Mary Rocca Interview at the Rhone Rangers Tasting in San Francisco
In assoicaition with Life in France
Sunday 25 April 2010
Thursday 22 April 2010
Wine Week 169: Something other than the norm.
Generally when we've talked about wines from the Mornington Peninsula we've looked at Pinot Noir. But in doing so we've missed on the other great variety from the region: Chardonnay. So we start this week with a look at the classic white grape offering from Red Hill Estate. We also check out a McLaren Vale Shiraz from Shingleback's second label, Red Knot. And ahead of Danny shooting off to the Coonawarra this weekend he looks at a bargain red blend from Balnaves called, aptly, The Blend.
In assoicaition with Life in France
In assoicaition with Life in France
Monday 19 April 2010
Preview of English Wine Producers Trade tasting
The EWP Trade and Press tasting takes place on Friday 23rd April at Chelsea Football Club. Some new faces, new wines and latest vintages will be on show from England’s leading producers and regional vineyards from around the UK.
The last few years have presented some interesting challenges to The UK wine industry. “It’s been a case of demand challenging - if not exceeding - supply,” comments Julia Trustram Eve of English Wine Producers, organisers of the tasting.
One key factor in the rise in consumer and trade interest are the regular competition wins for English wines both here and abroad, and the resulting publicity. Trophy wins in last year’s International Wine Challenge (Camel Valley Bacchus 2008), Decanter World Wine Awards (Hush Heath Balfour Brut 2005) and notable achievements in overseas competitions have also created significant positive media interest.
Happily, 2009 has produced what is likely to be one of the largest vintages on record, due in part to the number of the more recently planted vineyards coming in to full production. As many of these new vineyards will be releasing sparkling wines it will be a while yet before the first wines are on the market. However there will be some new faces and wines at the trade tasting this year, introducing some of the new generation traditional variety sparkling wines estates such as Gusbourne in Kent (see below).
The main part of the tasting is the EWP membership showcase of their wines, both displayed in style order on a central tasting area and on their own stands. EWP represents the commercial sector of the industry and comprises many of the ‘household names’ in English wines. In addition there will be a selection of wines on tasting from smaller regional vineyards, represented on regional vineyard association stands.
The St George’s Day tasting also launches English Wine Week, a celebration of English wines which takes place this year 29th May – 6th June. English Wine Week provides the trade with a great opportunity to fly the flag for English wines and to collaborate with vineyards to highlight these wines to customers. In turn it encourages vineyards to work more closely with the on and off trade, from locally to nationally. English Wine Week falls at an ideal time for English wines – it is the beginning of the summer which is seasonally appealing and carries all the anticipation of the summer months ahead. Further information on English Wine Week will be available at the tasting.
Below are some snippets of news from some of the producers that are exhibiting:
NEW FACE TO EWP: GUSBOURNE ESTATE
New EWP member this year and first time on the market is sparkling wine estate Gusbourne. Just outside Appledore in Kent, Gusbourne Estate currently only grows the classic Champagne varieties on Weald Clay, Tunbridge Wells sand and a very light sandy loam on a south-facing ancient coastal escarpment. The estate is owned by Andrew Weeber, whose passion for wine extends back to his South African (Stellenbosch University) roots, Gusbourne is run on a day-to-day basis by manager Jon Pollard.
The first vintage releases, to be presented at the EWP Trade Tasting will be from 2006, their two styles Brut (Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay) and Blanc (100% Chardonnay). Production has increased for subsequent vintages, and a groundbreaking new winery is planned for the near future. Andrew Weeber will be at the tasting, on the SE Vineyards Association stand.
RIDGEVIEW WINNERS
The Ridgeview range of 5 different sparkling wines styles and blends will be on show, including newly released 2007 vintages and the currently available 2006 vintage of some of the styles. This includes Ridgeview's Blanc de Blanc Grosvenor 2006 which was recently awarded Silver in Chardonnay du Monde 2010, a French-based competition which honours the best chardonnays of the world, selected from 880 wines entered from 37 countries. Additionally the current Wine of the Year in the UK’s own English & Welsh Wine of the Year Competition – Ridgeview’s Blanc de Noirs Knightsbridge 2006 - will be on tasting. Mike Roberts, the current holder of Winemaker of the Year in the same competition, will be at the Ridgeview stand.
NYETIMBER LAUNCHING 2005 VINTAGE CLASSIC CUVÉE
The Nyetimber team will be out in force, and launching their latest release – 2005 vintage Classic Cuvée.
This signature style from Nyetimber succeeds the multi award-winning 2003 Classic Cuvée and is a blend of 62% Chardonnay, 19% Pinot Noir and 19% Pinot Meunier, with an alcohol level of 12.3% and residual sugar of 14.0. Nyetimber’s CEO, Eric Hereema will be on the Nyetimber stand, along with winemaker Cherie Spriggs and Sales Managers Francis Brackley and Charlie Mount.
