BKWine Blog

Global warming threatens Spanish wine production? Wines reach new heights?...

>> Tuesday, July 04, 2006

Will climate change and hotter weather make wine production disappear in Spain? That is what some people fear, estimating that temperatures will rise by 7 degrees centigrades to the end of the century. Some wine producers have started to look for land in hig-altitude areas in the mountains. Torres is one of them. Read more on Bloomberg

BKWine Pick: Barrique Wine Bar, Gothenburg, Sweden

>> Friday, June 23, 2006

Barrique Wine Bar is actually the name of the restaurant Hamngatan in the evenings... The two owners and wine enthusiasts, Rolf Olofsson and Thomas Norman, had the idea a few years ago to create a wine bar concept, something they now want to develop into a chain of wine bars (something unheard of in Sweden!). A new Barrique is supposedly on its way. In the evenings at Barrique it is wine that has centre stage. They continuously run special 5-week campaigns with selected wines and an accompanying menu. I tried a delicious tapas menu when they had a Spanish theme. Right now they run Tuscany. The whole restaurant is beautifully done and it all makes for a very attractive place. www.barrique.nu

Click here for address and more recommendations.

BKWine Pick: Midi Vins, Paris 6e

Newly opened wine bar and bistro in a renovated traditional café. Original tables made from old champagne “pupitres”. Very good value menu with starter, main course and dessert from 21 euro. I had an excellent salad with crayfish to start with followed by a perfectly grilled “bavette” (steak) with potato gratin. The fish was also very good. Very traditional desserts with crème brulée, tarte aux pommes (apple tart), strawberries etc. Nice wines, for example a Moulin-à-Vent from Domaine des Terres Dorées, an Anjou from Domaine Gilet, Crozes-Hermitage from Chapoutier, Chiroubles from Domaine Joubert…

Click here for address and more recommendations.

BKWine Pick: Château de Beaucastel, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Chateau de Beaucastel, located in the north eastern corner of the appellation, is among the top of the top wine estates in Chateauneuf. The brothers Jacques and Jean-Pierre Perrin takes good care of the heritage created by their father Jacques and grand father Pierre. The vineyards are managed organically since the 1950s. Chemical treatment and fertilisers destabilise the soil and eliminates the terroir characteristics they think. They have increased the part of Mourvèdre and it now counts for 30% of the total which is high in this Grenache-dominated appellation. One peculiarity for Beaucastel is that they use all 13 permitted grape varieties – all vinified separately – admittedly some in very small quantities. But each variety contributes something in their opinion. In addition to magnificent red and white Châteauneuf-du-Pape they also have a range of less costly wines from other appellations: Côtes-du-Rhône, Côte du Luberon and Côte de Ventoux under the names Domaine Perrin or La Vieille Ferme.

Click here for address and more recommendations.

BKWine Pick: Domaine des Roches Neuves, Saumur-Champigny, Thierry Germain

Originally from Bordeaux, Thierry Germain arrived in the Loire Valley some 15 years ago (and his father, Bernard Germain, arrived a bit later and bought Chateau de Fesle in Bonnezeaux). Thierry makes a Saumur-Champigny that counts among the best and also most substantial Cabernet Franc wines you can find. There are few others who manage to get so much power and body from this grape. His property includes 20 hectares red and 2 ha white.

Click here for address and more recommendations.

Wine Travel

>> Monday, June 12, 2006

Now is the time to plan the next season's wine and food tours. Take a look at what we propose on the program. I hope that you will find something that will interest you and I look forward to hearing from you.

September 27 – October 1: The Northern Rhône Valley

If you love the Syrah grape, this is the trip for you! The northern part of the Rhône Valley is mostly about powerful red wines but we will also get to know the regions delicious, full bodied whites. We stay in Tain l'Hermitage, just at the foot of the Hermitage hill and discover some of today's most exciting winemakers in Hermitage, Cote Rôtie, St Joseph, Condrieu and Crozes-Hermitage. A must for he (or she) who loves the fruit and spice in Syrah! More info here!

October 11 - 15: Bordeaux at harvest time

This trip to Bordeaux is just at the end of the harvest season (though you can never predict in advance exactly when harvest will be). For a wine lover a trip to Bordeaux is a must! Here you find not only world famous châteaux and world famous wines but also a lot of new exciting initiatives. We will make excursion to all the main appellations in Bordeaux. The chateaux we visit will be both some of the "famous" and prestigious (and expensive) "demures" of the aristocracy as well as some of the most interesting of the new generation of wine grower in the lesser known (but better value-for-money) regions. A superb mix of tradition and innovation. More info here!

