GOOD news for eco-conscious wine connoisseurs: a little of what you fancy need not cost the Earth, but only if it’s organic. Valentina Niccolucci and colleagues from the University of Siena, Italy, measured the resources used to grow, package and distribute wine made from Sangiovese grapes at two farms in Tuscany 30 kilometres apart. The … Read more
2008 VINTAGE REPORTThis years vintage was tough, coming after a very pleasant summer, with good November rains helping the vines to put on healthy canopies. In January things got tough with rain followed by heatwave, followed by more rain and extended cloudy weather. The vine canopies suffered and fungal pressure wa s high. By March … Read more
Good news! Cowra winemakers are celebrating its best ever result at the 26th annual Cowra Wine Show – one of Australia’s biggest open wine shows which saw 2590 entries from 461 wineries. With a history of producing great Chardonnay, it was fitting that a gold medal (top of class) and ‘The Ian Armstrong Trophy for … Read more
Simplicity, balance, fullness and earthiness are some words that come to mind, when enjoying and digesting a bowl of Judith Kennedy’s cauliflower soup with truffle oil.First make the stock – Roast, onion, leek, potato, Carrot, celery and any other favourite roasting vegetables in Rosnay Olive Oil for 30 minutes in a hot oven. Remove the … Read more
RTD’s OUT!The recent increase on taxes on “alco pops” to reduce alcohol related harm is long overdue. Some might think it unwise to comment on this, lest wine be the next target of the federal treasury. However, I think there is more to it than tax collection. From my own experience, spirits in soft drinks … Read more
Another good question: “We were lucky enough to be given a bottle of the Shiraz from a friend to try, and although we loved the taste, there was extremely heavy sediment in the bottom of the bottle that actually clinked the glass when dropped back in. We are concerned about the toughness and hardness of … Read more
Part two of this pertinent email question – and the topic on everyone’s mind – climate change. I dont have an axe to grind here, but as a farmer, I know that I am part of an industry that will be VERY heavily affected by both climate change and peak oil. And agriculture is also … Read more
Email question I received: Do you have any figures on the organic industry in NSW – how big, how fast it’s growing, how much exported, farmer income, climate benefits compared to conventional?“Starting with the size – I have information from the Biological Farmers of Australia, the largest organic certifying organisation Australia, of which we have … Read more
The 3.75ha block was planted 1997 with the rootlings of clone IV11, which had been planted successfully in the region already and produced excellent wines. The soil is a north-west facing slope of sandy loam on red clay and decomposed granite on the upper slopes, with some deeper topsoil and mottled heavy clay on the … Read more
An ancestor of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon captures the true meaning of dark, powerful red wine. In the right conditions, this variety gives aromatic wines which evolve well in the course of ageing with a powerful but soft tannin, giving it a reputation for a severe but distinguished character. Its fruity flavors … Read more