3 minute read
THE BURNING QUESTION
Red blotch virus alarms Aussies
Perrin and Pitt pamper pores
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A grape disease that hasn’t been found in Australia before has been identified in three states.
Red blotch virus has been detected in South Australia, Western Australia and Victoria.
According to Australian Grape & Wine chief executive Tony Battaglene, it was picked up during random bio-security testing.
“It looks like it’s come in when people have brought in grape vines from, probably, the US,” he said.
The virus prevents photosynthesis in grape vines, impacting the fruit.
ABC, September 23
Hollywood star Brad Pitt has launched a skincare range featuring active ingredients sourced from Famille Perrin’s Château de Beaucastel vineyard in the Rhône Valley.
Le Domaine Skincare features a serum, a cream, a fluid cream and a cleansing emulsion, all of which are vegan and suitable for all skin types.
The products are made from organic matter that was previously discarded after the grapes had been pressed.
Decanter, September 22
• International Airlines Group has launched a new wine delivery business, which will allow customers to earn and redeem Avios [British Airways Executive Cub rewards] on purchases. The Wine Flyer will operate under a new subsidiary of IAG Loyalty, and will replace BA’s partnership with Laithwaites Wines.
Business Traveller, September 26
?THE BURNING QUESTION
Where in the wine world offers the best value for money at the moment?
�I’d suggest Eastern Europe, particularly Romania and Moldova. We do a Romanian Pinot Noir, Budureasca’s The Vine in Flames. We sell it at £15.99 and you could quite easily put it on the shelf as a £30 Burgundy and no one would know. Moldova has a very good winemaking history and I think we’ll see it, and other Eastern European countries, becoming more prominent, especially those that have historically traded with Russia and now want to trade with western Europe instead.” Matt Thompson H Champagne winner H
Lightfoot Wines, Wentworth, South Yorks
�South Africa, without a doubt. It’s really good value. It seems to be holding the price on some amazing stuff. In the £10-£12 range, there’s the Seriously Cool Chenin Blanc from Waterkloof, which is probably the best value wine on my shelves at the moment. But I’ve got some amazing South African at £8 a bottle. False Bay is also from Boutinot. Their Chenin, Syrah, Sauvignon and Pinotage wipe the floor with anything else around at the moment.”
Ann Hayes Ann et Vin, Newark, Nottinghamshire
�Italy is great value. There’s a lot of variation but that also means points of difference. Sampietrana is one of our biggest sellers. Spain is also good for value and there are a lot of wines that are new to customers from the smaller areas in the northern and central parts of the country, so we’re introducing people to things like Monastrell. We’ve also been selling a lot of Greek wines to people who are coming back from holidays. That’s good quality and value, rather than cheap.”
Stuart Rothwell The Vineyard, Ramsbottom, Lancashire
�Everyone I buy wine from has faced increased costs over the last few months. France still sticks in the £10-£12 price range and Italy does some fantastic lower-priced wines. When you go off to Argentina, South Africa and the US it tends to be higher price points. The majority of wines that punch above their weight are Italian. We’ve got a beautiful Primitivo from Puglia at a good price point that delivers on flavour and has a lingering taste.”
