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Champagne battle set to bubble over.
Winemakers in a tiny Swiss village are fighting for their livelihood against the mighty producers of a better-known bubbly French wine who believe that they alone should be allowed to use the noble name.
In this battle of the vines, Champagne's 669 villagers have told the European Court of Justice that wine has been produced on the slopes above Lake Neuchtel since the Romans discovered the joys of mountain air. It is a mere 310 years, they argue, since Dom Pérignon decided to make a virtue of troublesome bubbles. It is an ambitious challenge against the most sacred of appellations.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/france/
story/0,11882,1312898,00.html
In this battle of the vines, Champagne's 669 villagers have told the European Court of Justice that wine has been produced on the slopes above Lake Neuchtel since the Romans discovered the joys of mountain air. It is a mere 310 years, they argue, since Dom Pérignon decided to make a virtue of troublesome bubbles. It is an ambitious challenge against the most sacred of appellations.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/france/
story/0,11882,1312898,00.html
Britian's Coolest.
In a poll of 3,000 people (aged from 18 to 44) Britain's coolest drinks revealed Stella as simply the 'coolest' (as well as being reassuringly expensive). The top five are - 1 Stella Artois 2 Stolichnaya 3 Guinness 4 Budweiser Budvar 5 Innocent smoothies.
A full list of the coolest business persons, coolest motors and coolest fashion winners, amongest others, are listed on http://www.brandrepublic.com/mediabulletin/
news_story.cfm?articleID=223398
&Origin=MB28092004
A full list of the coolest business persons, coolest motors and coolest fashion winners, amongest others, are listed on http://www.brandrepublic.com/mediabulletin/
news_story.cfm?articleID=223398
&Origin=MB28092004
Pinotage Tasting.
The Pinotage Club will be tasting the 2003 Top 10 Pinotages on 9 November, with David Brice of Cape Towns 'Wine Cellar'. Tickets are £20 with the venue being in central London. Full details at www.pinotage.org and click on Tastings.
"The results of the 2004 competition will have just been announced but we will be tasting the winners from last year. These are all serious Pinotages, meant to improve with keeping and enjoying the benefits of an additional years bottle age.
Here is an unique opportunity to see how these wines have developed and improved after an extra year and a bit in the bottle since they were chosen as worlds best Pinotages in October 2003. Some of these wines have never been available in the UK.
"The results of the 2004 competition will have just been announced but we will be tasting the winners from last year. These are all serious Pinotages, meant to improve with keeping and enjoying the benefits of an additional years bottle age.
Here is an unique opportunity to see how these wines have developed and improved after an extra year and a bit in the bottle since they were chosen as worlds best Pinotages in October 2003. Some of these wines have never been available in the UK.
Environmental group combating erosion around Napa River.
The Napa River has been writhing in its shell, so to speak, changing its course and, in the process, eroding the dirt levies that make up its banks on the valley floor.
This has left a group of vineyards located on the river's main stem with progressively less space, more vulnerable to pests and the river in worse shape for endangered fish that migrate up the river to spawn their offspring.
http://www.napanews.com/templates/index.cfm?
template=story_full&id=EA0C112B-F399-4921
-96B0-63E1EA47E235
This has left a group of vineyards located on the river's main stem with progressively less space, more vulnerable to pests and the river in worse shape for endangered fish that migrate up the river to spawn their offspring.
http://www.napanews.com/templates/index.cfm?
template=story_full&id=EA0C112B-F399-4921
-96B0-63E1EA47E235
Wine Connoisseurs Happy to Pay the Price.
Up to 50 percent of wine buffs in the South West are prepared to pay over the odds for varieties they know and love rather than shop around for a bargain, it was today revealed. And only 22 percent say that price is the most important consideration when choosing a bottle of wine.
http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=3537437
http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=3537437
Unwins Purchasers Line Up.
A total of eight buyers are in talks to buy off-licence chain Unwins. The UK wine and spirits retailer announced in May that its board was considering a sale of the business. The closing date for applications is at the end of this month.
Unwins chairman, Michael Lunn, is understood to be in talks with property companies, private equity firms, competitors and international trade buyers about a possible sale.
