Julie Campos moves to Champagne
Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte has appointed Julie Campos as its new Commercial Director.
Having started her career working for an American industrial company based in France, Julie Campos joined Moreau & Fils in Chablis as its export manager, rising to commercial director and then MD. In 1999, she became MD of Cave de Tain-l’Hermitage in the Drôme region of France, where she was responsible for significant restructuring and commercial development.
Sparkling success
Régis Camus, head winemaker for Champagnes Piper‐Heidsieck and Charles Heidsieck, has won the title of ‘Sparkling Winemaker of the Year’ at the International Wine Challenge 2010 for the fifth time in his eight year career with the company.
Camus’ aim has been to increase the quality and consistency of the Piper-Heidsieck wines and to maintain the Charles Heidsieck style.
Camus first received this title in 2004, and then in 2007, 2008 and 2009. This fifth trophy seems confirmation that he has achieved his target.
Parrott joins Direct Wines
Dan Parrott is joining Direct Wines as senior buyer for its Australian and New Zealand wine range. Parrott, an Australian national, has spent the last five years buying for the Coles Liquor Group, which operates Vintage Cellars, First Choice, Liquorland and Coles Supermarkets in Australia. He is also a regular judge on the Australian Show circuit.
UK sommelier of the year
Sara Bachiorri, assistant head sommelier at London's The Glasshouse was winner of the 2010 Sud de France UK Sommelier Competition.
• Read the report
Young rising star back home in New Zealand
Winemaker Tamra Washington, despite being just 31 years old, has received many accolades and recently returned home to work in New Zealand after traveling across Europe and America to further her ambition – to make world class sustainable wines
• Read the report
Autard joins Skalli as MD
Skalli wines in the South of France has appointed of Franck Autard as its new MD based in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. He replaces Marc Badouin who has been MD since 1993.
Franck Autard, 39, is a graduate of ESA Purpan Agricultural Engineering College and completed an MBA at the business schools ESSEC and EM Lyon. He joined Lustucru Frais in 1999 (Skalli group), chiefly to develop the brand’s international profile, and later became sales and marketing director in 2005. He was appointed as the deputy MD of Lejay-Lagoute, a subsidiary of Henriot and the Japanese group Suntory, in 2007.
Ron Young promoted to director
Chalié Richards, the UK’s oldest wine merchant, has appointed Ron Young into the newly created role of director of sales across both Chalié Richards and H&A.
Young has been with Halewood owned H&A since May 2007, where he joined from Waverley TBS.
New tricks from Chix
Two individuals with no professional background in wine have leveraged life-time interests in viniculture to set up an agency to import exclusive, quality French wines into the UK.
Chix Chandaria (above), a former Bollywood dancer, and Dan Roebuck, a former mining engineer, have formed Hix & Buck to “to import exclusive, quality wines from undiscovered vineyards in France.”
• Read the report
Neil McGuigan named White Winemaker of the Year
The international wine trade paid tribute to leading Australian winemaker Neil McGuigan was named White Winemaker of the Year at the prestigious International Wine Challenge in London.
• Read the report
Franciaccota DOCG sparkling wines of Italy are produced by the traditional method, as used in the Champagne region of France
Burke Reschke
His driving ambition is to produce the best wine in Coonawarra
Drinks
Report editor Felicity Murray with Burke Resche
at the
UK press launch for Reschke wines held
at Guards Polo Club. Reshke is a sponsor
of the Cartier International polo day held at the club in Windsor Great Park.
