hotline +44 (0)20 7471 2000 or
email
tickets@decanter.com Price
for full day Grand Tasting for two is £65 or group of 12 £350. Posted 9/5/06
 Devil’s
Rock launches new international Riesling brand
The
Devil’s Rock Private Collection range is
described as "a
celebration of the unique Riesling variety," and will initially include three
wines from the Clare Valley, Australia; Marlborough, New Zealand and
Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany. The company that owns and produces Devil’s Rock,
Binderer St. Ursula, has developed these in partnership with their UK importer,
Thierry’s. The wines will retail from £6.99 and are available in June. In
future, Private Collection should expand to embrace Rieslings from other
countries such as the United States. I'll be tasting them soon, so call back to
see my notes... Posted 9/5/06
Americans set to overtake French in wine
consumption
Americans will replace the French as the world’s biggest wine drinkers within
three years according to new research...
Decanter.com News Alert 29/4/06
Wine Challenge “no tolerance” approach to false entries
The International Wine Challenge tasting and judging process (or perhaps ordeal)
takes place 24th April to 5th May. A new feature for the 2006 competition will
be twice yearly random testing of trophy winning wines for 12 months following
the two week mega-tasting. Chairmen Charles Metcalfe, Tim Atkin MW, Derek
Smedley MW and Sam Harrop MW (no comments please from conspiracy theorists)
said: "This new procedure is designed to ensure the sample entered for the IWC
matches the product on the shelves...we'll use organoleptic (that's sniffing &
tasting to you and me) and chemical analysis to unmask any wrong doing." A
reference sample of each trophy winning wine will be kept, and over the year the
four chairmen will taste a random selection against shop-bought bottles to
compare their findings. This process is also designed "to ensure total
traceability." Medal and trophy winners will be presented at the IWC Awards
Dinner on 6th September. Further information:
www.internationalwinechallenge.com
This is to be applauded. There have been many stories in the past of wineries
entering turbocharged samples into competitions worldwide to grab trophies, and
then release a different wine - sometimes lesser quality or miraculously finding
much larger volumes - under the same label to profit from the huge sales these
shows can bring. Posted 22/4/06
Waitrose French Wine Showcase 24th April - 21st May
Wine-champion
supermarket Waitrose claims to have a 10% market share of sales of French wines
(UK take-home). So they're stocking 20 new wines "to celebrate the diversity
France has to offer."
28 popular
wines from their current French range will also feature in the promotion, which
includes:
Two wines from one of
Alsace's best co-ops, Cave de Turckheim: Blanc de Blancs 2004 at
£4.99 and Vieilles Vignes Riesling 2004 £7.99; 2004 Saint-Bris Sauvignon
Blanc from William Fèvre for 5.99, Châteauneuf du Pape Les Clefs de Saint Pierre
2004 down a fiver to 9.99, old favourite Saumur Rouge Les Nivières 2004 3.99,
La Bégude Chardonnay at 6.99, Château Pech-Latt
organic Corbières 4.99 and
Paul Mas'
wacky Marselan red for £3.99. And don't forget Waitrose stores are still
promoting Portuguese wines in April as well. Posted
22/4/06
 Bordeaux
École du Vin new programme
The Bordeaux Wine School, whose office and tasting rooms are
based in the city centre, now offers three levels of intensive courses in
English:
Level 1: Learning how to taste and discover Bordeaux wine.
Level 2: The Essence of Bordeaux – Proficiency Course.
Level 3: Legendary Châteaux of Bordeaux: classifications and wines.
Shorter courses have also been added including a two-hour “Introduction to
Bordeaux wines” and one-day “Saturday at school” (sounds fun). Between May and
October, they're holding wine weekends such as ‘Bordeaux Classics’ and ‘Bordeaux
off the Beaten Track.’ Classes are tutored by local wine makers and are
supplemented by field visits and tastings at local estates. More info at:
www.ecole.vins-bordeaux.fr
Environmental protests in Chile
Hundreds of angry wine growers are intensifying their protests against plans to
build a pulp mill in the middle of Chile’s Itata wine region...
Decanter.com News Alert 22/4/06
German wines on the up
Wine exports from Germany increased by 10% in 2005 to a value of €475 million,
according to the DWI (German Wine Institute), the highest for 20 years. This
figure also includes some wines from other countries re-exported by German
shippers. The UK remains their largest market with a 27% share, although down
nearly 8% in volume yet slightly up in money terms (meaning less cheap crap sold
and at last the Brits are buying better quality German wines), with the USA
accounting for 16% and Netherlands 12%. Americans obviously can't get enough
Riesling, as sales were up an impressive 20% on 2004 of wines almost double the
price of the world export average. The Dutch market is also advancing
positively, and on a smaller scale Japan and Norway.
