Videos
Meet the Winemaker (Episode 91): Anton Hobbs, Lanson
Debra catches up with Anton Hobbs of Lanson to talk all things bubbly. They get straight to the technical business of malolactic fermentation – with Lanson the only major Champagne house to use this winemaking method, Anton explains the benefits of this style of winemaking, along with giving Debra an insight into Lanson’s most successful export markets.
They go on to muse about the land classification and division within Champagne, with Anton weighing in on the debate as to whether there is enough or too much land in Champagne, finishing with Anton’s take on why Champagne is simply better than sparkling wine made anywhere else in the world.
( 0 Comments ) - Leave a CommentMeet the Winemaker (Episode 90): Shiki Rauchberger, Teperberg 1870
Debra takes a stroll with Shiki Rauchberger of the iconic Teperberg 1870 Winery, the largest winery in Israel, established in 1870. They talk about the key qualities of Terperberg’s wines, as well as what being a kosher wine producer means (and how they are looking to break the stereotype).
Shiki explains what a demanding but fulfilling industry winemaking is, and how his love for the process stems from its mix of core agriculture, hands-on creation in the winery and the new challenges every season presents. Finally, Shiki explains how the future of the Israeli wine industry is connected to global warming, with Malbec a possible up-and-coming hero, perfectly suited to Israel’s climactic conditions.
( 0 Comments ) - Leave a CommentMeet the Winemaker (Episode 89): Peter James Charteris, Brokenwood
Debra meets Peter-James Charteris of Brokenwood in Australia’s Hunter Valley, makers of Shiraz and Semillon. He explains how the Hunter Valley’s trademark Semillon is a fine, light and zesty style wine, and Debra hits on a question many people have about the apparent oak-like characters a Semillon develops without being an oaked wine. They discuss the aging potential of Semillon (unlike many white wine varietals) including Peter-James’ favourite old drops.
Debra gets real about the Hunter Valley’s lost position of fame within the Aussie wine industry, with Peter-James offering insights into the changing of the guard from big to small in the Valley, as well as why Hunter Valley Shiraz is better for you health.
( 0 Comments ) - Leave a CommentMeet the Winemaker (Episode 88): Katsuhisa Fujino, Mercian
Katsuhisa Fujino of Chateau Mercian gives Debra some insights into the Japanese wine industry and its 170-strong wineries. Although Chateau Mercia’s winery is located in the Katsunuma area of the Yamanashi prefecture, many are based in the Nagano prefecture, and Debra questions whether the extreme winter cold is a barrier to winemaking, and what the challenges of grape growing in Japan as a whole are.
With Japanese wines staking their claim on several international awards recently, Debra poses the question to Katsuhisa – what is the attraction of Japanese wines? Katsuhisa discusses the research and development that has gone into the industry since 2000, as well as the introduction of a wine competition in 2003.
Finally, they talk Koshu – its qualities and perfect food pairings.
( 0 Comments ) - Leave a CommentMeet the Winemaker (Episode 87): Jay Schuppert, Cuvaison
A Sonoma girl, Debra draws the battle lines with winemaker Jay Schuppert of Cuvaison Estate Wines (technically a Napa Valley winery) over the regional classification of the famed Carneros region, given its location in both Napa and Sonoma Valleys. They delight in the effects the sub-region’s cool climate has on its wines, and discuss how the “shuddering” effect of wind enhances grape growing.
Jay gives Debra the lowdown on how Cuvaison have spent a cool US$20million in the last 12 years. Finally, they ponder the Carneros region’s style of Pinot Noir, and the challenge of deciphering the exact geographical origins of wines from the area due to the various winemaking techniques and nature of the region’s different terrior.
( 0 Comments ) - Leave a CommentMeet the Winemaker (Episode 86): Charlie Melton, Charles Melton Wines
Having started in the winemaking business back in 1984, today Charlie Melton owns about 50 acres of Barossa vineyard and is mostly known for his fine red table wines, under the label Charles Melton wines. His wines range from a light red, ‘The Rose of Virginia’, to Australia’s premier Rhone-style red, ‘Nine Popes’; as well as small quantities of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sparkling Shiraz. Charlie is also the only Australian producer of a vin-santo styled dessert wine, Sotto di Ferro.
Charlie, who has over 35 years winemaking experience in the Barossa, counts the community, history and the vineyards of the Barossa as the secret to his success. Charlie points out that wines from the Barossa are typical rich without being high in alcohol. He goes on to explain that they are able to take the traditional richness of the vines and tone them down to make the finer more elegant wines, which they have gained recognition for, both nationally and internationally.
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