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.
German pinot noir, emerging excellence
The recent emergence of German pinot noir (spätburgunder) on the world stage was revisited with this tasting seminar, held at Staatsdomäne Assmansshausen in Rüdesheim, Germany, in late September 2009, as part of a Master of Wine visit to the region.
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.
Regional New Zealand Pinot Noir?
Pinot noir is the second most planted grape variety in New Zealand, and arguably the second best place in the world to be making pinot noir.
Where next for Aussie pinot noir?
Australian pinot noir can now stand on its own on the world stage. Tasmania and Victoria have the best spots so far.
German pinot noir – the pursuit of elegance
Top German spätburgunder (pinot noir) producers from the Ahr to Baden came to London to present their wines at a Master of Wine Masterclass on Sept 11, 2009.
Red wines from Germany
Germany doesn’t just make white wine, but it does still keep the best of its reds under wraps.
De Bortoli Windy Peak Pinot Noir 2008, Victoria, Australia
One of an ad hoc selection of wines that have made me sit up, take notice and smile with renewed enthusiasm: raised eyebrows; a skipped heartbeat; a ‘yum’ on my tasting score, or some such.
English Wine
English wine goes from strength to strength
Australian pinot noir
Pinot noir is a notoriously capricious and fastidious grape variety, demanding specific sites to perform at its best. Australia is getting to grips with the variety for high quality wine production.
