Meet the Winemaker (Episode 34): Michel Rolland, The Rolland Collection
Debra catches up with Michel Rolland at Hong Kong’s Vinexpo in May. Rolland, an influential oenologist based in Bordeaux, owns several wineries in the famed French wine region, along with a handful of joint partnerships around the world. He consults for over 100 wineries (or in excess of 600 labels) in over a dozen countries, which requires him to taste up to 40,000 samples per year. The wine celebrity discusses how he manages this monumental task, along with his feelings on the much-lauded 2009 vintage, other past great vintages, and more.
Meet the Winemaker (Episode 33): Michel Chapoutier, M. Chapoutier
Debra catches up with wine legend, Michel Chapoutier, the seventh generation of the Chapoutier wine dynasty of the Northern Rhone, France. Michel took the reins at M Chapoutier at just 26 years of age in 1990, and has since vastly improved the quality of wines to its highly acclaimed status today. At Hong Kong’s Vinexpo in May, Debra asks Michel about his reputation as the “wild man” of Rhone Valley because of his drive for innovation and difference in his wines, labelling and agricultural methodologies. They discuss the whites of the Rhône Valley, Michel’s latest experimentation, wine ageing and more.
Meet the Winemaker (Episode 32): Gustavo Ursomarso, Terrazas de los Andes winery
Gustavo Ursomarso of Terrazas de los Andes winery in Mendoza, Argentina, who is both a viticulturalist and a winemaker, explains to Debra what he is looking for in the perfect grape and how he judges a grape’s readiness. They chat about the challenges of Terrazas de los Andes, located in Mendoza, which is at the foot of Los Andes mountain range, where they plant different varietals at a range of altitudes on steep hillsides, and also discuss the how tannins in Malbec operate a little differently to other varietals.
Meet the Winemaker (Episode 31): Brian Bicknell, Mahi Vineyards
Debra catches up with Brian Bicknell of Mahi Vineyards in Marlborough, New Zealand, who has a vast amount of global winemaking experience, including some unorthodox places, like Chile, Hungary and more. Brian compares winemaking in New Zealand to his experiences in Chile during the 1990′s, during an era of great change and investment in the wine industry, and the diversity and opportunity available in Chile. Brian explains the Maori origins and philosophy of the Mahi Vineyards name, as well as offering tips and food matches to wine lovers approaching Sauvignon Blanc and what the perfect balance of this famed varietal means to him.
Meet the Winemaker (Episode 30): Susan Frazier, Whispering Brook
Susan Frazier of Whispering Brook, a boutique family winery in Hunter Valley, New South Wales (Australia) tells Debra about living the dream as a country-born girl, who pursued a career in FMCG and finance in the city, then returned to her roots in agriculture and got into the wine business. They discuss the best part of winemaking, Whispering Brook`s “handmade” policy to ensure the very best quality grapes, hosting cellar door visitors (and all their interesting questions!), the best part about Susan`s job and more.
Meet the Winemaker (Episode 29): Diego Urra, Lapostolle of Chile
Debra catches up with Diego Urra, Brand Ambassador, of Lapostolle of Chile. Despite being trained in all winemaking aspects, his current role sees his spend significant time in Asia talking about Lapostolle. They discuss the characteristics of Lapostolles originally Spanish Carmenère varietal, as well as the up and coming Syrah in Chile, which is well suited to Chiles many and varied terrior. As a former tourism expert, Diego tells Debra how to make the most of a 4-day holiday in Chile…vinophile style.
