People get passionate about the funniest things…

Football teams

Pineapple on pizza

Android versus iPhone

Now, I’m not going to get into any heated discussions about any of these topics (because we all know that I don’t care enough about football to contribute to that conversation, pineapple doesn’t belong on pizza and Android is by far the most superior operating system).

But check out how passionate these people got last week…

This is a photo of some furious French winemakers protesting cheap Spanish wine imports.

Local producers were seen hurling dozens of crates of Spanish sparkling wine off a lorry and gleefully smashing bottles while others unleashed a torrent of wine onto the streets by unscrewing a tank’s tap at the Le Bolou tollbooth, just ten miles from France’s border with Spain, last Thursday. 

You can find the full story and more photos here.

 

Perhaps not as intense as this example, but wine has sparked passionate debates, disagreements, and discussions for centuries.

This week, we’ll explore some of the most intriguing wine-related arguments and disagreements that have stirred up the wine community. 

 

Old World vs. New World Wines

Old World wines hail from regions with centuries of winemaking tradition, like France, Italy, and Spain. New World wines, on the other hand, come from countries with newer winemaking traditions, such as the United States, Australia, and Argentina.

Old World wines are celebrated for their history, elegance, and subtlety, while New World wines are praised for their bold flavours and modern winemaking techniques. The argument over which is superior rages on, with proponents of each side staunchly defending their preference.

 

Terroir

Terroir is a French term that encompasses the environmental factors that influence the characteristics of wine. They include soil, climate, and topography.

However, the debate surrounding the significance of terroir in winemaking is anything but subtle. Some believe that terroir is the heart and soul of wine, while others argue that it’s a marketing ploy.

Winemakers who swear by terroir insist that it is what gives their wine a unique sense of place. Sceptics argue that the influence of terroir is overstated and that winemaking techniques play a more substantial role in determining wine quality.

 

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Natural Wine Controversy

There is no denying that natural wine has gained a cult following. It’s defined as wine made with minimal intervention and without additives.

However, the debate over what qualifies as “natural” is a source of contention. Some purists argue that natural wine must be made using only traditional methods with no added sulphites, while others are more lenient, believing that some intervention is necessary for consistency and quality.

This disagreement reflects a broader discussion about authenticity, purity, and the definition of what constitutes natural winemaking. And it’s perhaps not good to get us started on this one!

 

Cork vs. Screw Cap

The battle between cork and screw cap closures is perhaps one of the most practical and visually apparent disagreements in the world of wine.

Cork, a traditional closure, has been used for centuries, and many believe it contributes to the aging process and adds character to wine. However, cork is also notorious for cork taint, which can ruin a bottle of wine.

Screw caps, introduced in the 20th century, are practical and effective in preventing cork taint. Nevertheless, some wine enthusiasts resist accepting them, citing tradition and perceived lower quality.

I’ve written an in-depth post about bottles closures in the past. You can read it here.

 

Member Party in the Club Courtyards!

We’re doing it again!

Come along to our next Club Party in the Courtyards…

• Freshly shucked oysters & cracking cold 23 Sauvignon Blanc upon entry
• Rounds of Mexican Mess (now becoming famous here!) and 22 Fumé Blanc to follow
• Dreamy asparagus tartlets, fresh from the Mulots Patisserie ovens, with the glorious 22 Chardonnay
• Slurps of the 20 Reserve Chardonnay to finish, alongside a very special imported brie.

Sunday November 5th, 12 – 1:30pm.

$65pp for you, and $75 for your guests should you want to invite any to join the fun.

Send me an email if you’d like to come along!