Archive for July, 2014:

Native wine grapes of Italy


Published on July 30th, 2014
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I think it’s quite simple: Italophiles will want this reference book on their shelves.

Russian revolution


Published on July 18th, 2014
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Russia may be the largest country in the world but much of it is too cold for sustainable viticulture, with winters getting down to -15 to -30°C. Vines can tolerate -15°C but they’re dead in the water at -30°C. The exception to this situation is in the far south-western corners of the country, around Anapa and Novorossiysk on the north-eastern tip of the Black Sea, which coincidentally runs along the 45th parallel, famed further west for being home to Piedmont, the Rhône valley and Bordeaux.

Natural Wine


Published on July 11th, 2014
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About 40% of the book introduces wines the author recommends, a ‘starter for ten’ on “natural” wines; an introduction to befriending minimally-manipulated wines – “the best way to enjoy natural wines is to try to forget everything you think you know about wine, and start afresh”. Not necessarily an easy ask.

Vineyards of Hampshire Wine Festival


Published on July 6th, 2014
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Get thee hence to Jenkyn Place, between Alton and Farnham, on Sunday July 13th, 2014 to support, sample and secure a stash of English sparkling wines from six Hampshire-based producers.

Vineyard joggings


Published on July 2nd, 2014
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(aka the jog blog – thanks @thewinebird). Having taken up jogging again in the summer of 2012, I thought it might be fun to share some microclimatic observations.

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