October 18 - 22: Portugal

In ten year Portugal has developed from being an old-fashioned, backwards wine producer to being one of the most interesting and innovative places in Europe for wine. No more candle-holder bottles, instead you get highly ambitious, forward-thinking wine producers but who still use traditional grape varieties full of character. Not for Portugal the standard, international Cabernet-Shiraz blend. And on this trip we will, as an added plus, stay two nights in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Evora! More info here!

For info and booking, contact me on winebrief@bkwine.com or +33 6 80 45 35 70 or check the site: http://www.bkwine.com/wine_tours/wine_tours.htm

Book now !

Finnish Language Wine Tours - Viinimatkoja Ranskan viinialueille!

Tours on the schedule (in Finnish):

20.9 - 24.9 2006: Viinimatkan kohteena Bordeaux

Bordeaux on viininystävälle ehdoton matkakohde! Siellä ovat tunnetut isot viinitilat, klassiset viinit mutta myös paljon uutta perinteisen rinnalla. Kolmena päivänä vierailemme sekä kuuluisilla arvotiloilla että pienemmillä erittäin laadukkailla tiloilla jotta pääsemme tutuiksi myös itse viininviljelijän kanssa. Paina tästä!

4.10 - 8.10 2006: Viiniä ja tryffeleitä Bourgognessa !

Nyt sinulla on mahdollisuus oppia tuntemaan Bourgognen maailmankuulut kylät, viinitilat ja tuottajat. Sekä heidän ainutlaatuinen erikoisuutensa : Bourgogne- tryffeli ! Paina tästä!

October 18 - 22: Portugal

In ten years Portugal has developed from being an old-fashioned, backwards wine producer to being one of the most interesting and innovative places in Europe for wine. No more candle-holder bottles, instead you get highly ambitious, forward-thinking wine producers but who still use traditional grape varieties full of character. Not for Portugal the standard, international Cabernet-Shiraz blend. And on this trip we will, as an added plus, stay two nights in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Evora! More info here!

For info, contact me on winebrief@bkwine.com or +33 6 80 45 35 70 or check the site: http://www.bkwine.com/suomi/viinimatkoja/viinimatkoja.htm

Book now !

Summer has taken a long time to arrive

Summer has taken a long time to arrive but now we finally have some sunshine and nice temperatures here. But with such a slow moving (and cold) spring it is perhaps a good idea to think of extending summer and autumn with a trip to some warmer climes. Why not set aside a few days for a wine tour to France or Portugal with BKWine this autumn? It is high time to book your places now! Call me on 0033 680 45 35 70 or email me for information and booking!

I have recently been in the jury for a couple of wine competitions. That is always an interesting exercise. You taste a lot of good (and some bad) wines. It was the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles (in Portugal…) and the Coup de Coeur des Femmes Journalistes in Montpellier. Read about some of my recommendations below.

Global warming is not something we have seen too much of so far this year but it is something some vignerons are concerned about – for instance Torres. California beat France hands down in the rerun of the legendary (?) Paris tasting of 1976. Taittinger returns to French hands. Several new articles of BKWine’s guest writers. A magnificent (yes) wine gadget that actually works for those of you who do not finish the whole bottle at once. Wine grape statistics (do you know which is the most planted grape in France?).

And more – to read in this month’s Brief.

And don’t forget to remember that thing about wine tours. I would much appreciate a call!

Britt

PS: Recommend to your friends to read the Brief or forward it to them !

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Link Tips

Some wine sites that you might enjoy visiting:

What Randall Grahm thinks about terroir (Grahm is the cult wine maker in California that created Bonny Doon), on AppellationAmerica.com
More about terroir: ”Are People Part of Wine’s Terroir?” on californiawineweb.com

Portuguese wine with screw cap

Perhaps like swearing in church? Portugal is the world’s biggest producer of natural cork (made from bark from the cork oak tree). Miguel Champalimaud, owner of Quinta do Cotta in Duoro has announced his intention to be the first Portuguese wine producer to bottle wines with screw cap. But the reason that he gives for switching is not problems with corked wines. It is price. He estimates that he will save 20 cent per bottle with screw cap. Reuters.com

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American research in enology and viticulture

The American Society for Enology and Viticulture has just had its annual meeting. Two research papers were given prizes: “Best Viticulture Paper”: Bud Microclimate and Fruitfulness in Vitis vinifera L.. (pdf 740kB) by Luis A. Sanchez and Nick K. Dokoozlian, and “Best Enology Paper”: Validation of a Solid-Phase Micro Extraction Method for Headspace Analysis of Wine Aroma Compounds (pdf 200kB) by Karen L. Howard, James H. Mike, and Roland Riesen
http://www.asev.org/