In Germany itself, wine consumption totalled 16.5 million hectolitres (about 184
million cases) in 2005 plus 2.9 m hl (32 m cases) of sparkling wines (the
Germans have long had a soft spot for fizz, such as Asti, Cava, Champagne and
their own Sekt of course). 82% of this is bought directly from producers or in
supermarkets and wine shops, nearly half of which comes from the big discounters
such as Aldi and Lidl. German wines have a 38% share of take home purchases
(excluding direct sales) followed by France with 17%, Italy 16% (I suspect
they'd be ahead of France if you included restaurants) and Spain 7%, meaning the
New World is making slower progress here. More than half of the wines Germans
are now drinking are red, surprisingly 25% of which are German red wines such as
the Dornfelder variety. Production of German wine is also increasingly dominated
by young growers and winemakers, who are often grouping together to promote
themselves better and make special cuvées for the home market and export.
Taken from recent e-letters from the
German Wine Institute. Posted 4/4/06
Brad Pitt eyes Barolo vineyard
Hollywood star Brad Pitt is looking to acquire a vineyard in northern Italy,
according to reports...
Decanter.com News Alert 4/4/06
Macho image for new range of reds
A wine aimed exclusively at men is set to launch in the US - and there won't be
any Pinot Noir in the range...
Decanter.com News Alert 1/4/06 (hmm)
Chimpanzés et bonobos…
En France, l'évolution de la société est-elle possible
sans violence, sans révolution ? Chez nous des mots ont perdu leur sens :
concertation, écoute, négociation, compromis, ouverture, non-violence… D’autres
sont menacés : démocratie, modernisation, progrés social…
Pourquoi se mêler de ce débat ? Parce qu’il y a des points communs entre les
manifestations étudiantes, syndicales et les manifestations vigneronnes. D’abord
leur violence inutile : pourquoi dégrader La Sorbonne quand on est étudiant ?
Pourquoi détruire du vin et des chais quand on est vigneron ?
Ensuite, abrités derrière le paravent de « l’exception française » nous ne
voyons pas que le monde avance, mais sans nous !
Dans les forêts équatoriales, les chimpanzés querelleurs et agressifs sont en
régression, les bonobos pacifiques et positifs seraient à nouveau en expansion…
Taken from
E-lettre
Vitisphere.com 27th March 2006. My translation:
"Is it possible to change society in France without violence or revolution?
Words have lost their meaning round our way: dialogue, listening, negotiation,
compromise, opening up, non-violence... Others are under threat: democracy,
modernisation, social progress...
Why get involved in this debate? Because the student and union demonstrations
have something in common with the winegrowers' demos. First of all their
pointless violence: why deface the Sorbonne when you're a student?
Why destroy wine and cellars when you're a winegrower? (news piece in French
on sabotage at the Val d'Orbieu group.) Secondly, shielded by 'the French
Exception', we can't see the world is moving on, but without us!
In the equatorial rainforests, antagonistic and aggressive chimps are on the way
out, peaceful and constructive bonobos (couldn't find that in the dictionary but
must be a kind of ape!) will soon be on the up..."
Pinot impossible in Burgundy over next 50 years
The world is going to heat to such an extent that Burgundy may no longer be able
to grow Pinot Noir, a conference heard last week.
Decanter.com News Alert 28/3/06
Animal labels twice as attractive to wine consumers
Putting an animal name on a bottle of wine will more than double its sales in
the United States, say market analysts AC Nielsen.
Decanter.com News Alert 25/3/06
Gîtes de France and
Languedoc producers have launched a new wine tourism partnership
packaged as ‘Le coffret Escapades Vigneronnes’. A smart boxed kit containing a
glossy guide and CD will be sold on-line and in book shops and wine merchants
throughout the region for 19€. The guide includes details of each gîte property
located on participating wine estates in the Hérault département, as well as
information on the area’s vineyards, seasons and tourist attractions. The wine
trail stretches from east and north of Montpellier across to St-Chinian,
Minervois and Narbonne. The CD offers tips on tasting, grape varieties and
winemaking styles. “We wanted to make it educational rather than technical and
try not to be too highbrow or trade focused,” Dominique Dupeyroux explained,
director of Gîtes de France Hérault. “It’s aimed at different levels of wine
enthusiast. We can go further in the next edition, and an English language
version is a possibility if we can find a suitable publishing partner.” The
guide also gives suggestions with prices for two and three day tailor-made wine
and food tours including accommodation and itinerary, which can be booked
on-line and offered as a present. More information is available at
www.sejour-en-vignoble.fr
Posted March 2006. A version also appeared in
Decanter
magazine.
Scandina vian Wine Fair in
Paris February 11th 2006
24 Scandinavian wine and spirit producers have registered for the BKWine
Scandinavian Wine Fair in Paris. The producers come from Norway, Denmark, Sweden
and Finland and make wine and spirits in 7 different countries around the world.
The tasting will take place on February 11th from 11AM to 6PM at the Swedish
Club in Paris, 242 rue Rivoli next to the Louvre Museum, and is open both to
trade and wine enthusiasts. Full information available on the
BKWine website. Exhibitors include Lars Torstensson (Domaine Rabiega, Hedges
Family Vineyard, Vinzavod Assenovgrad) in Provence, USA and Bulgaria; Georg
Breuer from the Rheingau, Germany; Finca La Molineta, Spain; and
Château Kirwan, Margaux, Bordeaux.