Speaking to the Daily Telegraph yesterday (26 September), Lunn said that a sale of the company now “looks more likely” than a buyer taking a minority stake to inject some cash.
In the year to February 2004, the company posted a loss of £992,000 on sales of £178m, with investors receiving no dividend for the second year running. Lunn was brought in 18 months ago as a ‘chief restructuring officer’ to turn the business around.
Source: Just Drinks
Unwins chairman, Michael Lunn, is understood to be in talks with property companies, private equity firms, competitors and international trade buyers about a possible sale.
Speaking to the Daily Telegraph yesterday (26 September), Lunn said that a sale of the company now “looks more likely” than a buyer taking a minority stake to inject some cash.
In the year to February 2004, the company posted a loss of £992,000 on sales of £178m, with investors receiving no dividend for the second year running. Lunn was brought in 18 months ago as a ‘chief restructuring officer’ to turn the business around.
Source: Just Drinks
Champagne bubbles over with harvest hopes.
Grape vines in the Champagne region are sagging this year with an abundance of fruit. But this won't mean increased supply - or cheaper bottles of bubbly for consumers. It may, however, mean a very good vintage.
http://www.detnews.com/2004/business/0409/24/c03-283484.htm
http://www.detnews.com/2004/business/0409/24/c03-283484.htm
Book: Wineries with Style.
Award-winning wine writer Peter Richards skilfully narrates the revealing story of wineries around the world and how they came to be built across the centuries - from historic chateaux and monastery estates, through the depths of hidden cellars to modern and visionary futuristic structures. He offers a visual tour of eighty of the world's most striking, fascinating, and impressive wineries. Discussing both wine and architecture he also includes producer fact boxes with contact details, wine tips, and visitor information, plus a world map that provides easy reference to locate the wineries. You can read more via Peter's website - http://www.devinitywine.com
Published on October 21st pre-orders available via Amazon.co.uk (£21).
TN: Albet I Noya Chardonnay Col.lecció, 2003, Penedès, Spain. (90/100)
Albet I Noya Chardonnay Col.lecció, 2003, Penedès, Spain.£10.99 Vintage Roots.
Using only the first fraction of the juice from the grape pressing this excellently crafted wine is worth every single one of its 1099 pennies. A refined complex aroma with subtle toasty notes leads into a lovely rich palate with a long-lasting buttery edged finish. Superb. Alcohol 13%.
Scribblings Rating - 90/100
TN: Milton Vineyards Te Arai Chenin Blanc, 2002, Gisborne, New Zealand. (92/100)
Milton Vineyards Te Arai Chenin Blanc, 2002, Gisborne, New Zealand.£8.99 Vintage Roots
A superb Chenin Blanc - dry with a perfectly formed, rich, rounded body and good concentration. Mustard and cress on the nose and a palate full of pear and apple flavours. 12.5% alcohol.
Scribblings Rating - 92/100
Vintage Roots - Organic Wine Tasting.
A full report with tasting notes covering Organic Wines from specialist Vintage Roots now available on UKWinesOnline.
http://www.ukwinesonline.co.uk/Wines/ourWines.
asp?KC=727&PL=2&FP=37&ST=3&SS=VINTAGE%20ROOTS%20TASTING%2020TH%
20SEPTEMBER%202004&SCI=14304&HC=1
http://www.ukwinesonline.co.uk/Wines/ourWines.
asp?KC=727&PL=2&FP=37&ST=3&SS=VINTAGE%20ROOTS%20TASTING%2020TH%
20SEPTEMBER%202004&SCI=14304&HC=1
Marilyn Merlot Bares All With Peek-a-boo Label.
The owners of the Marilyn Merlot label know sex sells. Their new Velvet Collection brand features the famous "Red Velvet" nude photo of Marilyn Monroe on a peek-a-boo label, a first for the wine industry. The movie star's figure is partially covered with iridescent sparkles; to see all of her, you simply peel away the overlay. http://www.winespectator.com/Wine/Daily
/News/0,1145,2600,00.html
Improving Wine With Satellites.
