Are ‘organic’ wines really worth the hype? Probably not. I’d rather take it on a case-by-case basis. Biodynamics, Organics and “least intervention” agriculture are buzzwords that are seemingly taking the world by storm. Not only do manufacturers and retailers espouse the virtues of these uber-hip products but now, organic labels even have their own aisle…
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Call them “quaffers”, “cooking wine”, “everyday drops” or even “two buck chuck”, there’s an undeniable place for wines at the budget end of the price point spectrum. Very often these much maligned wines are seen as one step up the pyramid from “chateau cardboard” that comes in its own bladder and a rung or two…
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From Jingle Bells to “ho ho ho” and all the way to “Happy New year”, the sound of popping corks is a prominent feature of the festive season all around the world. So much so, that according to French data, two-thirds of total annual champagne sales occur in the months from September to December! And…
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As the mercury climbs a cold glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling usually becomes a Sunday afternoon staple, but a rise in the temperature doesn’t have to mean that the red varietals have to be banished to the back of the cellar. In fact, there are plenty of reds that are well suited to the…
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According to the well known Charles Caleb Colton aphorism, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Or for the Oscar Wilde disciples, “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness”. So when winemakers leave their regional heartland to source fruit from a competitor district, it must surely be taken by…
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They were long, hot and often dry summers, but some of my fondest childhood memories are of spending the Christmas school holidays going to the beach, swimming in my friends’ pools, and spending countless hours with eyes glued to a static-ridden tv screen listening to Richie Benaud calling the Ashes. I loved watching Dennis Lillee…
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There’s naturally a degree of hesitation in expressing an opinion about wine, wine regions and winemakers. After all, opinions are rather self-indulgent and often, ill-considered, half-baked and formed in ignorance of the facts. So when I was recently asked for my view as to which region produces the best Shiraz in Australia, I baulked! How…
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Loyalties to an Aussie classic fade as brand’s quality fails to reflect its prestige pricing. I’m out. For years I’ve been a loyal disciple to the Penfolds brand, admiring the handiwork of Peter Gago and his team of winemakers and inevitably, loving their work and singing the praises of their offerings year after year. But…
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The Cowra wine region covers around 1,250 square kilometres in the Lachlan River Valley at the southern end of the Central Ranges zone in New South Wales. Unsurprisingly, the district is named after the largest town in the region and it’s amongst the lowest altitude and warmest parts of the Central Ranges region. And while…
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The right amount of crystal can improve a drop. It can make for great theatre in a restaurant or distinguished dining house, but for all its grandeur, is there really any benefit from decanting wines? Or is it one of those traditions that make for a good show but has no more benefit than the…
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