Stop press 23/1/06: 30 producers are now taking part. Britt Karlsson of
BKWine said: "I'm extremely happy with the strong and record turn out for this
event. We have a very interesting, and unusual (!), group of wine and spirit
producers. All with a Scandinavian link."
Millésime Bio 2006
The trophy winners of the Concours Signature Bio 2005 received their honours at
Millésime Bio organic wine fair, held in Narbonne, on Tuesday 17th
January. The competition included 210 wines made from organically grown grapes
from the Languedoc-Roussillon and Provence-Alpes-Côte
d’Azur regions of Mediterranean France, assessed by a tasting panel
headed by Marc Medevielle, editor of the magazine
Terre de Vins. Gold medal winning Domaine de la Grande Pallière, Côtes de
Provence Rosé 2004 was singled out. Other golds from Provence embraced two reds
from top biodynamic estate Château Romanin in the tiny AOC Les Baux de Provence,
2004 white and rosé from Domaine du Jas d’Esclans, Domaine des Beynes’ 2004
Chardonnay and the Domaine Terres Blanches Coteaux d’Aix en Provence Blanc 2004.
 Languedoc-Roussillon gold medals went to Château des Auzines Corbières Hautes
Terres Rouge 2003, Coteaux du Languedoc Cuvée des Pères red 2001 from Vignobles
Montfreux de Fages, two Rivesaltes fortified wines made by Jean-Luc and Josiane
Pujol at Domaine La Rourède and Domaine Joliette’s oak aged white vin de pays
Côtes Catalanes 2003. Full results on
www.millesime-bio.com. South of France growers had a strong presence at the
show – Languedoc-Roussillon, Provence and Corsica account for 53% of the surface
area of French certified-organic vineyards – alongside a number of estates from
Bordeaux and Rhône; Loire, Burgundy and Alsace; plus Spain, Italy, Germany,
Portugal and Switzerland. The most noticeable and ironic launch was from Domaine
Siméoni in St-Chinian, a 100% old Carignan called ‘Vin de Crise, Le Robustoff’
classified as table wine.
January 2006
My pick of
south of France organic growers
at this show. And last year's:
Millésime Bio 2005 |
|
A breath of fresh air in Bordeaux?
Eighteen bright ‘young guns’ have formed a new producers’ association and
launched their promotional campaign for the UK, called Bordeaux Oxygène. What is
particularly noticeable and novel for Bordeaux is that it’s not obviously based
on an elitist hierarchy or specific appellations. It does include top-ranked
Saint-Emilion 1er Grand Cru Classé estates such as Angélus and Beau-Séjour
Bécot, but there are also Châteaux from Côtes de Francs – Marsau owned by
Dourthe – Thibault Despagne’s Tour de Mirambeau Bordeaux Supérieur and Ch.
Preuillac (Médoc) and C h. Brown (Pessac-Léognan), both represented by
Jean-Christophe Mau. They are all youthful and enthusiastic – Mau joked he is
the oldest (I don't know how old he is but younger than me probably!) – although
perhaps not lacking in funds. The group also includes the daughters of Michel
Rolland (Stéphanie Rolland-Lesage at Le Bon Pasteur, Pomerol) and the owners of
Smith Haut-Lafitte (Alice Cathiard-Tourbier); and Mathieu Chadronnier, son of
Dourthe boss Jean-Marie. Bordeaux Oxygène’s president Benoit Trocard, of Clos
Dubreuil in Saint-Emilion, commented: “A revolution in Bordeaux isn’t possible.
Our parents and ancestors worked and achieved things for Bordeaux; it’s our turn
to get out there, head on with the competition from top wines that aren’t
necessarily from Bordeaux.” Their initial focus is Europe and in particular the
UK, Switzerland and Belgium with plans to hold targeted tastings this winter and
next spring - “to get moving, keep moving, not wait,” as vice-president
Jean-Christophe Mau put it.
For further details try contacting the elected secretary Sylvie Courselle at
Château Thieuley (Bordeaux Supérieur):
chateau.thieuley@wanadoo.fr. The other
producers involved are: Malartic-Lagravière (Pessac-Léognan); Clos du Clocher,
Château
Rouget (Pomerol); Clos Fourtet, Grand Mayne (Saint-Emilion); Château Brillette (Moulis);
La Lagune, Loudenne (Médoc); and Ch. Nairac (Sauternes). Let’s hope they don’t
shorten Bordeaux Oxygène to its initials for English speaking countries, as they
had in the original press file…
A version of this story appeared in the UK trade paper
Off Licence News, 11th
November 2005.