The wine harvest has begun in many regions of Europe. Will it be a vintage year, what will quantities be like? Every vineyard owner has their own idea. But specialist engineers and administrations already have a comprehensive view produced using satellite observations.
http://www.physorg.com/news1216.html
http://www.physorg.com/news1216.html
University Pioneers Ginseng Beer.
A collaboration between 2 of South Korea’s leading tertiary institutes, Kyung Hee University and Kimpo College has developed a new beer that it claims wards off the worst effects of binge drinking. It developers are so confident of the new brew’s success that have a special brewing centre planned for production for general release.
The key ingredient is ginseng root, undried and aged 6 years. It makes up 0.4% by weight of a traditionally brewed lager that is very lightly palate hopped, so that gains its bouquet entirely from the ginseng. This gives the beer a decidedly fresh, bright nose, which also indicates how drinkers’ will feel after a hard night our drinking if the strict to this brew.
Source: Sommnet
The key ingredient is ginseng root, undried and aged 6 years. It makes up 0.4% by weight of a traditionally brewed lager that is very lightly palate hopped, so that gains its bouquet entirely from the ginseng. This gives the beer a decidedly fresh, bright nose, which also indicates how drinkers’ will feel after a hard night our drinking if the strict to this brew.
Source: Sommnet
World's beer fans meet for Oktoberfest.
International squads of beer drinkers, leather-clad Bavarians and devotees of excess young and old have converged in Munich for the start of the planet's biggest beer festival, the Oktoberfest. Over the next two weeks, beer drinkers are expected to guzzle more than six million litres of beer -- enough to fill around six Olympic size swimming pools -- and chomp through vast quantities of food during the world-famous orgy of consumption.
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/040918/80/f2uz1.html
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/040918/80/f2uz1.html
TN: Augusto Pulenta Valbona Malbec, 2002, San Juan, Argentina. (90/100)
Augusto Pulenta Valbona Malbec, 2002, San Juan, Argentina.Available from Vinos Vinos for £4.99.
Very much in the house style – with dark complex fruit flavours supported with a tannic structure that is more forward and noticeable than you find in the same producers Cabernet, for example. The wine is thus true to the Malbec grapes roots in the South West of France; but this has soft, ripe fruit in addition to the tannins – something that the more rustic French versions can lack.
Scribblings Rating - 86/100
TN: Augusto Pulenta Valbona Cabernet Sauvignon, 2002, San Juan, Argentina. (92/100)
Augusto Pulenta Valbona Cabernet Sauvignon, 2002, San Juan, Argentina.Available from Vinos Vinos for £4.99.
Blackberries, blackcurrants, rose hips, lots going on here. Actually I would go as far to say that for the price this offers great complexity on the palate. Soft tannins, supple with a nice juicy finish.
Scribblings Rating - 92/100
Sideways - film trailer.
A new film due out in the USA in October has numerous wine related scenes - a humorous 'wine tasting' and several, from the look of the trailer, scenes in vineyards. It is a romantic comedy - which will probably put most people off. The films trailer is available from -
http://www2.foxsearchlight.com/sideways/
http://www2.foxsearchlight.com/sideways/
Parker Predicts the Future.
Robert M. Parker, Jr., the world's foremost wine guru, makes 12 bold predictions about seismic changes that will influence how we'll shop, what we'll buy and how much we'll pay.
http://www.foodandwine.com/preview/invoke.cfm?
objectID=B3B6C0BB-3157-47AE-9347AFE4A86EF60F
http://www.foodandwine.com/preview/invoke.cfm?
objectID=B3B6C0BB-3157-47AE-9347AFE4A86EF60F
Roger Scruton appreciates the wines of Alsace.
Alsace itself is neither Latin nor Goth, as can be discovered from its wines. Sold in German flutes, made from German and French varietals, these wines combine Gothic bouquet with Latin character.
http://www.newstatesman.com/site.php3?
newTemplate=NSArticle_Life&
newDisplayURN=200409200049
http://www.newstatesman.com/site.php3?
newTemplate=NSArticle_Life&
newDisplayURN=200409200049
Beer has the same antioxidant benefit as red wine...
University of Western Ontario researchers found that beer and wine provide equal increases in plasma antioxidant activity. It is thought that antioxidants may ward off some diseases like heart disease and cancer.
http://web.morons.org/article.jsp?sectionid=6&id=5544
http://web.morons.org/article.jsp?sectionid=6&id=5544
Call for alcohol warning labels.