Wine crisis in Australia

The price of wine exported from Australia has gone down with 30% according to a report by the consultant Deloitte. It is feared that a continued trend of lower export prices of cheap bulk wines will have catastrophic effects for the Australian wine industry. Read more on Decanter.com. Production substantially exceeds consumption for Australian wines. This year’s harvest is estimated to reach 1.4 million litres. Together with accumulated reserves it is expected that the surplus will reach 800 million litres of unsold wine… Which certainly will not help the price levels. Read more on News.co.au

Government owned V&S vin & Sprit increases profits to 417 million SEK for Q1-06

V&S Vin & Sprit AB, owned by the Swedish government, has announced improved results for the first quarter. The business area V&S Absolut Spirits (including one of the world’s best selling vodkas) increased sales with 20%. Total turnover increased by 16% to 2 320 million SEK and operating results grew by 31% to 417 million SEK. More info on www.vsgroup.se. Curiously, the Swedish government is simultaneously campaigning for that people should drink less domestically.

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Europe’s best sommelier to be crowned on June 18

The final of the Trophée Ruinart, popularly called the European championship for sommeliers, with be held at the Théatre des Champs Elysées in Paris on June 18.

Russia blocks wine imports from Georgia and Moldova

Wine prices are expected to go up with 30% in Russia after the government outlawed wine imports from Georgia and Moldova. The ban has been introduced for health reasons according to the government but some mean that it is actually for political reasons. Novosti and The State

Château Montrose sold for 140 million euro

Château Montrose, a 70 ha property, Grand Cru Classé in St Estèphe (Medoc, Bordeaux), has changed hands. Martin & Olivier Bouygues bought the chateau and vineyards from the Charmolue family for some 170 million euro. Bouygues controls one of France’s biggest companies, carrying the same name, that is active in telecoms, construction and other business. Mergerstat.com

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The UK Labour party buys wine for £1 million

According to The Independent, the British government under Tony Blair has bought wine for approximately £1 million since Blair took power in 1997.

Get a Master in wine – wine program in Angers

The Ecole Supérieure d' Agriculture in Angers in the Loire Valley offers a study program that leads to a Master of Science (MSc) in Wine. It is a mixture of general wine knowledge, technology, finance and marketing designed for people who want to work in the wine trade (such as importers). They already have many international students from e.g. Peru, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, South Africa, New Zeeland, Thailand, China, Spain, Slovenia,…. but are actively encouraging applicants from other European countries. More info: www.vintagemaster.com

Bordeaux 2005

The primeur tastings – the one week wine jamboree for the trade in Bordeaux to present the latest vintage – are now over. Everyone seems to agree that 2005 is an outstanding vintage, and that it will be an expensive vintage. Expectations are turned up for substantial price increases. It will be interesting to see what happens when asking prices are announced later this year. Here are some interesting comments about the wines:

The tastings day-by-day, BBR.com
Tastings Predict 2005 as Best Bordeaux Vintage in Half Century, Bloomberg.com

(``It's a huge vintage,'' [said Gad Petterson, a buyer for Systembolaget], sniffing a glass of Chateau Talbot appreciatively. ``It has good balance. It's unusually even across Bordeaux. I've tasted all the wines.'')

New 2005 Bordeaux Wine Prices May Challenge Records, Buyers Say, Bloomberg.com
Bordeaux 2005: stats are all that’s left, Decanter.com

(“At Chateau Teyssier in St Emilion, Jonathan Maltus was picking Merlot at 15.5% alcohol – two degrees higher than normal”)

Bordeaux 2005 Vintage Report by Jasper Morris, BBR.com
Bordeaux en Primeur 2005 by Roger Voss, The Wine Enthusiast
Bordeaux 2005 – Purity With Power, and also A Question of Extraction, by Jancis Robinson in FT.com

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The Lurton Brothers looking for a vineyard in Portugal

François and Jacques Lurton are already successful winemakers in several wine regions: Languedoc, Chile, Argentina, Spain,… Their next project is, apparently, Portugal. They have already made one wine in the Duoro Valley in partnership with a local producer, but now they are looking for their own place. Vitisphere.com

