Meet the Winemaker (Episode 26): Pieter Verbeek, Château Clos Chaumont
Pieter Verbeek of Chateau Clos Chaumont, based in Premier Cote du Bordeaux, which is often referred to as a satellite of Bordeaux. Pieter strongly disagrees! Pieter and Debra discuss how he brought the property in poor conditions with no wine or plants and a dishevelled house, and transformed it to the state it is today. As a former collector with a passion for Bordeaux, Pieter tells how he is living his dream by crossing over into the industry. Pieter shares why he thinks 2001 is actually better than the standout 2000.
Meet the Winemaker (Episode 25): John Forrest, Forrest Winery
John Forrest of Forrest Winery of Marlborough, New Zealand tells Debra why he is called Dr Riesling around the winery, how he made a total life change into winemaking mid-career, and how winemaking enabled him to return home. He shares with Debra how he was told he was too artistic to ever be a great scientist, but how he found his fate in the mix of farming and science. John also has red wine focused brand called Cornerstone located in the famed Gimblett Gravels terroir, but how he sought out this particular soil in order to grow Cabernet, and why this marginal climate produces such great wine.
Meet the Winemaker (Episode 24): Jorge Padilla, Irius Winery
Debra and Jorge Padilla, of the Irius Winery, Spain (Spanish Wine Group), discuss the unique and technologically modern winery designed by famed architect Frank Gehry (of Guggenheim, Bilbao fame), and how gravity played a big part in the design. They discuss how harvest in Spain is like a night disco with grapes, with music and parties until 3:00am. Jorge tell Debra about his favourite wine, the Irius, awarded 97 points by Robert Parker, a very original and unique white Pinot Noir, of which only 5000 bottle are made.
Meet the Winemaker (Episode 23): Ken Pollock, Blackjack Wines
Ken Pollock of Blackjack Wines, Bendigo in Victoria, Australia explains the background behind the name Blackjack, as well as the history of the region. With a 5-star rating from James Halliday, Ken describes their wines as fresh and spicy, and that the move to screw caps for all their wines was no challenge at all, giving a great result each time. Ken tells Debra how he spends his spare time in the great outdoors.
Meet the Winemaker (Episode 22): John Quarisa, Johnny Q Wines
John Quarisa of Australias Johnny Q Wines explains the background behind the name Johnny Q, and how a light-hearted, down-to-earth, easy going type of guy spends his day at his virtual winery. John describes how a virtual winery works VS the romance of a traditional winery, and how he gets his kicks from market research, judging and brand building, as opposed to getting dirt under his fingernails.
Meet the Winemaker (Episode 21): Mike Peterkin, Pierro Vineyards
Dr Mike Peterkin of Pierro Vineyards in Margaret River, Western Australia, tells Debra about the unique culture of the region-relaxed Australian surfing lifestyle and how he used to have trouble getting grapes picked when the waves are great! He explains why their vineyards are better than organic and comments on the rumour that Pierro Vineyards and Leeuwin Estate dominate the Australian Chardonnay market. He reminisces about his first job at Cullen Wines, shares his top 3 tips for enjoying his wines, and gives a live demonstration of his other passion Tai Chi.