Tasting feature on
Pessac-Léognan, Saint-Emilion and
Pomerol
Wines of Chile autumn/winter tastings
2nd November 2005 The Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh - tickets cost £10,
call 01344 872229 or e-mail info@winesofchile.org.uk
23rd - 27th November - BBC Good Food Show, Birmingham:
www.bbcgoodfoodshow.co.uk
2nd - 4th December - Festive BBC Good Food Show, Earls Court 2:
www.festivebbcgoodfoodshow.co.uk
Eurocave launches "flagship" Manchester store
Eurocave UK opens its "state-of-the-art" (hmm...) Deansgate store
called Around Wine (pretentious nevertheless catchy name) in
conjunction with the Big Manchester Wine Tasting. Author Matthew
Jukes will bless the store at a gala launch on Saturday 8th October
2005 at 4pm (and no doubt be plugging his latest book). Manchester
is the second destination for Around Wine and stocks wine storage
cabinets and "systems" (que?), Riedel crystal glasses etc. Located
next door to Harvey Nichols (where else darlings) at 1 Deansgate
(Manchester M3 1AZ, tel. 0161 833 0701), they're also sponsoring the
Big Manchester Wine Tasting 'tutored tasting theatre' (more info at
www.thebigwinetasting.co.uk). And good on them - when I lived there,
attempts at holding a major wine event like this unfortunately
didn't get off the ground. Mind you, Manchester has obviously become
far too groovy since I left...
Web details: www.aroundwine.co.uk
Posted 26/9/05
Destination Champagne by Philippe Boucheron
 Frustrated
by publishers who couldn't handle the concept of a cross-genre book,
Philippe set up his own company 'Wine Destination Publications' to get
this recommended Champagne travel guide on the shelves. I agree with his
comment that "wine tourism publications (is) a market sector that has...
been largely ignored." I guess narrow-minded wine specialist or travel
guide publishers thought book retailers wouldn't know where to put it in
the shop - under wine, travel or restaurant guides? Anyway, who cares:
this is rather useful if you're going on a trip to Champagne. Enthusiasm
for and years of experience of the region's wines, historical insights,
travelling tips and maps, where to eat and stay; it contains plenty of
information without being too long and is good read too. Perhaps a little
pricey at £18.99 but at least Philippe will be the main beneficiary (after
the bank no doubt), rather than a huge indifferent publishing company. He
also has plans to release Destination Bordeaux and others in this series.
Available "from all good bookshops," as the flyer says: further info from
www.destinationchampagne.com
Posted 15/9/05
Reality TV moves to wine
Move over Big Brother, the wine world is about to get its own
reality TV show...
Decanter.com News Alert 15/9/05
The Wine Show London October 2005
Taking place from Thursday 27th to Sunday 30th October at the
Business Design Centre in Islington (N1), the Wine Show London "is
the largest dedicated wine show in the UK," the press release gushes
forth. "Leading wine experts and celebrities will be at the show
every day including Oz Clarke, Susy Atkins, Charles Metcalfe, Kitty
Johnson, Robert Joseph, Sarah Jane Evans, Tim Atkin, Joe Wadsack and
Matt Skinner." Seriously though, I wish them well, as for
some reason this kind of event hasn't really worked in the past.
Book your tickets now by calling 0870 890 0094: all pre-booked
tickets will receive a £5 discount off the door price. Entry
includes a complimentary wine glass, thousands of wines to taste
plus "heaps of free on-site attractions" (whatever that means).
Groups of 6+ people will receive a £7.50 discount per ticket if
pre-booked. For detailed information visit their website
www.wineshow.co.uk And by the way, go by tube or bus!
Posted 2/9/05
John Platter Wine Guide announces Five Star Wines
The authoritative Platter South African guide has released details of
its legendary 'five-star' wines to be featured in the forthcoming
2006 edition, available mid November. The 11 top SA wines chosen
are:
Glen Carlou Syrah 2004
Rijk's Private Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
Klein Constantia Vin de Constance 2000
Thelema Reserve Merlot 2003
Axe Hill Cape Vintage Port 2003
De Krans Vintage Reserve Port 2003
Kaapzicht Steytler Vision 2002 (red blend)
Steenberg Vineyards Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Steenberg Vineyards Semillon 2005
Vergelegen White 2004 (white blend)
The Sadie Family Palladius 2004 (white blend).
5000 wines were sampled and ranked according to the guide's
five-point scale, which ranges from 0 stars ('Somewhat less than
ordinary') up to 5 stars ('Superlative. A Cape classic'). Publisher
Andrew McDowall said: "Our policy remains to taste and assess, as
far as is practically possible, all of the wines that are available
for the duration of the particular edition, locally as well as
abroad. Given the enormous number of ranges and individual products
tasted, the wines which merit a five-star rating make up a very
select group indeed."
The 2006 guide will be available from selected book shops and retail
outlets as well as www.platteronline.com (recommended retail price
R119.95).
Posted 2/9/05
California wine month begins
California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has declared September
California wine celebration month...
Decanter.com News Alert 2/9/05
New techniques to make wines less alcoholic
As wines get more and more potent and wine drinkers more and more
assailed by these rising alcohol levels, new techniques for removing
the alcohol from finished wines are coming out of the woodwork, I'm
delighted to say - at least two from France and one from Australia
(where the Wine Research Institute reports that mean alcohol levels
of all wines analysed rose from 12.4 per cent in 1984 to 14.2 in
2002 - a cool year!)...
Click on the title for full story - source: Daily Wine News
9/8/05 from jancisrobinson.com
Moderate alcohol consumption boosts brainpower: study
Emma Price reported on earthtimes.org, 4 August 2005 that a study by
Australian National University in Canberra has found that the brains
of those who consume alcohol in moderation work better than those
who abstain from it totally as also those who are alcoholics. Under
the study, researchers tracked the drinking habits of about 7,000
people, spanning all age groups from 20s to 60s. The results
suggested that moderate drinkers, that is, those whose alcohol
consumption was within safe limits, had enhanced memory, verbal and
thinking skills than teetotallers and alcoholics...