Higher Gastronomic Education

Institut des Hautes Etudes du Goût de la Gastronomie et les Arts de la Table

Behind this long name hides an interesting education that was created two years ago in the capital of the Champagne district, Reims. The institute is formally part of the Reims University and has backing from solid partners such as Remy Cointreau, Alain Ducasse, Château Margaux, Grand Marnier, Michelin, Cordon Blue and others. The program is primarily aimed at professionals in the food and drinks sector who want a high level perspective and understanding of gastronomy and taste. It consists of two modules of two intense weeks each with technical and economic lectures by leaders in their field. There are also some “pedagogical meals” where the theories are applied. The program is bilingual English and French. Students come with very different backgrounds. This year’s students were e.g. a sommelier and consultant from Sweden, a Japanese journalist, a French cook and restaurant owner, a communications specialist in the wine trade, an American patisserie chef and guest house owner, a Norwegian cooking school headmaster,… BKWine sat in on a few lectures and can testify that:

the professors are of a very high standard (many are “the famous names” in their speciality)
it is not about learning how to cook but rather about understanding why things taste as it does and why things should be prepared in certain ways, and understanding the contexts
you need some kind of solid background in gastronomy to really benefit from the program

For more information
www.iheggat.com
or contact Ragnar Fridriksson
Ambassador for Hautes Etudes du Goût
Ph: +33-(0)3 26 05 66 28
Mob:+33-(0)6 64 22 33 21
email: ragnar-at-neuf-dot-fr

Wine Travel Special

Now is the time to start thinking about how to brighten up the autumn season so I thought it would be a good idea to give you some inspiration. Here are some details about the next season’s wine tours in English:

The Northern Rhône Valley, September 27 – October 1
If you love the Syrah grape this is the trip for you! In the northern Rhône you have some of the most highly acclaimed and famous Rhône appellations: Côte Rôtie and Hermitage. But there are also many very interesting producers in the other districts, e.g. in Cornas, Saint Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage; not to forget the whites with aromatic Condrieu made from Viognier at the top of the hierarchy. More info here.

Bordeaux at harvest time, October 11-15
Ripe grapes hanging in the vineyard. Or must bubbling in the winery. (You can never quite predict.) Lots of activity and still warm, late-summer temperatures. A trip to Bordeaux is a must (no pun intended) for a wine lover. We will visit some famous châteaux and also some of the most interesting and exciting new initiatives. More info here.

Book now!

Book now! Call me on +33-6 80 45 35 70; or on skype: bkwine; or send me an email.

Wine Tours in Finnish

For our Finnish speaking readers we offer two wine tours in the autumn:

20.9 - 24.9 2006: Viinimatkan kohteena Bordeaux
Bordeaux on viininystävälle ehdoton matkakohde! Siellä ovat tunnetut isot viinitilat, klassiset viinit mutta myös paljon uutta perinteisen rinnalla. Kolmena päivänä vierailemme sekä kuuluisilla arvotiloilla että pienemmillä erittäin laadukkailla tiloilla jotta pääsemme tutuiksi myös itse viininviljelijän kanssa. Paina tästä!

4.10 - 8.10 2006: Viiniä ja tryffeleitä Bourgognessa !
Nyt sinulla on mahdollisuus oppia tuntemaan Bourgognen maailmankuulut kylät, viinitilat ja tuottajat. Sekä heidän ainutlaatuinen erikoisuutensa : Bourgogne- tryffeli ! Paina tästä!

Book now!

Book now! Call me on +33-6 80 45 35 70; or on skype: bkwine; or send me an email.

BKWine Pick: Corsica

Corsica!

Corsica is making great progress in wine. Quality is still sometimes unpredictable (but where is that not the case?) but you can find plenty of good wines, both white, red and sweet.

Patrimonio, in northern Corsica, is home to many of the best Corsican wines. The chalky soil is good for wine growing, the winds are less strong compared to some other places. There is no co-operative on this part of the island. The 32 wineries share the 450 hectares. You can also find sweet white wines from this part of Corsica but then they are called Muscat du Cap Corse.

Niellucciu is the dominant grape in Patrimonio. It is a grape variety that is related to the Sangiovese, found in Tuscany, which is sometimes quite evident. The vintage 2002 from Domaine Gentile has exactly the characteristics that I find typical in Corsican wines: full-bodied, with a fair amount of tannin and a hint of “animal” (game, leather…). Domaine Gentile’s white wine is made from Vermentino (called Rolle in Provence) and is dry and refreshing with a contrasting earthy or minerally character. In general, Corsican wines actually have more elegance than one might expect from a district so far south. Perhaps it is the high altitude and the strong winds that moderate the otherwise high temperatures.

A relative newcomer in Patrimonio is Clos Signadore. They made their first vintage in 2001. Eresi 2005, made from 80% Niellucciu and 20% Grenache, is a quaffable, easygoing wine while the cuvée prestige, called simply Clos, with 100% Niellucciu is more typically Corsican with flavours of spices and herbs and even juniper. Quite elegant and very good.