Alcoholic drinks should carry labels warning of the health risks of drinking during pregnancy, say campaigners.
The National Organisation for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome UK said advice should be printed on bottles of wine, beer, spirits and alcopops.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3659360.stm
The National Organisation for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome UK said advice should be printed on bottles of wine, beer, spirits and alcopops.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3659360.stm
UKWinesOnline Update.
A new addition to the listings - another site selling French wines but via an innovative website. It is difficult to describe in a few words but Modern French Wine lists wines on a lighter-heavier scale and by character. There is no traditional search facility as such but a few clicks often uncover something you didnt know you wanted to try! Read the company's own explanation - or better still have a look at the site and get clicking. Each wine is fully described, comes complete with a picture of the bottle and often has links to the producers website. Interesting indeed and worth exploring if you like to experiment with mixed cases - and worth exploring for the pre-mixed cases too.
But is the wine organic?
Is the wine 'organic'? It's a frequently asked question at cellar door tastings.
While most weekend wine tasters want to believe that being ‘organic' is both desirable and environmentally responsible, many are not so sure why.
Kevin Karstrom, winemaker at the Botobolar Vineyard, Australia's oldest organically certified vineyard, agrees there is consumer uncertainty. "The uncertainty arises because although many vineyards follow organic principles, they are not ‘organically certified'.
http://mudgee.yourguide.com.au/detail.asp?
class=news&subclass=local&category=wine%
20industry&story_id=335250&y=2004&m=9
While most weekend wine tasters want to believe that being ‘organic' is both desirable and environmentally responsible, many are not so sure why.
Kevin Karstrom, winemaker at the Botobolar Vineyard, Australia's oldest organically certified vineyard, agrees there is consumer uncertainty. "The uncertainty arises because although many vineyards follow organic principles, they are not ‘organically certified'.
http://mudgee.yourguide.com.au/detail.asp?
class=news&subclass=local&category=wine%
20industry&story_id=335250&y=2004&m=9
Beer Bytes.
Hampshire Brewery St. Clements, Romsey, England.
AR-Emporia £1.79
This is a bit of an oddity. This beer is not mentioned on the Hampshire Brewery Website, nor can we find any reference to it on the Oxford Bottled Beer Database. The label is a tad amateurish too. Perhaps an AR-Emporia own label? Who knows as it is not on their website either.
Having said all that this 4.8% bottled conditioned beer has a lovely hoppy, elderberry and hawthorn nose. While it is a little gassy on the palate for our taste there is a good beer here- with a light, summery edge to medium bodied palate. Very persistent flavour in the mouth. The label states that real oranges and lemons were used in the production.
AR-Emporia £1.79
This is a bit of an oddity. This beer is not mentioned on the Hampshire Brewery Website, nor can we find any reference to it on the Oxford Bottled Beer Database. The label is a tad amateurish too. Perhaps an AR-Emporia own label? Who knows as it is not on their website either.
Having said all that this 4.8% bottled conditioned beer has a lovely hoppy, elderberry and hawthorn nose. While it is a little gassy on the palate for our taste there is a good beer here- with a light, summery edge to medium bodied palate. Very persistent flavour in the mouth. The label states that real oranges and lemons were used in the production.
Beer Bytes.
Little Creatures Pale Ale, Freemantle, Australia.Waitrose £1.45.
A distinct floral edge to the aroma. The hoppy palate has a citrus bit running through it and ends with a lychee dominated finish. It's a refreshing beer - perfectly suited to late summer drinking and one of the best Australian beers I have tried.
Scribblings Rating - 92/100
TN: Tosos Ecológica Lagrima Virgin, 2001, Cariñena, Spain. (92/100)
Tosos Ecológica Lagrima Virgin, 2001, Cariñena, Spain.Available from Vintage Roots and AR-Emporia around £7.
Blackberries, strawberries, touch of coffee, chocolate and vanilla combine into a superb aroma. Similar on the palate with substantial structure and perfect balance between the rich fruit and blackcurrant acidity. Organically grown grapes - 60% Grenecha, 20% Muzela and 20% Tempranillo. 14.5% Alcohol.
