Future of Australian wines
Posted by Ray O'Connor | Filed under Trade Tasting
Watch the interview on the video player on the right.
Education played a large theme at last weeks Australian annual trade tasting in London, with a room solely decked out to the purpose of broadening the attendee’s knowledge of the country. I was fortunate to grab a few words from Paul Henry, Market Development General Manager for Wine Australia . He explained to me the reasons for Australian grape growers move to planting more Mediterranean varieties, suggesting that the early plantings of Shiraz and Chardonnay followed the European mould a bit too closely. Today, Australians are realising that some regions like McLaren Vale in South Australia would be better suited to varieties like sangiovese for example. I’ll let Paul explain it in greater detail in the video to the right of the screen.
Young Wine Writer Award
Posted by Ray O'Connor | Filed under Uncategorized, Wine Writing
It was big night for Nicola Cornelius of Liberty Wines last night as she picked up the Young Wine Writer Award 2009. The award was presented to her by Steven Spurrier and John McDonnell of Wine Australia (Ireland) at the Circle of Wine Writer’s Christmas party at Australia House. What a introduction to the world of wine writing, getting on stage in front of so many literary big wigs. Her article entitled “From backpacking cellar-hands to flying winemakers: The sunny side of globalisation” was shortlisted to the final two places amongst a total of 9 final contestants. Nicola wins an all expenses two week trip to Australia and a smart, engraved decanter, courtesy of Wine Australia. She also picked up a cheque for £1,000 compliments of Anova books. Nicola told me she plans to continue writing but won’t give up the day job. You can watch the brief video interview on the player to the right.
As the party was hosted by the good people at Australia House, it was purely wines from Down Under that were served. A great line up, but two wines really stood out for me . Kooyong Chardonnay 2008 from the northen end of Mornington Peninsula was a best of compilation of what the world of Chardonnay has to offer. Weighty, yet fresh. Crisp, yet deep (does that even make sense?) it had linear purity and screamed drink me! 10 minutes X Tractor, Pinot Noir really stood out from its Australian peers in the line up. It disappeared in 10 minutes X wine writers. It was elegant, with pure red fruits but held an upright serious backbone to it.
It was good to see Oz Clarke back on the scene after he recently fell ill. Nice grub and decent selection of wines gave us all a festive kick of cheer.
Tags: Australia, Wine Writing
List of Garnacha wines at Robert Parker tasting @ Wine Future
Posted by Ray O'Connor | Filed under Parker Tasting, Wine Future
Here’s a list of the wines tasted that would have set you back $1,000 to attend and taste.
Châteuneauf-du-Pape – France
1. Domaine Charvin 2007
2. Marcoux Vieilles Vignes 2007
3. Mont Olivet – La Cuvee du Papet 2007
4. Chapoutier Barbe Rac 2007
5. Barroche Pure 2007
6. Vieille Julienne 2007
7. Pierre Usseglio-Mon Aieul 2007
Spain
8. Atteca Armas 2007 – DO Calatayud
9. Mancuso 2005 – Vino de la Tierra de Valdejalón
10. Espectacle 2006 – DO Montsant
11. Clos Erasmus 2005 – DOCa. Priorat
12. Aquilon 2006 – DO Campo de Borja
California
13. Pandora – Alban 2006
14. Sine Qua Non Atlantis 2005
Australia
15. Killikanoon Duke 2006
16. Greenock Creek Cornerstone 2006
17. Clarendon Hills Old Vines Romas 2006
18. Torbreck Les Amis 2005
Rioja
19. Marqués de Riscal de 1945
20. Contador 2007
Tags: Australia, California, Châteuneauf-du-Pape, Rioja
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