NEW VINTAGE LAUNCH FOR HUSH HEATH
The third vintage for Hush Heath’s rosé sparkling Balfour Brut – 2006 - has just been launched. It follows a prestigious run of award-winners, with their 2004 scooping a Gold medal in the International Wine Challenge in 2008 and last year’s Decanter English Wine Trophy winner for their 2005 vintage. Plans at Hush Heath continue to develop, with a winery being built on site, and the introduction of a limited edition still wine.
HIGHER PROFILE FOR STANLAKE PARK
Stanlake Park Wine Estate, based just outside Twyford, Reading, is no stranger to EWP nor to the tasting. This year however they will have their own stand at the tasting, showing their range of sparkling and still wines, and launching their new sparkling wine branding. Winemaker Vince Gower will be on hand to take you through the range. Stanlake has become a popular tourist destination within the Thames Valley, having opened a wine showroom and shop, selling their full range of some 14 different wines plus liqueurs from fruit grown on the estate and other world wines to complement the selection. Owner Peter Dart will be on the Stanlake stand, along with Winemaker Vince Gower.
NEW SPARKLING WINE AT CHAPEL DOWN WINES
Chapel Down Wines are introducing a new addition to their extensive and award-winning range of sparkling wines – a Pinot Noir-Chardonnay blend from the high quality 2006 vintage. In addition there will be some new 2009 vintages available to taste, including their signature Bacchus still wine and English Rose still rosé. Also to be found only at the Chapel Down table, a wonderful Chablis style Chardonnay also from the 2009 harvest which is due to be release in May this year. Sales & Marketing Director Guy Tresnan will be at the tasting.
LATEST VINTAGE RELEASES FOR CAMEL VALLEY
Following the success of their 2008 varietal Bacchus still wine, some of their follow on vintage from the successful 2009 harvest has already sold ‘en primeur’ prior to release - and will be in the line up of Bacchus wines on tasting. Camel Valley’s Gold Medal winning Pinot Noir Brut 2007 will also be available to alongside their latest sparkling release, a 2008 Pinot Noir Rosé. Bob Lindo of Camel Valley will be at the tasting on the South West Vineyards Association Stand.
Contact
Name: Julia Trustram Eve
Web: http://www.englishwineproducers.com
Company: English Wine Producers
Address: -
Country: UNITED KINGDOM
Phone: +44 01536 772264
In assoicaition with Life in France
The last few years have presented some interesting challenges to The UK wine industry. “It’s been a case of demand challenging - if not exceeding - supply,” comments Julia Trustram Eve of English Wine Producers, organisers of the tasting.
One key factor in the rise in consumer and trade interest are the regular competition wins for English wines both here and abroad, and the resulting publicity. Trophy wins in last year’s International Wine Challenge (Camel Valley Bacchus 2008), Decanter World Wine Awards (Hush Heath Balfour Brut 2005) and notable achievements in overseas competitions have also created significant positive media interest.
Happily, 2009 has produced what is likely to be one of the largest vintages on record, due in part to the number of the more recently planted vineyards coming in to full production. As many of these new vineyards will be releasing sparkling wines it will be a while yet before the first wines are on the market. However there will be some new faces and wines at the trade tasting this year, introducing some of the new generation traditional variety sparkling wines estates such as Gusbourne in Kent (see below).
The main part of the tasting is the EWP membership showcase of their wines, both displayed in style order on a central tasting area and on their own stands. EWP represents the commercial sector of the industry and comprises many of the ‘household names’ in English wines. In addition there will be a selection of wines on tasting from smaller regional vineyards, represented on regional vineyard association stands.
The St George’s Day tasting also launches English Wine Week, a celebration of English wines which takes place this year 29th May – 6th June. English Wine Week provides the trade with a great opportunity to fly the flag for English wines and to collaborate with vineyards to highlight these wines to customers. In turn it encourages vineyards to work more closely with the on and off trade, from locally to nationally. English Wine Week falls at an ideal time for English wines – it is the beginning of the summer which is seasonally appealing and carries all the anticipation of the summer months ahead. Further information on English Wine Week will be available at the tasting.
Below are some snippets of news from some of the producers that are exhibiting:
NEW FACE TO EWP: GUSBOURNE ESTATE
New EWP member this year and first time on the market is sparkling wine estate Gusbourne. Just outside Appledore in Kent, Gusbourne Estate currently only grows the classic Champagne varieties on Weald Clay, Tunbridge Wells sand and a very light sandy loam on a south-facing ancient coastal escarpment. The estate is owned by Andrew Weeber, whose passion for wine extends back to his South African (Stellenbosch University) roots, Gusbourne is run on a day-to-day basis by manager Jon Pollard.
The first vintage releases, to be presented at the EWP Trade Tasting will be from 2006, their two styles Brut (Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay) and Blanc (100% Chardonnay). Production has increased for subsequent vintages, and a groundbreaking new winery is planned for the near future. Andrew Weeber will be at the tasting, on the SE Vineyards Association stand.