| Wine
| People |
| Owain Davies becomes UK sales manager for Skalli Owain Davies has joined Southern French wine producer Skalli as the company’s new UK premium channel sales manager. Previously employed by Pernod Ricard, Owain gained experience as a business development executive for the on-trade and as a field sales manager, specialising in securing and maximising new on-trade accounts. This experience will continue to help to develop Skalli’s premium wine portfolio. Skalli produces wines in Corsica, the Languedoc, the Rhone Valley and Provence in the south of France and Napa Valley in California |
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| Laithwaites Wine has a new UK managing director – Glenn Caton Glenn joins Laithwaites Wine from Hiscox Insurance where he was managing director for the direct to consumer business in the UK. His impressive business background includes time spent as senior European marketing director for E&J Gallo and UK and European business and brand management for Procter and Gamble. Said Glenn: “The opportunity to work in a highly successful family wine business was too good to miss." |
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 Michel Roux Jr is not looking not for chefs but to raise the profile and importance of front-of-house skills |
BBC series highlights front-of-house skills The Academy of Food and Wine Service has been involved with the development of the programme and has provided two of the trainees with work scholarships. The series will not only highlight the training and career opportunitiesin the sector but also promises compelling viewing. |
| Johnson joins Precept Miles Johnson has joined Seattle-based Precept Wine Brands as marketing director. In this newly created position, Johnson will oversee Precept Wine Brands’ premium portfolio led by Waterbrook, Apex Cellars, Willow Crest, Alder Ridge and Browne Family Vineyards. Johnson has more than 19 years of marketing experience in the wine industry. Most recently he served as senior brand manager for Columbia Crest at Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. Johnson has also held marketing positions in California (Allied Domecq, Sebastiani) and Oregon (King Estate). |
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Cox joins Vinopolis as the new MD |
| Nichols and Paton join Thierry's management team The Thierry’s team has been expanded with the appointment of Rebecca Nichols as brand manager and Peter Paton as supply chain manager. Rebecca has a strong marketing background and has held key positions at Mattel, Pepsico and Organix. Most recently, she was head of customer marketing at Liz Earle, the UK’s largest independent beauty brand. Before moving into the field of marketing, Rebecca worked as a buyer for both W H Smith and Argos. Her key focus will be on raising the profile of Thierry’s own brands – Radcliffe’s, Ravelli and El Prado. Peter worked for Glenmorangie Whisky for around 15 years in manufacturing planning and all aspects of the supply chain from the bottle to the shelf. His most recent position at Glenmorangie was planning manager, which he held for six years. |
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 Hugo Salvestrini |
Salvestrini joins Ventisquero
Chilean producer Viña Ventisquero has appointed Hugo Salvestrini to the newly created position of director of premium wine sales. He joins the company following five years with Undurraga– initially as European market manager and then as brand manager for Aliwen. He has also spent time with Casa Lapostolle, Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Almaviva. |
| Michael Cox honoured by the President of Chile
At a reception for the President of Chile to mark Chile’s bicentenary at Vintners’ Hall in the City of London Michael Cox, European director of Wines of Chile, was made a Commander of the Order of Merit of Chile. This is the highest honour that can be bestowed on non-Chileans and is awarded to foreigners who have achieved distinction to the benefit of Chile. |
| His Excellency Tomás Muller, Chilean Ambassador to Great Britain, presented the award in the presence of His Excellency Sebastián Piñera, The President of Chile. In his speech of acceptance Michael Cox said that the award represented the proudest moment of his wine trade career that has spanned 40 years. President Piñera paid tribute to the export success story of his country’s wines and the positive impact wine has on the image of Chile oversees. In addition, he gave an impassioned account of the recent rescue of ‘Los 33’ miners from under the Atacama Desert, and how the miners were able to toast Chile’s 200th birthday underground on 18 September 2010 with a glass of wine. |
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| Nine New Masters of Wine Announced The Institute of Masters of Wine has admitted nine new Masters of Wine to its membership following the results of its 2010 examination. The news brings the total number of Masters of Wine in the world to 289, who are resident in 23 different countries. • Read the report |
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Brendan Seal moves from NZ to UK Denbies Wine Estate in the South of England has appointed Brendan Seal, former winemaker at Mount Edward Winery, New Zealand, as vintage winemaker and viticulturist. Denbies says: “Brendan’s New World and European experience will bring a different dimension to the development of Denbies still wine making." |