Click on title for full story - source Daily Wine News 7/8/05
Per-capita wine consumption declines worldwide
France, Italy continue long-term slide...
Wine Spectator Online June 2005
Rosé has rosy future in France
More and more French wine buyers are turning to rosé at the expense
of red wine, latest reports say...
Decanter.com News Alert 21/7/05
Rosé Riot
New York and Connecticut allow shipments in
The governors of New York and Connecticut have signed revolutionary
legislation that opens their states to shipments of wine from
outside...
Decanter.com News Alert 16/7/05
GM tests given green light in Alsace
Tests in Alsace using genetically modified rootstocks were given the
go-ahead by the French agriculture ministry last week...
Decanter.com News Alert 15/7/05
World Wide Trophy for Best Sparkling Wine goes to...England
RidgeView Merret Bloomsbury 2002 snatched the award in the
International Wine and Spirit Competition 2005. This blend of
Champagne varieties Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier is made
at the vineyard and winery situated north of Ditchling in Sussex.
The estate currently produces between 40 – 50,000 bottles a year,
and is a family business set up by Mike and Christine Roberts only
in 1994; their son Simon shares the winemaking.
RidgeView’s sparkling wines are named after Christopher Merret, who apparently
recorded making traditional method sparkling wine in 16th Century
London with the Royal Society 30 years before Dom Pérignon in
Champagne. Open Monday to Saturday 11am to 4.30pm for sales and
tastings, their wines are also stocked by Waitrose, Sunday Times Wine
Club, the Wine Society and independent specialists around the
country. Further info: tel 01444 241441,
ridgeviewestate@aol.com or
www.ridgeview.co.uk
Tasting notes of
Merret older vintages and here too.
Posted 17/7/05
Louis Roederer International Wine Writers’ Awards 2005
Louis Roederer International Wine Writer of the Year - John Stimpfig
for articles in the FT (Financial Times) ‘How to Spend It’.
Louis Roederer International Wine Book of the Year - John W. Haeger
'North American Pinot Noir' published by University of California
Press.
Louis Roederer International Champagne Writer of the Year - Richard
Juhlin '4000 Champagnes' published by Flammarion.
Louis Roederer Regional Wine Writer of the Year - Liz Sagues for her
articles in 'Ham & High' (London).
The judges were Sarah Jane Evans, writer and broadcaster; Andrew
Jefford, author of The New France and columnist for Decanter and
Waitrose Food Illustrated; James Handford MW, Handford Wines; Jasper
Morris MW, Buying Director Berry Bros & Rudd; Peter Nixson, Wine &
Beverage Development Manager British Airways; Steven Spurrier,
Chairman of the Panel of Judges, Vice Chairman of the Circle of Wine
Writers and Consultant Editor Decanter. They reported: "The quality
of the entries was outstanding and we had a hard job deciding the
overall winners. There were a lot of varied, imaginative books,
articles, CD-ROMs and Internet entries on classic areas, which have
been ignored in the recent past."
Posted 26/6/05
‘Vin de merde’ case closes in favour of freedom of speech
A French magazine fined two years ago for calling Beaujolais a ‘vin
de merde’ has had the original libel decision overturned by the
court of appeal...
Decanter.com News Alert 21/6/05
The Emperor of Wine: The Rise of Robert M Parker Jr and the Reign of
American Taste
I’ve never shared a cabin with Robert Parker on a 10-month sea
voyage, and I won’t need to after reading The Emperor of Wine...
Book review - Decanter.com News Alert 11/6/05
Wine pros tremble at prospect of baring...most
In three weeks’ time a group of respected members of the UK wine
trade will take part in a ‘Full Monty’ strip show – and they’re
coping with the tension in different ways.
Decanter.com News Alert 10/6/05
Wine touring in Minervois country?
If you're visiting the beautiful region of Minervois - which
stretches from northwest of Narbonne to east/northeast of
Carcassonne right up to the Parc Régional du Haut-Languedoc (the
green hilly heights of the western Hérault and northeastern Aude) -
then stopping off at Port Minervois on the Canal du Midi in Homps
sounds like a good idea...
Burgundy boffin invents remedy for cork taint
A biochemist based in Burgundy has invented a kit that promises to
remove cork taint from a contaminated bottle of wine in under one
hour.
Decanter.com News Alert 12/5/05
Liv-ex Bordeaux 2004 members survey
Liv-ex (London International Vintners Exchange) conducts a survey of
its members after the spring tastings of the new vintage in
Bordeaux, known as the 'en primeur' tastings organised by the Union
des Grands Crus. I originally reproduced most of the report on the 'old' site - lazy I
know, but it's interesting and sums up the mood well. Robert
Parker's first-round release scores are included on
their site: if
you're into this, you should also read comments and ratings by e.g. Wine
Spectator, Decanter and Jancis Robinson MW...