RIDGEVIEW WINNERS
The Ridgeview range of 5 different sparkling wines styles and blends will be on show, including newly released 2007 vintages and the currently available 2006 vintage of some of the styles. This includes Ridgeview's Blanc de Blanc Grosvenor 2006 which was recently awarded Silver in Chardonnay du Monde 2010, a French-based competition which honours the best chardonnays of the world, selected from 880 wines entered from 37 countries. Additionally the current Wine of the Year in the UK’s own English & Welsh Wine of the Year Competition – Ridgeview’s Blanc de Noirs Knightsbridge 2006 - will be on tasting. Mike Roberts, the current holder of Winemaker of the Year in the same competition, will be at the Ridgeview stand.
NYETIMBER LAUNCHING 2005 VINTAGE CLASSIC CUVÉE
The Nyetimber team will be out in force, and launching their latest release – 2005 vintage Classic Cuvée.
This signature style from Nyetimber succeeds the multi award-winning 2003 Classic Cuvée and is a blend of 62% Chardonnay, 19% Pinot Noir and 19% Pinot Meunier, with an alcohol level of 12.3% and residual sugar of 14.0. Nyetimber’s CEO, Eric Hereema will be on the Nyetimber stand, along with winemaker Cherie Spriggs and Sales Managers Francis Brackley and Charlie Mount.
NEW VINTAGE LAUNCH FOR HUSH HEATH
The third vintage for Hush Heath’s rosé sparkling Balfour Brut – 2006 - has just been launched. It follows a prestigious run of award-winners, with their 2004 scooping a Gold medal in the International Wine Challenge in 2008 and last year’s Decanter English Wine Trophy winner for their 2005 vintage. Plans at Hush Heath continue to develop, with a winery being built on site, and the introduction of a limited edition still wine.
HIGHER PROFILE FOR STANLAKE PARK
Stanlake Park Wine Estate, based just outside Twyford, Reading, is no stranger to EWP nor to the tasting. This year however they will have their own stand at the tasting, showing their range of sparkling and still wines, and launching their new sparkling wine branding. Winemaker Vince Gower will be on hand to take you through the range. Stanlake has become a popular tourist destination within the Thames Valley, having opened a wine showroom and shop, selling their full range of some 14 different wines plus liqueurs from fruit grown on the estate and other world wines to complement the selection. Owner Peter Dart will be on the Stanlake stand, along with Winemaker Vince Gower.
NEW SPARKLING WINE AT CHAPEL DOWN WINES
Chapel Down Wines are introducing a new addition to their extensive and award-winning range of sparkling wines – a Pinot Noir-Chardonnay blend from the high quality 2006 vintage. In addition there will be some new 2009 vintages available to taste, including their signature Bacchus still wine and English Rose still rosé. Also to be found only at the Chapel Down table, a wonderful Chablis style Chardonnay also from the 2009 harvest which is due to be release in May this year. Sales & Marketing Director Guy Tresnan will be at the tasting.
LATEST VINTAGE RELEASES FOR CAMEL VALLEY
Following the success of their 2008 varietal Bacchus still wine, some of their follow on vintage from the successful 2009 harvest has already sold ‘en primeur’ prior to release - and will be in the line up of Bacchus wines on tasting. Camel Valley’s Gold Medal winning Pinot Noir Brut 2007 will also be available to alongside their latest sparkling release, a 2008 Pinot Noir Rosé. Bob Lindo of Camel Valley will be at the tasting on the South West Vineyards Association Stand.
Contact
Name: Julia Trustram Eve
Web: http://www.englishwineproducers.com
Company: English Wine Producers
Address: -
Country: UNITED KINGDOM
Phone: +44 01536 772264
In assoicaition with Life in France
Friday 16 April 2010
David Bajar Henry Ranch Suckering
Nicole Marino Social Media Manager talks with David Bajar about Bud-Break and Suckering in the vineyards. April 2010
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
Thursday 15 April 2010
Two times three equals yum.
We're looking at three wines that we've already looked at on the show in the past. It's the second time round for all these wines, but that only proves what great drops they are! Tar & Roses have been impressing people for a while now, and we can see why with their Heathcote Shiraz. Tahbilk own some of the oldest Shiraz and Marsanne vines on earth, and we help them celebrate their 150th birthday with a look at their best known white. Ben Glaetzer has had more than one wine on our show. His Wallace is a classic Barossa blend that is worth revisiting again and again!
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
Rustenberg 2010 - The Pumpover Challenge
Production Manager Randolph Christians talks to us about the 2010 pumpover schedule and how what happens to the yeast, grapes and juice during the different phases of fermentation.
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
Friday 2 April 2010
Caves Saint Pierre Gigondas 2007 review
Tom Cannavan of wine-pages.com chooses the 2007 Gigondas from Caves Saint Pierre as his wine of the week for April 4th 2010
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
In assoicaition with Wine Reviews
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