by Jeff Miller of Artisan Family of Wines (Seven Artisans, Sly Dog Cellars, Red Côte)
Every Wednesday I post my recommendations of the best of last week’s postings concerning wine, whether blogs or news. I list them in the order I read them, so you shouldn’t infer anything about the order in which I list these posts.
Lots of interesting posts this week.
Creating a Real Voice For American Wine Consumers
Wark’s Fermentation
It seems like every interest group in the wine world is represented except the consumer. That’s about to change.
Pitfalls and Talent at Wine Competitions
Wark’s Fermentation
http://fermentation.typepad.com/fermentation/2011/07/pitfalls-and-talent-at-wine-competitions.html
The perils of judging at a wine competition. I have my doubts that any meaningful results can flow from such a challenging process.
How to ruin a wine
On Wine by Dan Berger
As Berger notes, most wines are served at the entirely wrong temperature.
A New Understanding of Wine Blogs
Wark’s Fermentation
http://fermentation.typepad.com/fermentation/2011/07/a-new-understanding-of-wine-blogs.html
Wark makes the case that wine blogging shouldn’t be considered as something separate and apart, but as another aspect of wine writing in general.
Gruner Veltliner
Two Dogs, a Flamingo and a Bottle of Wine
http://dogswine.blogspot.com/2011/07/gruner-veltliner.html
This variety should get a lot more attention than it does. It’s definitely an alternative to the more mainstream white varieties (e.g., Chardonnay).
The Little Engine That Could ~ Bob Ecker ~ Wine Writer #44
Wine Blog
http://www.wine-blog.org/index.php/2011/07/22/the-little-engine-that-could-bob-ecker-wine-wrtier-44/
I have to admit upfront that Bob Ecker is a good friend of mine, so I’m maybe a bit biased, but this interview is well worth reading, focusing on a wide range of issues concerning wine writing.
Thoughts on California Tempranillo
Steve Heimoff
http://www.steveheimoff.com/index.php/2011/07/19/thoughts-on-california-tempranillo/
I’m not sure that others would agree with Heimoff that California Tempranillo isn’t up to snuff. I, for one, have found them generally to be good wines, albeit a little more beefy than their Spanish counterparts.
Farm Thieves Target Grapes, and Even Bees
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/22/us/22crime.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=tha23
Another threat to farmers, as theft of farm produce and equipment rises.
For keeping up to date with what’s going on the in wine world, the best all around source is http://winebusiness.com.