| Chatten becomes head winemaker at Geyser Peak Ascentia Wine Estates has promoted Ondine Chattan to the head winemaking position at Geyser Peak Winery in Sonoma County’s Alexander Valley. Chattan’s 15 years of winemaking experience include 10 at Geyser Peak and as winemaker for XYZin, which is also produced at the Geyser Peak winemaking facility. She had previously honed her skills with premier Zinfandel producers Ridge and Cline Cellars. Chatten holds an undergraduate degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and a master’s degree in enology from Fresno State University. |
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| Larry Levin heads to Chile and VIA Wines Maule winery, VIA Wines, has appointed US enologist Larry Levin to work as a consultant with VIA’s head winemaker, Rafael Tirado, on the Chilcas brand. Levin will also participate in the Oveja Negra “Lost Barrel” icon wine tasting panel. Levin has nearly three decades of experience working with fine wines in the winegrowing regions of California and Washington, as well as in Australia, New Zealand and Chile. He worked for many years with renowned experts as Michel Rolland, Jacques Boissenot and Philippe Melka and in major wineries including Quintessa, Mondavi, Franciscan, Mount Veeder, and others. He has also collaborated with Aurelio Montes in his Napa wine and Paso Robles projects. Levin’s efforts will focus primarily on Specialty and Icon wines. He will work closely with Rafael Tirado, touring vineyards and participating in winemaking decisions and tastings. |
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Goldschmidt joins Atlas Peak as consultant winemaker Nick Goldschmidt is one of the pioneering forces behind the Atlas Peak Mountain Cabernet Series. He believes that Napa Cabernet is a place of extremes, and that the four mountain appellations surrounding the Napa Valley are the pinnacle. Goldschmidt says: “I began this project in 2003 and I look forward to continuing to create wines of distinction for Atlas Peak. East vs. west and north vs. south means that these wines are uniquely different and can be measured under one label. With winemaking constant, only the extreme terroir of these rugged mountain vineyards will be revealed in the finished wine.” |
| Andy Battman wins WSET Thierry Cabanne Scholarship Award
Thierry’s, the UK’s leading wine importer and the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) has announced the winner of the Thierry Cabanne Scholarship Award 2010 at the WSET Awards and Graduation Ceremony which took place at the Guildhall last night (Monday 18 January). |
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Alvi’s Drift appoints three world-renowned winemaking consultants Alvi’s Drift, the award-winning winery from the Breede River Valley in South Africa, has appointed three of the world’s most sought after winemaking consultants to oversee its estate-grown and estate-made wines. John Worontschak and Sam Harrop MW from Litmus Wines are joining forces with fellow consultant Linley Schultz to take charge of the 6 million litre operation, making them one of the most accomplished winemaking teams in South Africa. |
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Litmus Wines |
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| Five decades in music – a decade in wine
Sir Cliff Richard is currently on tour to celebrate 50 years in the music industry; his wines celebrate their 10th vintage; are they on track to have a career as equally illustrious as their founder? David Baverstock, a Portugal based Australian, who has made some of the country’s finest reds in Esporão in the Alentejo first advised Sir Cliff Richard to change his land from growing figs to vines in 1997. Although the Algarve region has never been renowned as a wine growing area due to the hot dry climate; the cool refreshing Atlantic breeze has proved that the area has indeed got the ability to produce excellent wine. |
| Howard-Sneyd joins Direct Wines Justin Howard-Sneyd MW, previously head of wine at Waitrose, is to join Direct Wines as global wine director at the end of February 2010. He takes over from Dan Snook who is relocating to France to be MD for a Bordeaux negociant. Howard-Sneyd will be responsible for Direct Wines’ portfolio of wines across its international businesses, including its largest UK brand, Laithwaites Wine. |
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Peter Symington retires Peter Symington, widely recognised as the greatest taster of his generation and a living legend in the Port world, where he is known by many as ‘the nose’ has retired. Over his 45 year career working in the family company, he built on the rich legacy passed on by his winemaking forebears. |
| He worked with his cousins during a period in which the Symington family became by far the largest owner of vineyards in the Douro Valley with a collection of 25 quintas totaling 1,769 hectares (940 ha under vine). Symington and his family were pioneers in the introduction of advanced winemaking to the Douro. On the day of his retirement, Symington learned his first grandson had been born, the fifth generation of the Symington family in Portugal. |
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Women winemakers undaunted by French wine’s woes
