Tips

How long to Cellar Wine?

Three major trends have developed that cause the traditional wine cellaring approach to need change. Three major trends have developed that cause the traditional wine cellaring approach to need change. Under the influence of critics such as the American Robert Parker whose favourable review allows a huge increase in the price charged by the wine …

How long to Cellar Wine? Read More »

Natural Wines

“Natural Wine” is a term bandied around. There really isnt a precise definition although one hardened group insists it means wine with no added acid (adding tartaric acid, the same acid as found naturally in grapes, is common in Australian wine making). Not only does natural wine indicate lesser additives and a healthier product, it …

Natural Wines Read More »

Italian Wines

Italian wines are trendy. The grape varieties in Italy are different from the French grapes that traditionally are grown in Australia. Whereas the French varieties have higher alcohol and harmonise well with oak barrels, Italian varieties are lighter, drier and if a red, more tannic. However as a drink that is easy or with modern …

Italian Wines Read More »

Times for Eating

People get into their routines and a different meal time can be quite upsetting. European adults notoriously eat much later in the evenings than the English, Americans, Australians and others. Older retired people tend to eat earlier. If travelling with older people, the latter often want food around dusk – yet in Europe few restaurants …

Times for Eating Read More »

Food and Wine Bores

This is a classic problem – especially the conversation dominating type. You have to do your best to skirt around the inevitable long winded noise. Wait for a briefest of lulls and introduce a new topic; talk to another person.