Category Archives: Grapes

Sauvignon Gris – A New Star For Bordeaux Chateaux?

Posted on May 4, 2012 by Nick

Whilst at the 2011 En Primeur tastings this year I noticed that more white Bordeaux wines seemed to be blended with Sauvignon Gris than before. On checking this out I read that according to figures obtained by the Interprofessional Council … Continue reading →

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Smoke-Affected Wine

Posted on December 19, 2011 by Nick

Scientists in Australia have identified more than 20 chemicals that make smoke-tainted wine taste like leather, disinfectant and other unpalatable flavours. The study is part of a new research project that aims to limit the damage to the wine industry … Continue reading →

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Climate Change and Champagne

Posted on September 19, 2011 by Nick

The Drinks Business reported last week that Champagne was getting too warm for the Pinot Meunier grape according to a number of growers in the region. The Champagne AOC has 7 permitted grapes: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris … Continue reading →

Posted in Champagne, Climate Change, English Wine, Grapes | 2 Comments

What is China’s Cabernet Gernischt?

Posted on September 9, 2011 by Nick

Yesterday it was announced that for the first time in the history of the Decanter World Wine Awards a Chinese wine won at the highest level. The wine was the Winery He Lan Qing Xue’s Jia Bei Lan 2009, a … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux News, China, Grapes, Wine News | 2 Comments

Life on the Douro by Zev Robinson

Posted on September 7, 2011 by Nick

If you enjoy your Port Zev Robinson’s film Life on the Douro is a “must see” . . . and if you are new to it Zev’s film will tell you more about the essence of Port than your first … Continue reading →

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Roman Wine – Vintage 1st Century B.C.

Posted on August 29, 2011 by Nick

A Roman cargo ship dating to the 1st century B.C. carrying 300 wine amphoras has been found off Albania’s coast. The 98 foot long ship is well preserved, however despite most of the amphoras being unbroken the wine has long … Continue reading →

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Thoughts on Adultery and Red Wine

Posted on August 18, 2011 by Nick

I thought the title of this blog might get your attention but it’s not what you think! The adultery referred to is the adulteration of red wine.    SpectroscopyNOW.com have reported that researchers in Italy can reveal whether red wine has … Continue reading →

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Italian Grape to Be Planted in France

Posted on June 6, 2011 by Nick

Last week I read that the Italian Sangiovese grape is to be cultivated in Herault in the Languedoc due to its drought resistant qualities and high yields. Decanter reported that Italy’s Vivai Cooperativi Rauscedo – the world’s largest cooperative nursery … Continue reading →

Posted in Grapes, Languedoc | 2 Comments

Unique, Ancient St Georgen Vine Vandalized

Posted on February 15, 2011 by Nick

The press are reporting that an extremely rare vine in St Georgener, Eisenstadt, Austria – thought to be over 500 years old – has been vandalized possibly beyond the point of revival. This vine is of great importance as it … Continue reading →

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Wine’s Family Tree

Posted on January 24, 2011 by Nick

The New Scientist has reported that the largest study on the genetic structure and domestication history of the grape by Dr Sean Myles of Stanford University in California and colleagues has revealed how closely related our grapes actually are (Proceedings … Continue reading →

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