AOC
The AOC has a worthy cause. It is there to maintain standards of quality and style. In some ways it is a shame that it has to exist. It says that there are people who are willing to cheat the consumer. To produce poor quality wine and to present it as something else.
However, the AOC does not allow for innovation. A wine is tested against history and so it is very difficult to try new things or to follow market demand.
I am in this situation now. I want to make a light (11.5%) elegant merlot that appeals to a younger audience but the AOC insist that I make a heavy (13%) rustic red.
C'mon innovate or die!
Posted on: 20/11/2008 by: Mark Hellyar
Elementary
We're trying something new!
The 2007 harvest produced a small parcel of lighter Merlot (11.5%) which is beautifully smooth and advanced for its age. Rather than blend this, we have decided to bottle this as a single varietal and sell it as a 'special'. It is meant to be fun and is more like a Pinot Noir than a traditional Merlot. We love it, However, stock is very limited...
Posted on: 11/09/2008 by: Mark Hellyar
Véraison
Its a great sight to see the grapes raching maturity. The magic time when the grapes turn from green to black is called "véraison". Some people don't realise that all grapes start off green and it is only after this process that the red wine grapes show their true colour...
Posted on: 08/09/2008 by: Mark Hellyar
Thanks for the plug...
Take a look at this interview with David Cobbold by VinBordeaux. I couldn't agree with you more David...Posted on: 11/08/2008 by: Mark Hellyar
"Hey Hey Hey Mrs Robinson"
JancisRobinson.com rates us!
This is great! I am delighted to get such an important rating for our first harvest. We are passionate about our respectful approach to winemaking and this recognition confirms that we are doing the right thing and can build on this success.
We were given 16+/20 for our first harvest 2006 and 15.5/20 for our 2007
Many thanks to Julia Harding MW.
Posted on: 23/06/2008 by: Mark Hellyar