Scribblings Rating - 92/100
TN: Tescos Denman Vineyard Estate Reserve Semillon, NV, Hunter Valley, Australia. (78/100)
Tesco £5.69.
An award winner apparently - but not sure which award exactly. An expressive nose - reminiscent of a minerally Chablis combined with a slightly aged dry Riesling. Lemony softness on the palate with a watercress complexity, very dry finish. That 'Riesling' edge again, medium bodied. Lacks alcohol and body. Screwcapped. 11% alcohol.
Scribblings Rating - 78/100
An award winner apparently - but not sure which award exactly. An expressive nose - reminiscent of a minerally Chablis combined with a slightly aged dry Riesling. Lemony softness on the palate with a watercress complexity, very dry finish. That 'Riesling' edge again, medium bodied. Lacks alcohol and body. Screwcapped. 11% alcohol.
Scribblings Rating - 78/100
TN: Via Chilcas Chardonnay, 2003, San Rafael, Chile. (82/100)
Via Chilcas Chardonnay, 2003, San Rafael, Chile.
Waitrose £4.99
A Chardonnay on the crisp side of medium bodied. 'Pure' Chardonnay fruit - by which we mean pears-unripe apples with a touch of honey. Reasonable length. Crisp is definitely the word. Another wine made from organically grown grapes.
Scribblings Rating - 82/100
Waitrose £4.99
A Chardonnay on the crisp side of medium bodied. 'Pure' Chardonnay fruit - by which we mean pears-unripe apples with a touch of honey. Reasonable length. Crisp is definitely the word. Another wine made from organically grown grapes.
Scribblings Rating - 82/100
A sense of place for Rhône wines.
People in the wine business speak longingly about a sense of place. By this, they mean wines that through aroma and flavor convey the special combination of soil, climate and the human touch that are encompassed in the mystical French word terroir. A wine with a sense of place adds a new chapter in a story that continues, year after year. Some chapters are more fascinating than others, but they are all similar tales.
http://www.iht.com/articles/536863.htm
http://www.iht.com/articles/536863.htm
A world-class wine industry.
Two kangaroos bounded over the red volcanic soil of a hillside vineyard, where parallel lines of merlot grape vines rested dormant in the southern hemisphere winter.
http://afr.com/articles/2004/09/05/1094322641959.html
http://afr.com/articles/2004/09/05/1094322641959.html
Wine Country Recipe: Wild Forest Pigeon with Peaches & Blackberry Sauce.
Hearing of the Syrah food and wine-pairing theme for the September/October issue of our WineCountry.com publication, Charlie and Executive Chef Mateo Granados kindly shared the following recipe:
http://www.winecountry.com/newsletters
/current/newsletter.html#4
http://www.winecountry.com/newsletters
/current/newsletter.html#4
International Wine Challenge 2004 Trophy Winners.
The 2004 International Wine Challenge, arguably the world’s largest wine competition, and certainly the largest evaluation of wine by committee, has given a rousing vote of support to under siege Old World producers. France claimed first nation boasting rights with 32% of the 361 gold medals awarded, pushing 2nd placed Australia well down the ladder, with a mere 15% of the golden gongs.
That slightly faded silver was the best the New World could manage, with New Zealand, South Africa and the US scoring just 10 gold victories each, a mere 2.8% of the pot, and just in front of Chile (9 golds) and Argentina (7). Well ahead of these bright new things were European establishment nations, Italy (49 golds), Spain (33), Germany (28) and Portugal (19), and even minnow Austria managed to equal the New World powerhouses’ 10 gold apiece.
Down to the detail of the serious trophies (NOT those dedicated to region performances) and the Old World domination became even clearer, with only Canada, Australia and New Zealand making an appearance to collect trophies. For Australia it was the Shiraz Trophy, and the Len Evans Trophy for the winemaker with the highest consistent scores over the past 5 years, the Canadians grabbed the Icewine Trophy and New Zealand that for Sauvignon Blanc.
