Thoughts and reflections on Len Evans
Len Evans AO, OBE, oenophile
Born 1 August 1930; died 17 August 2006, aged 75
Len Evans AO, OBE, oenophile
Born 1 August 1930; died 17 August 2006, aged 75
A few months ago, I visited one of Australia's leading small wineries at harvest time. A small open-top fermenter had been loaded with Shiraz the previous day: now, some 24 hours later, the must was already quite deeply coloured, but fermentation hadn't yet begun.
Read more...What do most people think of when Austria comes up in conversation? Almost certainly Mozart and Viennese Opera, maybe Wiener Schnitzel, perhaps even mountainous ski resorts, but Austrian wine is unlikely to feature. This is no great surprise, considering that Austria accounts for less than 1% of the world's total wine production, but there are some serious wines hiding away here, and those who start to include them in their Austrian experiences are unlikely to regret it.
Read more...By Max Allen
Len Evans - one of Australian wine's most important figures - died of a heart attack last week (17 August), just a few days short of his 76th birthday, and hours before the annual Hunter Valley Wine Show dinner - at which, no doubt, he would have made a typically ebullient speech.
By Ron Emler
The long-running row over who owns the Havana Club brand has reached a new intensity, with Pernod Ricard planning fresh legal action in the US against Bacardi.
With the alcohol level of wines on a seemingly inexorable rise - led by the New World, but now increasingly driven by the Old World as well - the International Wine and Spirits Competition decided to hold a debate to discuss the often controversial issues that surround high alcohol. Does high alcohol go hand in hand with high quality? Do consumers like elevated alcohol levels? What are the health issues associated with consuming wines with high alcohol levels? And can a wine of 15% ABV ever be balanced?
Read more...New marketing director at Maxxium UK
Maxxium UK has appointed Peter Mooney, 37, as marketing director. Mooney, currently international marketing manager for Scottish & Newcastle, replaces former marketing director Huw Pennell, who took on the role of Maxxium UK managing director earlier this year.
From Persia to Paarl' is the theme of the first-ever South African wine festival devoted to the Shiraz grape.
Read more...Wine Australia 2006, held in Sydney last month, concentrated on championing smaller producers. Stuart Peskett considers whether the format was a success
Read more...Oz Clarke is teaming up with Top Gear's James May for a new BBC wine programme to be aired this autumn - Oz & James's Big Wine Adventure.
Read more...Stemware maker, Riedel issues statement regarding claims made by Zwiesel Kristallglass about its crystal glass.
Read more...The organisers of the Wine In The Name of Peace - a Lebanese/Israeli wine tasting event which was due to take place on Wednesday 16 August at Vinopolis on London's South Bank, have announced that it has been cancelled.
by Christian Davis
With some Australian grape prices a third of what they were just a few years of year's ago, consumers are benefiting from great-quality Australian wines at great prices, according to Stephen Pannell, a former group winemaker with Hardy's.
The Cyprus wine industry has reached a turning point. On the
one hand, EU membership has seen the loss of substantial subsidies for wine exports. This brought to an end the shipments of vast quantities of low-quality bulk wine that had been destined for Sherry-type fortified wines, gluhwein' and other mass markets in the EU. On the other hand, in 2005, Italian archaeologists found evidence that winemaking on the island dates back to 3,500 bc, possibly the longest winemaking history in Europe. Cyprus also claims one of the oldest images of wine drinkers in the 3rd century ad mosaics at Paphos. And Cypriots are proud of their sweet, fortified wine Commandaria, which is the oldest named' wine in the world, dating back to the 12th century and still made in the traditional manner from sun-dried grapes.
by Stuart Peskett
It may have been a smaller event than two years ago, but the overriding reaction to Wine Australia 2006, which took place in Sydney last month, was extremely positive.
Shadow Trade & Industry Minister, Alan Duncan MP, has opened CERT drinks network's new 235,000 sq ft bonded distribution centre in Lutterworth, Leicestershire, which will act as a national hub for the delivery of drinks across the UK to the multiples, wholesalers and convenience stores.
Read more...Tesco is promising new consumer education initiaves
at this year's Tesco Wine Club Fairs - with improved masterclasses and a new Challenge Your Senses' zone.
Marco Pallanti, of the renowned Chianti Classico estate Castello di Ama, has been elected president of the Chianti Classico Wine Consortium following a unanimous vote last month.
Read more...by Nicolas Belfrage MW and Franco Ziliani
One of the biggest names in traditional Italian viniculture, Bolla, may be on its way into the portfolio of the giant Gruppo Italiano Vini (GIV).
Ecole du Vin, the Bordeaux-based wine school, will be running two courses in the autumn aimed at British women. Hosted by the CIVB and wine tutor Wendy Narby, the courses will feature lectures on wine and health as well as lunches and tastings, all conducted by women.
Read more...