Tomorrow I leave early for Austin to attend the 2008 Texas Sommelier Conference (or for those in the Biz – Texsom 2008). I expect two days of simulating discussion on the lastest and greatest things in the wine world.
On Sunday, we will review wines from Washington (state – Not D.C.), Argentina (The Country) Loire Valley (like in France), Italy: North and Central, France: Medoc and Graves.
On Monday, we will start with tasing wine flaws, Erstes Gewaches (German highest quality wines), New Zealand, Italy: Southern & the Islands, Beverage Management and Porto, Madiera, and Sherry.
What do I expect? I don’t know….maybe a total geek out! But, it should be a chance to get the drop on some of the hottest action in wines from around the world.
Examples of “Hot of the Hot”:
Washington – How does Columbia Crest keep making great value wines, year after year?
Argentina – The success of the Australians spurred on the likes of Chile and Argentina to target export markets with well made affordable wines. The result? This caused the producers in France, Spain, Italy, Germany and other traditional wine nations to take a long, hard look at their industries
Loire Valley – The area long known for Chenin Blanc has decreased from 9,000 to 4,500 hectares in thirty years, replaced mainly by Cabernet Franc.
North Central Italy – Cortese, Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara, Barbera, Teroldego and Nebbiolo are not exotic new Italian cars.
Actually, they are Italian grape varietals. Italy has more varietals than any other country. It is hard to keep up.
New Zealand – They are moving from Sauvignon Blanc (they just redefined it….that’s all!) and now going to Pinot Noir, Syrah, Viognier and more.
Over the next couple days, I will try to blog from the conference. I will keep you up to speed on the “NEW of the NEW” and the “HOT of the HOT” in wines from around the world.
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