CRAV strikes again
A splinter group of disaffected winemakers in the south of France is
thought to be responsible for a horrifying attack on a Spanish wine
tanker on Wednesday night.
Decanter.com News Alert 30/4/05
Oddbins Wine Fair London May 2005
Their 28th annual fair takes place on Sat 14th and Sun 15th May at
the Business Design Centre, Islington from 11am-5pm. Oddbins
suppliers from all over the world will be offering more than 500
wines for tasting. Tickets cost £15 per day with proceeds donated to
charity. Over 18s only of course, and go by tube or bus! Drop into
your local Oddbins shop for further info and tickets.
Posted 24/4/05
Australia and New Zealand Decanter Fine Wine Encounter
Saturday 21st May 2005, 10am – 4.30pm at the Landmark Hotel, London
NW1.
The blurb says: "Decanter magazine has invited some of Australia and
New Zealand’s most exciting wine producers to pour their wines at
this unique day tasting. Star Australian producers including Dr
Peter Pratten, founder of Capel Vale, and Brokenwood winemaker Ian
Riggs will be flying in alongside top New Zealand names, such as
Steve Smith MW, winemaker of Craggy Range Vineyard and John Joslin;
the Englishman who fulfilled every wine-lover’s dream and bought his
own Marlborough vineyard, Mud House Wines..."
The cost: Grand Tasting - single £35, double £65, group (12 tickets
for the price of 10) £350. Masterclasses (per person per class) £45:
Cloudy Bay & Cape Mentelle 10.00am, speaker: Dr Tony Jordan; Great
Pinot Noir from Australia and New Zealand 12.45pm with Anthony
Hanson MW; South Australia uncovered 3.30pm, speakers: Matthew
Jukes, Stuart Bourne & Kerri Thompson.
Please note that due to licensing laws, tickets cannot be sold on
the door. This event is only open to those over 18 years of age.
Masterclass tickets must be purchased separately from Grand Tasting
tickets. Ticket Hotline: 0044 (0) 20 7471 2000,
tickets@decanter.com,
www.decanter.com/events
Posted 21/4/05
St. Innocent Anden Chardonnay 'guaranteed' to match asparagus!
I quote from their website: "Try Anden Chardonnay with grilled
chicken, the classic lobster, or even foods as flavorful as duck
breast. For reasons that I can not explain, the Chardonnays from
this site are fantastic with ASPARAGUS. Yes, the bane of wine, it
actually brings out the fruit and tastes lovely. If I am wrong, call
me up, I'll replace the bottle. Enjoy!"
The wine's made from Dijon clone Chardonnay grown in St. Innocent's
Anden Vineyard, which overlooks the Willamette Valley from the hills
west of Salem, Oregon.
More details here. The winery also makes
Pinots Noir, Gris and Blanc and sparkling wines.
This whole asparagus and wine thing was brought to my attention by
Michael Sherwood of quirky website cum virtual resto
Sub Rosa: here
you'll find mouth-watering recipe tips and wine suggestions. Also
read Mike's article "Oregon Wine Dinner - the Asparagus Challenge" on
the
Avalon Wine site.
Symington and Niepoort declare vintage
The Symington Family Port Company has confirmed that each of its
Port houses will declare a 2003 vintage...
Decanter.com News Alert 16/4/05
John Cleese bans his own wine show in UK
Former Monty Python star John Cleese has made a TV wine guide but
banned it from being broadcast in the UK, because he doubts viewers
would be interested...
Decanter.com News Alert 14/4/05
The Great Cork Debate
The results are in! Wine Spectator readers share their thoughts on
the question of cork...
April 2005
Bordeaux 2004: difficult but surprisingly good
At the end of en primeur week in Bordeaux, producers and journalists
alike are surprised and pleased by the quality of a 'difficult' 2004
vintage...
Decanter.com News Alert 9/4/05
Château Faugères acquired by perfume entrepreneur
Silvio Denz, a London-based Swiss businessman involved in luxury
goods, has bought highly rated Château Faugères located six
kilometres east of Saint-Emilion. The vineyard covers 57 hectares
and is split between the appellations of Saint-Emilion and Côtes de
Castillon. The estate is managed by Alain Dourthe with Michel
Rolland acting as consultant winemaker.
Denz works primarily in the creation, production and distribution of
international perfume brands. In the wine industry, he owns a stake
in two Swiss wine companies as well as in Clos d'Agon in Spain,
which is run by Peter Sisseck. Posted 9/4/05
Sixth Premier Cru to be added in Bordeaux
For the first time in 32 years a new Bordeaux chateau is to be
elevated to First Growth status.
For the 150th anniversary of the 1855 classification the Union des
Grands Crus de Bordeaux will announce this month it has been
examining three potential candidates to join the ranks of the First
Growths...
Decanter.com news April 1st 2005 (is this a wind up or..?)
Designer glass all in black
Midnightsun Designs has launched a black ISO tasting glass, which is
apparently "a serious glass for the serious wine taster... perfectly
suitable to blind wine tasting." Not convinced about that, but this
could become a must-have glass for the stylish wine goth...
