Post-Vintage Vine Care

Post-Vintage Vine Care

Posted by on Oct 11, 2016 in The Winemaker's Journal | No Comments

Albeit in dribs and drabs, rain has finally come after a long, extended period of drought that resulted in a below average tonnage of otherwise very healthy wine grapes harvested this past summer. The precipitation arrives in time so that the vines can replenish themselves before going into dormancy to get strong again for the […]

You Say Varietal, I Say Variety

You Say Varietal, I Say Variety

Posted by on Sep 30, 2016 in The Winemaker's Journal | No Comments

Rummaging through the pages of a keepsake wine list of a long-forgotten Maltese restaurant with a three-colour charcoal drawing on the cover of a bottle of Pommard next to a pair of vermouth glasses, I realise how wine preferences have changed. Judging by the vintages and prices, the faded list must be about 50 years […]

Red Wine Molecules may Slow Down Alzheimer’s

Red Wine Molecules may Slow Down Alzheimer’s

Resveratrol, a polyphenolic compound found in red wine, has been mentioned for years for its apparent powers to prolong life and protect against a range of ailments. Previously, clinical trials had found that resveratrol in tablet form, containing concentrated amounts to quantities found in 1000 bottles of red wine, slows down Alzheimer’s symptoms in patients […]

The Flavour of Barbie Pink

The Flavour of Barbie Pink

Posted by on Sep 19, 2016 in The Winemaker's Journal | No Comments

Tasting wine drawn from tank just days or weeks after the grapes were crushed to a juicy mush is pretty much like watching a football team warm up. At this early stage, the new wine has yet to become a truly united outfit. The fruit, tannin, acidity, flavour and aroma are still separate ingredients, acting […]

Viognier Go!

Viognier Go!

Posted by on Sep 13, 2016 in The Winemaker's Journal | No Comments

This year’s wine festivals in Malta and Gozo got caught up in an unusual fad. I’m not referring to Pokémania or the Pokémon Go players engrossed in their virtual phone game so lost in the real world of wine stalls that they remained oblivious to the vinous treasures up for tasting. Out in the parks […]