Another (new) recommended producer in Patrimonio is Yves Leccia, making wine on 12 hectares. He makes a very attractive white Vermentino with quite a lot of “fat” (‘gras’ in French, giving the wine a round, soft and full-bodied character) but also a fresh acidity. He uses no oak and he does not let the wine go through the malolactic fermentation. He makes several red wines, e.g. “Patrimonio 2004” from 90% Niellucciu and 10% Grenache. Here the relation to Sangiovese is very apparent: a certain dryness and aromas of cherry stones, a high acidity and a good body.

Jean-Paul Gentile, Domaine Gentile, AC Patrimonio
Clos Signadore, AC Patrimonio
Yves Leccia, Domaine d'E Croce, AC Patrimonio

Click here for address and more recommendations.

Read more recommendations on restaurants and winebars on my Restaurant and Wine Bar page.

Top Bordeaux – over the top?

>> Monday, May 15, 2006

This period of the year is traditionally full of news about the “primeur” tastings of the latest vintage in Bordeaux. You will find links to some of the most interesting commentaries in the Brief. I did not have the opportunity to go the tastings in Bordeaux myself this year unfortunately.

A lot of the commentaries on the 2005 vintage indicate that it is a very exceptional vintage. But many also fear that prices will shoot up (from an already high level), and some complain about “profiteering” winemakers: “they really shouldn’t raise the prices so much” and so on. I say: let them raise the prices as much as they want! If they price is too high for you (or me) – don’t buy! Apparently there are people willing to pay the high prices that are demanded. If you think the price goes up too much – buy some other wines. There are many, many wines made in France (and other countries) today of excellent or outstanding quality but that do not have the famous name and label of the top Bordeaux wines and that you can buy at very reasonable prices. Buy those wines instead of overpriced Bordeaux. (There are also many “lesser” Bordeaux wines that are not expensive at all and very good.)

No reason to complain today when there are so much good wines around. By the way, the same can be said for many other highly acclaimed wines from other regions: Burgundy, California, Spain, Italy,… Don’t complain about the prices. Buy something else instead, that is less costly and just as good! Read the BKWine Brief and we will tell you what our recommendations are.

This month's must-have wine gadget: Inventor of rapid “cooling funnel” wins Electrolux prize

>> Thursday, May 04, 2006

CoolBoy is a sort of electric cooling funnel invented by Ian Thompson, a university student in Britain. Thompson was tired of having his and his friends’ drinks service tepid – you pour the drink (or the wine) through the CoolBoy “funnel” and it is instantly chilled to the appropriate serving temperature. The CoolBoy recently won a prize in an inventor competition sponsored by Electrolux. News @ Northumbria

Mumm launches prestige champagne: Mumm Grand Cru

>> Tuesday, May 02, 2006

The image “http://www.bkwine.com/images/mumm-grand-cru.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors. Mumm recently launched a prestige champagne called, simply, Mumm Grand Cru. They only made 2300 hl (30,000 bottles) of the first “edition”. It is not a vintage champagne: it was bottled in June 2002, with a majority of wine from 2001, and disgorged in July 2005. 58% Pinot Noir and 42% Chardonnay.

--> Discover Champagne. Travel to wine country with BKWine. More info: Click HERE! <--

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Instant Champagne knowledge

Champagne covers about 33,000 hectares (e.g. the equivalent of a third of Bordeaux). The main sub-districts are: Montagne de Reims, Vallée de la Marne and Côte des Blancs. The soil is primarily chalk. There are seven permitted grape varieties but only three are significant: Pinot Noir (12,254 ha), Pinot Meunier (10,877 ha) and Chardonnay (8,952 ha). The other grape varieties are: Arbane, Petit Meslier, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc. The sweetness classification:
- brut nature/non-dosé: <3g sugar per litre
- extra brut: 0-6 g/l
- brut: < 15 g/l
- extra dry: 12-20 g/l (not really dry any longer)
- sec: 17-35 g/l (quite sweet)
- demi-sec: 33-50 g/l
- doux: >55 g/l sugar

Constellation (finally) buys Vincor – giant’s acquisition in wine

Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ), one of the world’s largest wine producers (if not the biggest), buys Vincor (TSX: VN), a Canadian company that also belongs to the top wine producers and distributors in the world. The acquisition has been in the making since a few months back. The deal is valued at US$ 1.31 billion. prnewswire.com

Wine Evolution 2006

Every year since 1999, the two last days in January there is a conference in Paris called Wine Evolution, organised by Skalli & Rein, a marketing consultancy firm specialised in the wine industry. At Wine Evolution different players in the wine industry have an occasion to meet – producers, buyers, distributors, journalists … - and invited speakers talk about sales strategies and new trends. This year we learned how best to sell wines in, for example, China, Japan, Germany (2 of 3 bottles are sold for less than 2 euro!), USA, and even Sweden. One of the seminars concerned different closures: Carlos de Jesus from Amorim, the world’s largest producer of natural cork, debated with Stefano Alderuccio from Supreme Corq one of the leading producers of synthetic cork. See skalliandrein.com

Wine Boom & Bust?