The ignominy of the worst national performance fell to the USA, with a full 43% of the wines entered from the US failing to get an award. Given the inability of US wine producers to gain their fair share of their own domestic market in recent years, it could be that their customers are telling them something about the standard of US wine.
That slightly faded silver was the best the New World could manage, with New Zealand, South Africa and the US scoring just 10 gold victories each, a mere 2.8% of the pot, and just in front of Chile (9 golds) and Argentina (7). Well ahead of these bright new things were European establishment nations, Italy (49 golds), Spain (33), Germany (28) and Portugal (19), and even minnow Austria managed to equal the New World powerhouses’ 10 gold apiece.
Down to the detail of the serious trophies (NOT those dedicated to region performances) and the Old World domination became even clearer, with only Canada, Australia and New Zealand making an appearance to collect trophies. For Australia it was the Shiraz Trophy, and the Len Evans Trophy for the winemaker with the highest consistent scores over the past 5 years, the Canadians grabbed the Icewine Trophy and New Zealand that for Sauvignon Blanc.
The ignominy of the worst national performance fell to the USA, with a full 43% of the wines entered from the US failing to get an award. Given the inability of US wine producers to gain their fair share of their own domestic market in recent years, it could be that their customers are telling them something about the standard of US wine.
What a scorcher.
Flash floods and storms may be causing havoc in 2004, but few can forget last summer’s sweltering heat-wave. Scorching 2003 hit the record books, causing amazement on Scottish beaches, but much consternation in some of Europe’s finest vineyards. Plummeting acid levels and early ripening fruit was as damaging to some crops last year as the washout may prove for next year’s wines. Now that the first 2003 wines are bottled and tasted, it’s clear that one country in particular - Germany - really benefited from 2003’s heatwave.
http://news.scotsman.com/features.cfm?id=1023202004
http://news.scotsman.com/features.cfm?id=1023202004
Excellent wine vintage expected this year in Italy.
This year's wine harvest should be one of the best in the past decade, Italian wine experts said.
The experts said the 2004 vintage could rival or even beat that of 1997, which was an outstanding year. But they stressed that the harvest would be a small one, at some 50 million hectolitres.
http://english.eastday.com/epublish/gb/
paper1/1383/class000100001/hwz210550.htm
The experts said the 2004 vintage could rival or even beat that of 1997, which was an outstanding year. But they stressed that the harvest would be a small one, at some 50 million hectolitres.
http://english.eastday.com/epublish/gb/
paper1/1383/class000100001/hwz210550.htm
Introductory Wine Course.
Would you like to learn more about wine? Brett Jones, the affable head of The Wine Maestro is running a series of workshops throough September. The Introductory Course is designed as a practical introduction to wine and wine tasting.
"We do not assume that you have any particular knowledge of wine, only that you have an interest in it. The course consists of ten two-hour sessions. Six wines are tasted in each session."
http://www.thewinemaestro.co.uk
"We do not assume that you have any particular knowledge of wine, only that you have an interest in it. The course consists of ten two-hour sessions. Six wines are tasted in each session."
http://www.thewinemaestro.co.uk
New World puts cork in French wine supremacy.
The French wines that once ruled the world have been conquered by the New World. A league table of the top 10 most popular wines in the UK no longer includes a single French or European label.
The list, compiled by Marketing magazine, is dominated by wines from Australia, South Africa and California, with brands such as Blossom Hill and Jacob's Creek replacing the old favourites Piat d'Or and Germany's Blue Nun. http://enjoyment.independent.co.uk/food_and_drink/
news/story.jsp?story=557696
The list, compiled by Marketing magazine, is dominated by wines from Australia, South Africa and California, with brands such as Blossom Hill and Jacob's Creek replacing the old favourites Piat d'Or and Germany's Blue Nun. http://enjoyment.independent.co.uk/food_and_drink/
news/story.jsp?story=557696
UKWinesOnline Update.
Abbey AlesPlenty of accessories to keep the die-hard Abbey Ales supporter happy. The range includes a fun poster where you can have a picture of someone’s head imposed. Great fun.
Because they are a local company determined to keep their sights local and product quality high only a couple of beers are available via their website for nation-wide delivery. They can assist in locating stockist of their full range however.
Irish Vodka Sachets.