More info at www.midnightsun-designs.com
Posted 12/3/05
Violent demonstrations in Montpellier
Protesters clashed violently with police in Montpellier as up to
8,000 wine growers demonstrated against the latest government
measures...
Decanter.com news alert - original story by your faithful
correspondent.
Wines of Chile “Meet the Retailer” tasting London
The Mezzanine Room, Vinopolis, 1 Bank End (Southbank next to the
Globe) SE1 - Weds 23rd March 2005 6pm to 9pm. This "diverse and
eclectic" tasting is open to the public in the evening, with tickets
at £10 per person. There'll be over 100 wines to taste (so don't
drive) from 15 or so retailers – including Asda, Majestic, Waitrose,
the Co-op, Oddbins, Sainsbury's and Somerfield, with additional
tables taken by leading independents such as Avery’s, Laithwaite’s,
Virginwines.com, Adnams and Vintage Roots (organic specialist).
"You'll see just what Chile has to offer above £5," says Wines of
Chile. "£5 to £15 is the price sector where Chile really performs
and offers serious value for money."
Tickets can be ordered from the WOC UK office at 13 Hermitage
Parade, Ascot, SL5 7HE; or call 01344 872229 or email
info@winesofchile.org.uk
Posted 8/3/05
Wine Blogging Wednesday
The March edition of Wine Blogging Wednesday (WBW) is being hosted
by Andrew Barrow, of www.ukwinesonline.co.uk fame, at
www.spittoon.biz on 9th March. "WBW is a fun worldwide event for
webloggers and websites," Andrew explains, "to all post on a
specified theme - my choice for March is 'Obscure Red Grape
Varieties.'" Topics have previously included South African reds and
'Wacky Wine Names.' Full details of WBW #7 at
www.spittoon.biz/archives/announcing_wine_blogging_wednesday_7.html
Posted 6/3/05
New Zealand grape harvest "second largest ever"
The 2005 vintage started in Gisborne, on the east coast of North
Island, a few days ago and should be completed in the southern
regions sometime in May. "At this stage, the grapes look in very
good condition and the prospects for a quality harvest are positive
following warm, dry weather in January and February,” commented
Philip Gregan, Chief Executive Officer of New Zealand Winegrowers.
The 2005 harvest stems from a "record" producing area of 20,500
hectares (that's still less than one fifth of the area of Bordeaux
alone, for comparison), an increase of 2200 hectares or 12%.
However, the industry isn't expecting a larger quantity than 2004
(when arguably yields were too high in some vineyards), as "the
potential crop size has been influenced by cool December weather"
that reduced fruit set in some varieties. Current estimates fall
between 140,000 and 160,000 tonnes of grapes.
Further info at www.nzwine.com
Posted 2/3/05
More NZ 2004s here
New Zealand Pinot Noir
2004 best ever year for Champagne consumption
Last year saw the greatest consumption of Champagne ever, according
to the Champagne trade body the CIVC...
Decanter.com news alert
VDP Vineyard Classification: period of grace ends with 2004 vintage
As from the 2004 vintage, the use of vineyard names on VDP (Verband
Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter, the Association of German Prädikat
Wine Estates) members’ labels is restricted to classified sites
only (about time too)...
From the VDP website.
US wine exports show record increase
US wine exports surged to US$794m last year – a massive jump on 2003
and the largest yearly increase ever...
Decanter.com news alert
Charles Metcalfe webchats Chinese New Year
Wine broadcaster, writer and opera singer Charles Metcalfe will be
talking about and tasting the best Alsace wines to accompany
Oriental food, live in the studio on Tuesday 8th February at 4pm.
Chinese New Year celebrations begin on the 9th February...
For more info and to submit a question to Charles, visit
www.webchats.tv
Posted 5/2/05
UK to be world's biggest consumer, South Africa to rise rapidly
The UK will become Europe's largest wine market by 2008, overtaking
France, Germany and Italy in terms of the amount of wine sold,
research shows...
Decanter.com news alert 5/2/05
US to overtake France as the world’s top wine market
The US and Italy will overtake France as the world’s leading wine
consumers within three years, according to a report commissioned by
Vinexpo...
Decanter.com news alert 3/2/05
Sideways earns five Oscar nominations
Wine movie is up for best picture, director, screenplay and
supporting actor and actress awards...
Story from Wine Spectator online
31/1/05
Food and Fine Wine opens in Manchester
 Well, on Oxford Road Altrincham at least. The store is the second to
be opened by Directors Adrian Walsh and Peter Wozencroft, with its
sister branch in Sheffield. As the name says, it will stock a range
of specialist foods such as foie gras and salamis and also serve
light snacks and platters. Wine tasting sessions held weekly "allow
people to try a range of wines from Cloudy Bay to Mouton Rothschild
(can't see them opening many bottles of that...), learn the
background to wine and how to complement wines with different
foods." Wine tasting evenings can also be arranged for small private
parties - for more information phone Ali or Rick on 0161 926 8001 or
visit foodandfinewine.com. The next three tasting sessions will be
Californian wines on the 1st February, Italian wines on the 15th
February and Southern France with winemaker Berti Eden on the 11th
March.