While large parts of the wine marking world (France, Australia, California,...) seem to have great problems with over production collector wines apparently do not have the same issues. According to Liv-ex 100 (a kind of financial index for collector wines) times look good. See picture. A dramatic price increase over the last six months. (But perhaps a conclusion is that when everyone have discovered a good investment it is already too late.) liv-ex.com

Invest in wine cheaply – in Fenouilledes

>> Friday, April 21, 2006

That is one of the arguments in a recent press release from the wine growers in Fenouilledes (Languedoc-Roussillon). The other argument is that the region will be “the next Pic St Loup” in Languedoc. Compared to some other wine districts, land is not expensive: 7,000 – 10,000 euro per hectare for old Grenache and Carignan, with possibilities for partnerships with existing growers to help you get going. Almost makes you want to move south! For more information: contact-at-fenouilledes-selection.com

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Masculine wine

No, it is not Hermitage or Côte Rôte (sometimes called the most “masculine” of wines, as opposed to more feminine wines like Burgundy). A vineyard in California has launched a range of wine targeted and packaged solely and directly for male consumers. The range only includes red wines (“white wines are for ladies”) and is made by Ray’s Station Vineyards: “hearty red wines for men” is the slogan. But there is another producer that has already taken the brand “Fat Bastard”. BBC News

How to survive a wine harvest

If you are thinking of taking part in the grape harvest this autumn, now is the time to organise it. But you should not think that it is a nice way to get a week or two relaxing autumn vacation. It is very hard work. To get an insight into what it is you can read the “Survival Manual” for a grape picker done by Chateau Carsin (Finnish-owned and medal winner at the Scandinavian wine competition recently) and published on their web site. The “manual” actually gives quite a lot of information about what goes on during the harvest, interesting even if you don’t intend to pick grapes.

Norway launches wine production scheme according to BBR.com

>> Thursday, April 20, 2006

Norway has started a vineyard close to the village Ugotterby. The Norwegian minister responsible for wine questions Loof Lirpa (NB!) explains that the long hours of sunshine that Norway has in summer compensates for the cooler climate, according to bbr.com. (Disregarding the fact that this article was published last Saturday, there is actually supposed to be a vineyard in Norway. Maybe a reader has more details?)

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Auction prices go upwards at Sotheby’s

Some encouraging or discouraging (depending on if you are buying or selling) prices from Sotheby’s recent auction L06603 (98.5% of all wines sold):
12 bt Lafite 1982: £7,130
12 bt La Mission haut Brion 1989: £7,130
12 bt Latour 1982 : £6,900
….and more. www.sothebys.com

Champagne with screw cork?

No, at least for the moment that is unlikely. But the champagne growers’ association (CIVC) has created a project group to study alternative closures. They have done tests with synthetic corks and have concluded that it is not good partly because they may cause seepage. Composite corks (e.g. with the process “Diamant”) have given better results, according to the person in charge, Michel Valade. But for the moment they do not say anything about screw cap, nor about crown cap (“beer bottle cap”) even though it is used by at least one of the champagne producers (on a wine made in Australia). Read about that here. http://www.bkwine.com/bkwine_brief/brief_021_e.htm

--> Discover Champagne. Travel to wine country with BKWine. More info: Click HERE! <--

The wine fair in Brussels cancelled

Brussels Wine Expo has been cancelled according to information on their site. Perhaps there are too many wine shows around the world now: Vinexpo (in 2005), Vinisud on February 20-22, Vinitaly on April 6-10, Prowein on March 23-26, Vinordic on April 24-27, and of course the BKWine Scandinavian Wine Fair in Paris on Paris 11…

World’s best Tempranillo

>> Wednesday, April 19, 2006

On May 22-24 the World’s Best Tempranillo competition will be held i Cologne. The competition is organised by a Spanish organisation which perhaps is not surprising since much of the world’s Tempranillo is made in Spain. But they have taken the opportunity to use the competition as a travelling promotion event, organising it in a new city every year: in 2005, the first year the competition was held, it took place in Copenhagen. Perhaps not a bad idea to make your wines known around the world! http://www.enologo.com/tempranillo/

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Salaries up 5.8% in the wine business

According to a report from Wine Business Monthly and Western Management Group salaries have gone up with on average 5.8% in the wine industry during 2006, compared to 3.5% for all sectors. A wine maker’s average salary was $92,435 (+2.6%) and a vineyard manager received on average $76,685 (barely +1%). Vice Presidents of Sales had on average $151,555 (+1.5%). Read more on Wine Business Monthly

