Category Archives: NZ wine

Marzemino! Mozart loved this wine!

Posted on March 16, 2013 by

Mozart must have loved his wine because this is a true wine-lover’s wine. This New Zealand beauty was my first taste of this Italian red grape, which features in one of Mozart’s most well-known operas, Don Giovanni: Versa il vino! … Continue reading →

Posted in European wine, New World wine, NZ wine, Wine varietals and blends | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Academia and industry – when it really works! The University of Auckland and Goldie Wines

Posted on July 4, 2012 by

In July 2011 I read about the University of Auckland acquiring an established Waiheke Island vineyard and winery called Goldwater. The deal meant that the university has taken ownership and the vineyard and associated facilities are effectively now an extension … Continue reading →

Posted in New World wine, NZ wine, Winemaking, wine appreciation and viticulture courses | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

University of Adelaide graduates thrive in the world’s southernmost winemaking region

Posted on June 7, 2012 by

The region of Central Otago, in the South Island of New Zealand, sits astride the 45th parallel, making it the southernmost winemaking region in the world. This stunningly beautiful region is reminiscent of Switzerland with snow-capped mountains to over 2,000m, … Continue reading →

Posted in New World wine, NZ wine, Pinot noir, Wine news, Wine2030, Winemaking, wine appreciation and viticulture courses | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Grape-a-hol: How Big Business is Subverting Artisan Winemaking and the Future of Fine Wine

Posted on May 8, 2012 by

Introducing Grape-a-hol! Grape-a-hol: How Big Business is Subverting Artisan Winemaking and the Future of Fine Wine, by Michael F. Spratt and Mark L. Feldman As indicated in the title, this book pulls no punches. In summary, “this book exposes the … Continue reading →

Posted in New World wine, NZ wine, Private labels, Wine news, Wine2030 | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Fassina – An SA family treasure

Posted on April 3, 2012 by

The Fassina family owns and operates a chain of liquor stores in South Australia (SA). Why is Fassina an SA family treasure? Because they have heart and creativity and good honest values. I chatted to Ross Fassina and his daughter … Continue reading →

Posted in McLaren Vale wine, NZ wine, Pinot noir, Social media, South Australian wine, Wine events | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Spicy and suave – the Alsatian sensation – Hugel gewürztraminer

Posted on February 8, 2012 by

Those who follow the Tigchandler blog will know of my passion for this noble grape – gewürztraminer. This is how the Tig blog was born, reviewing New Zealand’s Brookfields and Coopers Creek gewürztraminers. New Zealand continues to excite with stunning … Continue reading →

Posted in European wine, Gewurztraminer, NZ wine, Old World Wine, Wine varietals and blends | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

Superb and surprising Australasian tasting at Fassina!

Posted on August 18, 2011 by

How lucky am I that I live so close to Fassina Liquor in Somerton Park, Adelaide! They have one great wine-tasting event after another – see for example the mid-winter d’Arenberg tasting showcasing some of McLaren Vale’s best and from … Continue reading →

Posted in Barossa wine, Cabernet sauvignon, Chardonnay, McLaren Vale wine, New World wine, NZ wine, Sangiovese, Sauvignon blanc, South Australian wine, Wine events, Wine varietals and blends | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

International #Chardonnay Day!

Posted on May 30, 2011 by

Thursday 26 May 2011 was International #Chardonnay Day! I saw this event being advertised by Rick Bakas the first director of social media in the wine industry in April 2011 when he toured Australia, as he kicked off this trend … Continue reading →

Posted in Chardonnay, McLaren Vale wine, New World wine, NZ wine, Social media, South Australian wine, Wine events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Private labels – back to Australia and back to wine

Posted on February 8, 2011 by

Introduction Welcome to the fifth and final article in the private label series for Wine2030, a forward-looking wine research network at the University of Adelaide. I have asked questions throughout this series and started to answer some of them – it … Continue reading →

Posted in New World wine, NZ wine, Private labels, UK wine, Wine news | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

The key to success – building and retaining customer loyalty

Posted on January 27, 2011 by

“Private label has existed in Europe since the beginning of the 19th century. But it wasn’t until the 1970s when Sainsbury penetrated the European market that private label became an important part of grocery retailing. As in Australia, private label … Continue reading →

Posted in New World wine, NZ wine, Private labels, UK wine, Wine news | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments