Archive for August, 2011:
Should Brunello di Montalcino change its rules?
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Among the crowd of sangiovese-based Tuscan wines, Montalcino stands out like a beacon of pure sangiovese, challenging yes, but inspiring also in its purity of expression. There are moves afoot to change the rules to allow the ubiquitous cabernet sauvignon, merlot, syrah into the blend which would ‘internationalise’ the style, and arguably make Montalcino wines indistinguishable from the rest of the crowd.
Wine, Terroir and Climate Change, by John Gladstones
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Gladstone’s earlier book – Viticulture and Environment (1992) – was a seminal text on climatic and geomorphological influences on grape growing, and any sequel to that book has been too long in the waiting. In this volume the agricultural scientist explores the history and science of soil and climate in wine production, and critiques climate change in the viticultural context.
Muscadet Crus Communaux
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The Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine appellation experienced little short of a seismic shift in July with the approval of three Muscadet crus communaux, or communal crus, by INAO. It’s Muscadet, Jim, but not as we know it.
Pizzini Wines
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The King Valley in Australia’s Victoria attracted several migrant families from Italy, who later moved into the winemaking traditional to their homeland. The Pizzini family were one of those pioneers of grape growing and winemaking, and they are renowned for growing several Italian grape varieties.
The future of English sparkling wine
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English wine is the flavour du jour, but is it set up to capitalise on the recent awards and consumer demand?
Baglio del Cristo di Campobello
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In the chalky white soils south of the town of Campobello di Licata in the province of Agrigento in Sicily lies the Bonetta family property of Baglio del Cristo di Campobello. The name may not easily roll off an anglophone tongue, but the wines roll across that same tongue in a much more delicious fashion.
Ten minutes with … Tom Carson
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Tom Carson is pushing the envelope when it comes to making pinot noir in Australia, and is a strong advocate of wines of place.
Elgo Estate
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Strathbogie Ranges is a wine growing region to watch, not least due to a mere handful of pioneering producers. Elgo Estate, owned by Grant and Suzanne Taresch is one such property on an upward trajectory.
A taste of the world of wine, Patrick Iland, Peter Gago, Andrew Caillard, Peter Dry
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This book offers a taster, as in an introduction, to the wine world, and the erudition of these four authors augurs well for an enjoyable and edifying read.
