Minerality again
A follow-up report from that published in October 2009, this pursues the reality and myth of minerality in wine.
Tasmania sparkles
Tasmania is without doubt Australia’s coolest region, and as a result the state provides the fruit for many of the country’s bubblies. Indeed roughly a quarter of Tassie’s grape production ends up as sparklers.
Sonoma strikes for coolness
Sonoma, in California, made its cool climate case at a recent seminar in London, showing mostly pinot noirs with two chardonnays, a couple of classic grape varieties associated with cool climate viticulture.
Cool climate Australia
Australia is finding its cooler climate cool-spots. This piece explores the reality and busts some of the myths.
Winkler’s climate regions
Amerine and Winkler classified five winemaking regions in California. Their classification still form the bedrock of viticultural climatic data, though various refinements have subsequently been made by others.
Bordeaux and climate change: whites
Four top Bordeaux producers recently got together in London to discuss climate change and the Bordeaux paradigm over the past 20 years. The news is not great for white wines.
South African model of cooler climate
Understanding the cooler aspects of the South African climate is complicated. South Africa’s climate is undoubtedly warm Mediterranean and hot continental. But there are a number of cooling influences, most notably from both proximitous oceans, and high up at altitudes of 1,000m and more.
Alto Adige pinot noir
Pinot noir accounts for less than 7% of the Alto Adige vineyard area, not quite 350 hectares. Even so it is still considered a core variety for the region, having been first planted here in the mid 19th century.
Altitude-acclaimed wines from pre-Alpine Alto Adige
Nestled into the early foothills of the Alps, lies Italy’s most northerly wine region, with the Dolomites as dramatic backdrop. The region’s wines reflect the cooler, northern, more aromatic location.
Acidity
Bits of viticulture and winemaking stuff explained.
