Our Shanghai correspondent, Mick Knuppel, warms to the “art of life” and the wines from the South of France at the Gerard Bertrand dinner, Le Royal Meridien, voted 2011 Best European Winery, by Wine Enthusiast Read More >

My appreciation of “grower” champagne began whilst living in Singapore. Henry Hariyono, Artisan Cellars – http://www.artisan-cellars.com/ introduced me to the wonders of REAL champagne – terrior expression and low/no dosage. Read More >

In concluding my tour of Piedmont, it is only fitting to finish up with a grape with small plantings here but it is representative of the region every time one brings up the subject of Piedmont. Nebbiolo needs no introduction. To the locals, Nebbiolo in Piedmont is like what Pinot Noir is to the Burgundians. Read More >

Our intrepid Singapore Sommelier, Shalom Chin, treks through the hills of Dogliani in Piedmont and discovers some serious Dolcetto. Read More >

The Wandering Palate Shanghai correspondent toasts Sir George Fistonich and Villa Maria, New Zealand, 50^th Anniversary in style. Read More >

While Nebbiolo makes up only 3 to 6 precent of the grapes grown in Piedmont, Barbera is the most widely grown grape in Piedmont and second to only to Sangiovese in Italy. This is why it is known as “the people’s wine”. However, like Nebbiolo, this is a grape that is used in many different versions. In Piedmont, there is Barbera d’Alba DOC, Barbera d’Asti DOCG, Barbera del Monferrato DOC and Barbera del Monferrato Superiore DOCG. Read More >

Moscato – A perception problem

In Piedmont, you cannot go to Asti and leave without tasting Moscato. Moscato di Canelli, known as Frontignac in Australia and as Muscat Blanc à Petit Grains in France, is one of the most widely well-received and loved grapes around the world. At parties, it is easily favoured by new wine drinkers because of its approachability and sweetness. It is bought up in cases by people with a sweet tooth due to its affordability. Wineries produce it because it generates good revenue. The bubbles that usually come with it add joviality to the occasion. However, to seasoned drinkers, it is viewed as a boring and unsophisticated wine, which is predominately sugared grape juice. Read More >

Dexter is the eponymous label of Tod and Debbie Dexter, based at Merricks North on the Mornington Peninsula. The vineyard was established in 1987. Now just over 7 hectares, it’s planted to Chardonnay and Pinot noir in roughly equal proportions. The vine age for the Chardonnay averages 20 years and the Pinot 15 years. Read More >

I’m not easily persuaded by the marketing department, but when I saw the Route du Van label, I had to try the wines. There is even a fuel gauge on top of the screwcap showing a full tank. Handy. Read More >

Although the North-east of Italy is known for its Barolo, Barbaresco, Moscato and Gavi, not many people would expect that Piedmont can produce such a wide array of wines made from international varietals. Read More >