Originally posted by Ravelloi wouldn't be too sure about that. from what i've read and tasted (that is, read articles and tasted wine), the cabernets here are better technically than a lot of European wines, on account of more modern production methods and an emphasis on the fruit. that's why so mant Australian winemakers are hired as consultants by European wineries - reversing the trend of a few decades ago. true, Europe has tradition on its side, but that's about all.
also I guess Cabernet is far better here than in Australia..........
Originally posted by dfm65Sharing experiences (exchanging expertise) will lead to better wines everywhere. The progress does not come from one winery trying to outperform another, but from the search to find the optimum process and fruit mix for its own territory and climate.
i wouldn't be too sure about that. from what i've read and tasted (that is, read articles and tasted wine), the cabernets here are better technically than a lot of European wines, on account of more modern production methods and an emphasis on the fruit. that's why so mant Australian winemakers are hired as consultants by European wineries - reversing the trend of a few decades ago. true, Europe has tradition on its side, but that's about all.
You have a point, though, that some (they are becoming exceptions) European wineries are using outdated processes, and that most 'new world' wineries are more modern. As such, I would agree that for the same money, the AVERAGE quality is perhaps better outside Europe (forgetting the extra cost of transportation). The ABSOLUTE quality of the top wines is another thing, especially in the Cabernet based wines. The know how about terroir, climate, blending in Bordeaux is still leading to a fantastic set of top wines. Too bad the prices have become outrageous. But that is true for the Australian and Californian toppers too. Opus 1 and Chateau Lafitte cost about the same here (more than I want to spend right now).
Here's an unusual one from left-field then: lovely wine if you can find it. (That's a big IF). Lebanese wine. Go on, try it.
Can be found in the UK (particularly in Edinburgh, Peter Green's being the main stockist). Very difficult anywhere else outwith Lebanon itself
see
http://www.wineanorak.com/musarathon.htm
http://www.harpers-wine.com/winereports/lebanon.cfm
And a US man's story how it was found and then, nearly, lost:
http://166.70.44.66/2003/Nov/11122003/wednesda/110222.asp
Originally posted by bigbirdThe archetype, and probably the best wines based on Viognier is from the smallest French appellation, a single-domain appellation: Cheateau Grillet. A beautiful location just south of Lyon hanging on the rocks above the (northern) Rhone. Bad news is that I have never seen it priced below 150 Euros (and only tasted it during business diners).
A good wine I had recently was a white organic californian, 2001 Bonterra, viognier. I drink wine as a substitute for water.n
Originally posted by CrowleySure. For red wines, Pinotage is for SA what Shiraz means for Australia, Zinfandel for USA. Sangiovese for Toscany (Italy). Grapes that produce a wine with unique character and aroma, hard to copy elsewhere.
I know bugger all about wine and I don't drink it either, but it's good to see a SA wine on your list...
Ever have some of the original SA cultivar - Pinotage?
To be precise, the Talana Hill that I referred to is not from the Pinotage grape. I think it is 100% Cabernet (but I could be mistaken).