The controversial product was unveiled in Ireland yesterday by the Dublin-based Little Drinks Company, which claims it promotes responsible drinking.
But there are fears that the product, called Vodka Bullseye Baggies and costing €1.50 per bag, may lead to an increase in underage drinking as it can easily be concealed from a parent or person in charge of youth entertainment events.
http://home.eircom.net/content/
irelandcom/breaking/3918300?view=Eircomnet
But there are fears that the product, called Vodka Bullseye Baggies and costing €1.50 per bag, may lead to an increase in underage drinking as it can easily be concealed from a parent or person in charge of youth entertainment events.
http://home.eircom.net/content/
irelandcom/breaking/3918300?view=Eircomnet
International Wine Challenge 2004.
News is gradually being released of the Awards from the International Wine Challenge 2004. Waitrose, food shops of the John Lewis Partnership, has been awarded 'Supermarket Wine Retailer of the Year 2004'. This is the fifth time that Waitrose has won in the last six years and also coincides with the supermarket's 100th birthday.
Allez Vins! is more than a little pleased over the Tannat Trophy going to his Madiran - Cuvée Charles de Batz, Dom Berthomieu 2001.
For the full list of Trophy winners click through to - http://www.wineint.com/story.asp?sectionCode=1&storyCode=1493
Allez Vins! is more than a little pleased over the Tannat Trophy going to his Madiran - Cuvée Charles de Batz, Dom Berthomieu 2001.
For the full list of Trophy winners click through to - http://www.wineint.com/story.asp?sectionCode=1&storyCode=1493
High-Tech Wine Grapes.
Northern California's wine grape harvest is underway. Growers say warm weather last March accelerated the growth cycle this year with some varieties ready for picking two weeks earlier than last year. Technology is playing a larger role in cultivating higher quality grapes.
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/business/
090104_moneyscope_wine_tech.html
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/business/
090104_moneyscope_wine_tech.html
A little geography can make wine shopping easier.
Hanging out in wine shops is fun for a lot of reasons. First of all, you can get great deals on wine. After you and the salespeople are friends, they invariably turn you on to a great bargain that everybody else isn't already into.
http://www.dailynewstranscript.com/foodDining
/view.bg?articleid=40126
http://www.dailynewstranscript.com/foodDining
/view.bg?articleid=40126
After Indian beer, Indian wine to touch British palates.
It is not just Indian food, fashion or Bollywood films that have found their way into Britain, now it is the time for Indian wine to touch British palates.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/
5983_982406,00430005.htm
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/
5983_982406,00430005.htm
If you cook with wine, use a kind you'd drink.
When choosing a wine to cook with, follow this simple rule: If you wouldn't drink it, don't cook with it. Wine adds taste or texture to a dish, so use good wine.
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/
food/articles/0901tarbell01.html
Free registration required.
Discuss on Lets Talk Wine
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/
food/articles/0901tarbell01.html
Free registration required.
Discuss on Lets Talk Wine
Latest California “appellation” Approved.
California’s newest American Viticulture Area (AVA) was made official yesterday.
"San Bernabe," as the AVA is officially named, was approved by The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB).
The appellation is located in Southern Monterey County, framed by the Salinas River on its eastern border, the Santa Lucia Range on its western border, Pine Canyon to the north and San Lucas to the south.
Delicato Family Vineyards applied for the 24,796-acre area that includes its San Bernabe Vineyard property, which is home to the Delicato-Monterey Winery and several Delicato wine brands. Historical documents first refer to the Canada de San Bernabe in 1776 and it is believed the early Spanish settlers made wine from grapes grown there.
Source: Just Drinks
"San Bernabe," as the AVA is officially named, was approved by The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB).
The appellation is located in Southern Monterey County, framed by the Salinas River on its eastern border, the Santa Lucia Range on its western border, Pine Canyon to the north and San Lucas to the south.
Delicato Family Vineyards applied for the 24,796-acre area that includes its San Bernabe Vineyard property, which is home to the Delicato-Monterey Winery and several Delicato wine brands. Historical documents first refer to the Canada de San Bernabe in 1776 and it is believed the early Spanish settlers made wine from grapes grown there.
Source: Just Drinks