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.
Meet the Winemaker (Episode 28): Ang Meany, Bundaleer Wines
Ang Meany of Bundaleer Wines from Southern Flinders Ranges region in South Australia (a family winery, everyone plays their part!) tells Debra how the region is traditionally a broad acre farming area, but is only recently becoming an up and coming wine region. Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon is grown on the property, and their Sparkling Shiraz, a style unique to Australia is an award winner in Australia. They discuss the winemaking techniques and tricks behind Sparkling Shiraz, including ageing in oak and treating tannins. Ang tells Debra her favourite wines from around the world, and they discuss whether females really do have better palates than males and how to truly appreciate Sparkling Shiraz.
Meet the Winemaker (Episode 27): Celine Rousseau, Chalkers Crossing
Debra catches up with Celine Rousseau of Chalkers Crossing based in the Hilltops and Tumbarumba region of New South Wales, Australia. As a French women in the Australia winery, Celine went in the opposite direction to most Australians in the wine industry (the so-called flying winemakers), which gave her the opportunity to set up the Chalkers Crossing winery from scratch. They chat about what a girl from Paris does with her spare time in such a small and remote region and Celine tells of her biggest winemaking honour – winning the Qantas Young Winemaker of the Year in 2002, just two years after the establishment of the winery, a major surprise, but a great recognition.