More on the wine agreement between the EU and the US

Recently we mentioned that the long discussed agreement between the EU and the US on wine has been signed. This is supposed to decrease the use of “geographic” names (e.g. Chablis) on wines that do not come from that specific region. Overall, the intention is to facilitate trade. Here is some more detailed information from the American Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB):
- A short introduction www.ttb.gov/international_trade/us_ec_wine_agreement.htm
- A summary of the agreement (pdf)
- The complete text of the agreement (pdf, 83 pages)
- The main TTB page: http://www.ttb.gov

The genetic code of Pinot Noir established

A group Italian researchers at the agricultural research institute Michele all’Adige have identified the genome (the genetic code) of Pinot Noir. It is the first grape that has had its DNA mapped. The researchers say that it will contribute to develop new and better variants of the grape, e.g. more resistant against diseases. Riccardo Velasco, leader of the research team, says that it is like taking the first step on the moon. “Agriculture will never be the same again.” checkbiotech.org

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René Renou reappointed chairman of the INAO

René Renou will continue as chairman of the semi-governmental control authority INAO (Institut National des Appellations d’Origine) that supervises much of what has to do with wine production in France. Renou is a wine maker in Bonnezeaux (sweet wines from the Loire Valley made from Chenin Blanc grapes). During his time as chairman INAO has launched several proposals on how to reform the French AOC system to improve French wines’ competitiveness. The INAO chairman is appointed by the French Agriculture and Fishing Ministry. vitisphere.com

Screaming Eagle in California sold

>> Tuesday, April 18, 2006

The Californian cult vineyard Screaming Eagle has just changed hands. Charles Banks and Stanley Kroenke, two financiers, acquired it from Jean Phillips who, according to press information, had liquidity problems – in spite of sometimes astonishing prices on the wines. (A six litre bottle of the 1992 vintage sold for $500,000 on auction once, admittedly a charity auction.) The price has not been announced but the value of the vineyard has been estimated at around $30 million. decanter.com

Chateau Cantenac-Brown sold

Chateau Cantenac-Brown, a 3rd Cru Classé in Margaux (Médoc), has just been sold to Simon Halabi, a British financier. Seller is AXA, an insurance company that owns numerous other wine properties in Bordeaux and elsewhere (Pichon Baron is probably the best known). AXA will invest the money they get in developing their other properties. Cantenac-Brown covers 76 hectares, 53 of which are planted with vines. vitisphere.com

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Bordeaux producers continue price fixing cartel

A while back, the producers’ association for Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur decided by vote that anyone selling his wines for less than 1000 euro per tonneaux (900 litre) would be denied to use the Appellation Contrôlée (AOC). Despite continuing slow sales they have the intention to continue this measure to block cheaper wines coming to the market. According to Decanter, sales in January and February this year reached 34,000 hectolitres red AOC Bordeaux compared to 213,000 hl the same period last year. There must be a lot of unsold wine in the cellars… Just a pity that they do not trust market forces and consumers more. decanter.com

BKWine Pick: Château Pech-Redon, Coteaux du Languedoc-La Clape

It is almost a breath taking ride up to Château Pech-Redon: The vineyard is high up on a hill top, part of the chalky La Clape mountain range stretching between Narbonne and the Mediterranean. The winding road seems never to end but when you finally reach Pech-Redon you get a good view and a chance to meet the talented wine maker Christophe Bousquet. Christophe has 42 hectares in a very dry and sunny climate (3000 sun-hours per year). His best wine is called Centauré, which is the name of a small flower that grows among the cliffs on the hill but that has almost become extinct. This is his way to make sure that the flower is not forgotten. It is an exclusive wine – a very small production of old-vine Syrah (70%) and Grenache. He also makes an excellent red Coteaux du Languedoc made from 50 year old Carignan (60%) plus some Cinsault and Grenache. This wine certainly has the typical “Garrigue” style. Click here for address and more recommendations.

Read about more recommended producers on the site: Favourite Producers.

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One step closer to oak chips

A French government report has proposed to allow oak chips in the wine making. As we have mentioned previously in the Brief there is a EU proposal on the way to being accepted that would allow for experimental purposes and this French proposal pushes it one step forward. The report also proposes a number of other measures, e.g. simpler and clearer rules for appellations and for labels to make it easier for consumers.
- The Press Democrat: pressdemocrat.com
- Information from the French ministry: www.agriculture.gouv.fr
- The whole report written by Bernard Pomel (pdf)

BKWine Pick: Vieux Château Gaubert, Graves

>> Friday, April 14, 2006

Dominique Havelan’s family has been wine growers in Graves for three generations and in 1988 Dominique bought the quite run down Vieux Château Gaubert that he has been renovating and replanting since. His wines, both white and red, received much praise almost from the beginning and today Vieux Chateau Gaubert is one of the safe bets to get a good Graves wine. The property covers a total of 16 hectares. Dominique has put most of his effort into the wines and has only recently started work on the château itself. It dates from the 18th century and does need some renovation.
Click here for address and more recommendations.

