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Readers Contributions |
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Sydney Time
Copyright © Ric Einstein 2008
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Wild Yeast, Brett, Screwcaps (10 Nov)
My good email mate Murray, a viticulturalist in New Zealand and I have just had an email exchange that I found enlightening. Murray not only clarifies the misconceptions about "wild yeast " but then provides startling information about the transfer of Brett and finally, how these are impacted by closures. If it sound "techo" - its not - Murray knows I am a technical cretin and need it explained simply. It can be found here.
Two Different Readers Customer Service Experiences
(4 July)
The National Wine Show: Diary of a First-time Steward (6 December)
Have you ever wondered what goes on beyond the scenes at a wine show? My good mate Brian Handreck (aka Red Bigot), has wangled himself a position at the prestige National Wine Show as a steward. In a very interesting Readers Write article, Brian gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the logistics required to run the event. It makes fascinating reading. It can be found here.
Murrumbateman Cool Climate Wine Show 2006 (30 October)
Long time professional journalist, Gilbert Labour was a judge at this years Cool Climate Wine Show and once again, provides not only the results, but his own personal thoughts. The good oil can be found here.
Wine Show Report and Proposal for Reform (6 September)
Erl Happ
of Happs wines, whilst eccentric, and I say that in the most positive way, is
one of the most respected producers in Margaret River, even though he flies
below the radar most of the time. Erl has never been afraid to do his own
thing, even when it goes against the general consensus and whilst some see that
as being a bit "radical" or contrary, over time many of his innovations and
radical ideas have been adopted by others. Erl is certainly not afraid to try
new things and experiment, something he has done very successfully in the
vineyard. Now he is turning his hand to the marketing problems facing the
premium wine industry, but unlike some others, he is not bitching about it, he
is trying to doing something positive. This is his
story and whilst it
was written for the WA Wine Industry Association, and has a strong WA
focus, it could be applied to any region. (It has not been written for a
consumer audience, so don't expect it to be a flowing story, but it is
well-worth reading.)
"Drongo Wombat's" Importer Responds with Her Perspective (9 August)
I received an email from Deborah Gray of The Australian Wine Connection, who is the US importer for the winery who was the subject of last weeks story. To say that "she was not well pleased" was an understatement! Deborah was hopping mad, and when you read her lengthy and well considered response, which is so long that it justified it's own page in the Readers Write section, you will understand why. It reinforces much of what was stated by Mike Opdahl in the previous weeks article but provides another engaging perspective.
A Tale of Three (not so) Little Vinous Pigs (19July)
The proposed sale of Seppeltsfield is a very emotive issue amongst wine lovers, and many people have opinions on the topic. Judging by his past Readers Writes articles and lengthy internet posts, Sean O'Sullivan is a man that thinks through the issues and come up with some good points and logical conclusions. His latest article, which covers the proposed sale of Denman, (most of) the Penfolds site, and Seppeltsfield is no different. It offers an interesting perspective and can be found here.
The Fizzics of Fizzy Corks (11July)
When the screwcap closure resurfaced in it's current format, it fostered much debate about the pros and cons of cork versus alternatives closures in still wine. Now there is a ground swell that is slowly staring to ask questions about alternatives for sparkling wine closures. John Casey is no Johnny come lately; he has a wealth of industry experience behind him and is obsessed with both closure systems and the chemistry of sparkling wines; so John is well placed to comment on the physics of corks in sparkling wine. When I read the article he sent me, it lead to a heap of questions and John was kind enough to answer those too. As this is a complicated subject, it is suggested that you read the original article first, and then reread it, but this time the version that has my Questions and John's Answers dispersed though the article.
or to put it more politely, "A Winemaker Gives His Perspective." In a recent newspaper article in the Melbourne Age, Ben Candier wrote an article titled "Red or dead?" and stated ,"Australian reds are getting bigger - and not always better. Winemakers' egos are killing the great Australian red. There are three reasons for this new trend: physiological ripeness, the US market and deranged winemaker ego."
Never short of an opinion, or the fear to express it, Andrew Sutherland-Smith of Warrabilla Wines answers Candier 's criticism a by providing his perspective; and wine doesn't come much bigger than Smithy's stuff, so he is in the perfect position to respond. Pinot
Sean O'Sullivan looks like becoming a regular contributor and this is his best work yet. It is somewhat fashionable in certain quarters to knock Australian Pinot, and if truth be told I have been guilty of doing so too. In this article Sean provides some excellent tips and pointers to assist those looking for something worthwhile. Buying Pinot doesn't have a complete gamble and it's always better to have some worthwhile tips on what to back.
The 2005 Murrumbateman Cool Climate Wine Show
Gilbert Labour throws his hat into the ring again with the results and summary of his experiences at the Cool Climate wine Show. Some unexpected results too!
Tahbilk Old and New (14 Sept 05)
Big Spending Bruce Bitches 'bout Blazing CD Back Chat
Murray Paterson - another interesting letter
Murray Paterson - a very interesting letter to me on Brett
Parker - Oz Wines - and the UK Market, a Reader's Perspective
Beware of using your credit card over the net
The Games that Distributors and Producers Play
The Mad Hungarian Invites Us For Dinner
Cleanskins – Not a New Phenomenon
A Very Special Night Of Food and Wine
Thoughts from the 2004 National Riesling Challenge
Red Bigot’s Thoughts on Pedigree and Loyalty
An open letter to On-line Wine Merchants
The Curious Case of The Icon Wine
Gilbert Labour takes a light hearted look at a c-through topic.
The American Obsession with Points, Gurus and Pi**ing Contests
Frank Hayward comments on the article by Gilbert Labour (below)
One readers opinion on corks, sc*ew caps and a few other things of relevance to the cork taint story.
I have no idea why I am putting this one up, its all about Rieslings but the information contained in it is very interesting and informative. Thanks to Gilbert Labour for providing an insiders perspective at what happens at a National Wine show.
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