European wines and New World (i.e. Australian) equivalents

In France, Italy and Spain wines are traditionally labelled by region, and not specifically by which grape varieties are in those wine as in Australian wines. This leads to some confusion when looking at rows of bottles with names of places on them, especially if you come from a country where the labels have rowsContinue reading "European wines and New World (i.e. Australian) equivalents"

Some points after living in a wine region for 6 months (Part 1)

There has been some time since my last post due mainly to the fact that a lot of free time has been absorbed by my move into working the wine industry living in the Hunter Valley. Despite my new affiliation to companies in the industry, this blog will remain objective however with some more insideContinue reading "Some points after living in a wine region for 6 months (Part 1)"

Wine Trip: Yarra Valley August 2011

Melbourne is a great place if you like wine. There is a multitude of places to drink wine (eg Jimmy Watsons in Carlton) , top wine shops (eg Prince Wine Store in South Melbourne) and the wine regions of the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, Geelong, Sunbury are all within 70 Minutes by car. Many othersContinue reading "Wine Trip: Yarra Valley August 2011"

Anne asks why is there the red grape Pinot Noir in my white sparkling?

After recently recommending a sparkling wine, I was asked how you can have white bubbly made from the red Pinot Noir grape? Very valid question with an answer that touches on the basis of winemaking: different grapes are different colours, as we know, but that colour is only skin deep. The juice inside any redContinue reading "Anne asks why is there the red grape Pinot Noir in my white sparkling?"

Mitch’s Roundup Australia, Dan’s and 1st Choice, week starting 11 August 2011

Hey people, Firstly I just wanted to add a catchup from last week: Wynns If you missed the Wynns Coonawarra Estate promotion of their new release wines last "Wynnsday", don't worry. They are, and always probably will be, very good value for money. Wine writers world-wide are amazed at how a Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon ofContinue reading "Mitch’s Roundup Australia, Dan’s and 1st Choice, week starting 11 August 2011"

Mitch’s Roundup GERMANY: Berlin Mövenpick Wine Stars July 2011

Hey my Berlin/German connection!!! Yes, I have some tips for you to consider from one of my favourite wine shops in Germany: Mövenpick weinkeller. There is one in Mitte on leipziger str just near Hausvogteiplatz. Mövenpick has a chain of massive wine shops around Germany and can be a daunting wine snob looking place forContinue reading "Mitch’s Roundup GERMANY: Berlin Mövenpick Wine Stars July 2011"

Why is there so much wine in Australia?

Wine prices are dropping, producers are struggling, cleanskins are abundant. These are the signs of the oversupply being experienced by the industry at the moment. You probably know of people picking up a case of wine XY for $12, how and why? The wine glut has become a wine lake in Australia and it isContinue reading "Why is there so much wine in Australia?"

Mitch’s Roundup 18 July 2011-Dan Murphy’s and First Choice

Hey People, I know a bit late for some tips as the specials are midweek but these things can be relevant in the future too. Dans is having its Red Wine month and have some crackers there, expect those prices to have already been matched by 1st choice, so A=B here. These 2 retailers areContinue reading "Mitch’s Roundup 18 July 2011-Dan Murphy’s and First Choice"

Why are there fish things,eggs, sulphites and 220 in my wine?

Wine is one of the rare food articles that isn't required to show a label of all ingredients that have gone into the liquid. Wine makers have the luxury of using a number of additives and not having to declare it. The ones you will see in Australia are: Sulphites (220) -  preservatives used inContinue reading "Why are there fish things,eggs, sulphites and 220 in my wine?"