Posted 30/1/05
Wines of Chile Awards go cool climate
This annual competition was held for the second time in Santiago a
couple of weeks ago, and rewarded lesser known regions and wines
from Chile's increasingly diverse repertoire. "A recurring theme
from the trophies awarded was cool climate and terroir" commented
Wines of Chile UK Director Michael Cox.
The ‘Best of Show’ trophy was won by the little-known and remote
winery Viña Falernia for their Alta Tierra Syrah 2002, located in
the far northern area of the Elqui Valley where the vineyard is
situated at over 1000 metres above sea level. The other trophy
winners were:
Viña Francisco de Aguirre, Moscatel de Alejandría Torontel 2004
(late harvest)
Viña Calina, Alcance Carmenère/Merlot/Cabernet 2003 (red blends)
Viña Cono Sur, Visión Riesling 2003 (aromatics)
Viña Aquitania, Sol de Sol Chardonnay 2003 (Chardonnay)
Viña Casas del Bosque, Sauvignon Blanc 2004 (Sauvignon Blanc)
Viña Casas del Bosque, Casa Viva Sauvignon Blanc 2004 (best value
white)
Viña Anakena, Single Vineyard Carmenère 2003 (Carmenère)
Viña Pérez Cruz, Cot (Malbec) Reserva Limited Edition 2003 (other
reds)
Viña Casablanca, Santa Isabel Estate Single Vineyard Merlot 2003
(Merlot)
Viña Echeverría, Carmenère 2004 (best value red)
Viña Viu Manent, Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve oak aged 2003 (Cabernet
Sauvignon).
The judges were Rosemary George MW, Liz Morcom MW, Steven Spurrier,
Charles Metcalfe, Oz Clarke, Michael Schuster, Ronan Sayburn, Joelle
Marti and Peter Richards. More info at winesofchile.org
Posted 30/1/05
Wines of Chile Awards Dec 2003
Virtual stealth restaurant Sub Rosa opens in Dundee
 Mike Sherwood, who works at Sineann winery in Oregon, and his wife
Linda Lausmann, who also works for Rex Hill, have launched a new
website featuring a virtual stealth restaurant and underground wine
bar in Dundee, Oregon. Mike explains: "Sub Rosa started out as an
HTML exercise that got out of hand. You have heard of fantasy sports
teams. This is my fantasy restaurant, but the celebrity chef is my
wife. This is merely a tongue and cheek snapshot of our lives. The
food we like. The music we listen to. The wine we drink."
Check it out at
www.subrosa.arbre.us - it's fun, a bit
different and very hush-hush...
Posted 19/1/05
Australia faces red wine glut in 2005
Decanter.com news alert...
Oz wines regional focus
Top wines and top chocolatiers go for perfect blend
Cult Austrian sweet-wine producers Alois Kracher, and venerable
Paris wine merchant Caves de Taillevent have hand-picked
chocolatiers to create chocolates of their premium wines...
www.decanter.com/news 5/1/05
NZ wine leaking into spy network
Marlborough’s Spy Valley winery has been attracting attention thanks
to its "undercover name" and sense of humour PR. The wine company
got its name from the US satellite monitoring base just up the road
in the Waihopai valley. The Spy label has already infiltrated New
Zealand, Australia, Philippines, the UK, USA, Germany, Sweden,
Denmark, Switzerland and Hong Kong; and they're planning to take out
Asia and mainland Europe this year.
General manager Blair Gibbs said: "I can’t wait for 2007, when we
release our wines with an eye-catching label 'Spy Valley, 007'. Ho
ho: perhaps they could persuade Sean Connery, Pierce Brosnan or even
the new Bond (?) to help with the launch...
The 360 acre vineyard and winery specialise in Riesling,
Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. More
info at www.spyvalleywine.co.nz
Posted 1/1/05
New Zealand Pinot Noir
Wine Relief 2005
Red Nose Day is on Friday 11th March this year, with retailers and
brand owners donating 10% of the shelf price of selected wines to
Comic Relief during the run-up period. The Red Nose Day campaign
actually kicks off on Tuesday 1st February, as many retailers are
promoting their wines for the whole five weeks right through to 11th
March. Wine Relief point-of-sale material will be used in-store to
highlight these wines and emphasise a sensible drinking message.
Comic Relief supports Alcohol Concern and other charities tackling
problems associated with alcohol abuse.
"Since its beginning in 1999, Wine Relief has raised an impressive
£1.2 million for Comic Relief. And we hope to top the £2m mark after
this campaign," commented Kevin Cahill, Chief Executive of Comic
Relief. Participating stores include Arthur Rackham Emporia
(independent based in Guildford, Surrey), Asda, Booths Supermarkets
(Lancashire, Yorks and Chesire), Majestic,
Marks & Spencer,
Morrisons, Oddbins,
Sainsbury’s, Somerfield, Tesco, Thresher and
Waitrose. There are also several special fundraising events taking
place - visit Comic Relief's website or contact Lucy Fitzherbert,
Wine Relief Project Manager on 020 7820 5592 or
L.Fitzherbert@comicrelief.org.uk
Posted 1/1/05
Wine Relief 2003
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