Wine Tours in English

Wine Tours

September 27 – October 1: The Northern Rhône Valley

If you love the Syrah grape, this is the trip for you! The northern part of the Rhône Valley is mostly about powerful red wines but we will also get to know the regions delicious, full bodied whites. More info here!

October 11 - 15: Bordeaux at harvest time

This trip to Bordeaux is just at the end of the harvest season (though you can never predict in advance exactly when harvest will be). For a wine lover a trip to Bordeaux is a must! Here you find not only world famous châteaux and world famous wines but also a lot of new exciting initiatives. More info here!

For info, contact me or check the site: http://www.bkwine.com/wine_tours/wine_tours.htm

Finnish Language Wine Tours - Viinimatkoja Ranskan viinialueille!

Finnish Language Wine Tours - Viinimatkoja Ranskan viinialueille!

Tours on the schedule (in Finnish):

20.9 - 24.9 2006: Viinimatkan kohteena Bordeaux

Bordeaux on viininystävälle ehdoton matkakohde! Siellä ovat tunnetut isot viinitilat, klassiset viinit mutta myös paljon uutta perinteisen rinnalla. Kolmena päivänä vierailemme sekä kuuluisilla arvotiloilla että pienemmillä erittäin laadukkailla tiloilla jotta pääsemme tutuiksi myös itse viininviljelijän kanssa. Paina tästä!

4.10 - 8.10 2006: Viiniä ja tryffeleitä Bourgognessa !

Nyt sinulla on mahdollisuus oppia tuntemaan Bourgognen maailmankuulut kylät, viinitilat ja tuottajat. Sekä heidän ainutlaatuinen erikoisuutensa : Bourgogne- tryffeli ! Paina tästä!

For info, contact me or check the site: http://www.bkwine.com/suomi/viinimatkoja/viinimatkoja.htm

Just back from Burgundy and Champagne

>> Wednesday, April 12, 2006

I’ve just been on quite an exhausting 3-day trip to Champagne, Chablis and Burgundy, visiting winemakers and seeing how far the vines have progressed in the vineyards. (Not very far at all actually. There are even some growers who have not yet finished their winter pruning!) It’s an interesting round trip to three very different wine district and three very different towns. Reims is quite big, famous for its cathedral, but it is not obvious to find good restaurants, except if you are prepared to pay a substantial amount of money. (That actually goes for the whole of Champagne.) Chablis – the world famous wine district – is also the name of a small town. Very small actually. But they have a decent selection of good restaurants thanks to a few recently opened eating places. But for hotels… Not easy to get some decent rooms for a small group of wine lovers. Beaune, the last stop on the trip, has a tremendous selection of both hotels and restaurants, from the super-luxury ones to very good value places. You could spend a week there and discover a new “resto” every night.

Do take a look at my wine tour program for the autumn season – That is an excellent way to discover some good restaurants and to visit some of the most interesting wine producers in a region. This season I have the Rhône Valley and Bordeaux on the menu, but I also do custom tours if you would like something special.

Do you like our Blog (or not)

>> Sunday, April 02, 2006

We just joined Blogtopsite. Mostly for fun, not sure what good it can do...?

If you like our blog you can rank us on Blogtopsites. (Well, you can of course also rank us if you don't like it!)

Click here to rank us. It would be nice to know what you think!

Want wine news on your site?

Do you want to have a news headline gif like this on your site?:

Read this post and find out how you get it!

Thomas Jefferson

Link tip:

About Thomas Jefferson, president, ambassador and wine enthusiast: In Forbes

Winewoman@Bergerac.France

>> Saturday, April 01, 2006

Book Review:
Winewoman@Bergerac.France
Helen Gillespie-Peck, Melrose Books
Wine educator, wine writer and wine maker Helen Gillespie-Peck arrived in France 30 years ago. The book is not so much an autobiography – even if she explains all about the challenges of moving to France, understanding how things work, learning French, dealing with neighbours etc – but more an introduction to the world of wine. She walks the reader through how to grow wine, how to taste wines, understanding different wine regions in France and in other countries etc. All is underpinned by her own personal experiences. Can be read as a “text book” or just as entertainment.

Click here for more book reviews on my site. You will also find links to on-line book shops on that page.

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