French wine producers may not have much to rejoice about (French wine sales in the UK have dropped 6.5 per cent in the last year, according to Off Licence News), but deep down in the south of France, Languedoc-Roussillon’s Sud de France brand is pushing hard to make inroads at this tricky time With a monthly programme of themed tastings aimed at the trade and press, the brand’s central London showroom – the Maison de la Région Languedoc-Roussillon – gives producers the chance to show their wares to buyers, importers, sommeliers and journalists. A recent tasting focused on the fruits of a dozen female winemakers, two of whom have already confirmed orders with a major UK specialist retailer. Brit Catherine Wallace of Chateau de Combebelle is one of the Sud de France producers in question. She talks to The Drinks Report about being a woman in what has traditionally been a man’s world, and weathering the UK wine trade storm. |
| Romain Henry wins UK sommelier award
The Sud de France UK Sommelier of the Year competition has been won by 26 year-old Frenchman Romain Henry of Gordon Ramsay’s Maze restaurant Entrants had to complete a preliminary questionnaire about the regional characteristics of Languedoc-Roussillon wines, and those selected to go through to the semi-finals which involved a blind tasting and food and wine matching recommendations.The top three candidates (pictured below right) went through to the final were they were tested on correcting errors on a wine list, service, and recommending wine for a specific audience/occasion. |
Sud de France spokesperson Elodie Le Dréan said: “The judging panel was particularly impressed by Romain’s ability to engage with his audience, his confidence, and his in-depth knowledge of the wines of the south of France.” |
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 Francesca Moretti: her father's daughter Felicity Murray talks to the winemaker Francesca Moretti about her family, hectic schedules, responsibility … and Jack Russell terriers From the age of three, Francesca Moretti’s idea of fun was to help workers in her father’s winery – the Bellavista in Italy’s Franciacorta DOCG region – so it comes as no surprise that her lifelong ambition was to become a “doctor of wine”. Her father, Vittorio Moretti, started the Gruppo Terra Moretti wine business in 1977, initially as a hobby. He had bought the hillside property as a country home for the family away from the town where his construction business was based. From the small vineyard attached to the property he intended to make wine just for his family and friends, as his father had once done. “But,” explains Francesca, “my father is the sort of person that when he starts to make something he has to find the best possible way. So, being a perfectionist, he visited France to study Champagne production and found an oenologist to teach the person here in Brescia the traditional method of making sparkling wine.” This turned out to be just the beginning – every year the friends wanted much more of the wine and now the family has two wineries in Franciacorta – Bellavista and Contadi Castaldi – with a total of 290 ha, as well as two wineries in Tuscany. • Read the full story as featured in Drinks international |
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"I would hope to become the About the Moretti family |
| Reschke: luck and good judgement Felicity Murray talks to Burke Reschke managing director Reschke Wines about luck, polo and fine Coonawarra wine In just 10 years Burke Reschke, now 40 years
old, has developed a range of niche wine labels with growing international
acclaim. And his driving ambition to produce the best wine in Coonawarra
– one of Australia’s finest wine regions for Cabernet Sauvignons
in particular – could be close to being achieved, judging by Robert
Parker’s comments on the Reschke top of the range wine Empyrean:
“If you see it, do not hesitate. The 2002 and 2004 Empyrean Cabernets
may well be the benchmarks for Coonawarra Cabernet." But good management
there has clearly been in the setting up of this family wine business.
Burke’s futures trading background has clearly stood him in good
stead for he has successfully turned his passion for fine wine
into a reality by structuring and financing the business on a low
risk strategy and employing one of the best talents in the world
to help him create the wines – Peter Douglas, formerly chief winemaker
at the Wynns Coonawarra Estate. Burke’s father planted the first vineyards nineteen
years ago in 1989, which was between college years for Burke, on
part of the estate that his family have been farming cattle for
over a century. As a reflection of this heritage, the Reschke wine
labels bear the logo of a bull. “But cattle farming in the heart
the Coonawarra region is akin to having cattle in the best winegrowing
regions of Bordeaux,” explains Burke. “So given the value of this
land for viticulture it was inevitable that sooner or later we’d
be doing something with grapes." |
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“When I first arrived in Hong Kong, if you went out for a dinner or a wedding feast and you asked for a drink you were given a choice of either a can of beer – usually a San Miguel and not always a real one – or a full glass of Martell Cognac – nothing in between" |
Ross Meder |
| The Canadian who sells Aussie wine to the Chinese Ross Meder fell in love with Margaret River on holiday. He now distributes the Australian wines in China. Felicity Murray talks to him in his Hong Kong shop about how he’s passing on his passion to the Chinese. |
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