This issue’s Varietal Report focuses on Durif, and we present the story of Morris Wines, considered to be pioneers of the variety in Australia.

Some of Australia’s Durif growers share their stories of triumph with a variety that is renowned for the challenges it presents in the vineyard.

Vineyard development and redevelopment is a major focus of this issue, and we present the advice of Tony Hoare, of Hoare Consulting, in McLaren Vale, about the use of soil surveys for new vineyards to maximise uniformity.

Brown Brothers viticultural technical officer, Catherine Anderson, presents a case study of the company’s extensive experience with redevelopment of existing vineyards.

Langhorne Creek growers are grappling with severe drought conditions, exasperated by their main water source, Lake Alexandrina, increasing in salinity. Lauren Jones spoke with the leaders of the proposed water pipeline project as part of a feature about the region’s environmental activities.

Also in this issue, we present the latest research results on the topic of smoke taint. After a recent visit to Cental Otago, New Zealand Mark Smith tells the tale of Felton Road’s conversion to biodynamic grapegrowing.

Many growers may now be considering purchasing new vineyard machinery for the next season, and there is a great depth of information available about the new models on the market, and some interesting stories about growers’ own inventions.

For further information about Australian Viticulture or to secure your copy of the May/June issue, featuring other timely practical information visit www.winebiz.com.au/ausvit/ or telephone Winetitles on +618 8292 0888. ‹‹ hide

In the second instalment of the ‘Innovation for Success’ column by Vincent O’Brien of the Australian Wine Research Institute and Chris Colby of the University of Adelaide, crossflow microfiltration is touted as a viable option for the filtration of white wines, in particular.

Other winemaking highlights include the report by the Swiss researchers that have teamed up with an Australian wine industry supplier to identify the benefits of lysozyme in Australian winemaking, offering greater control with malolactic fermentation.

Pinot Noir continues to gather a legion of fans around the world and in this issue, we are pleased to present the results of Venetia Joscelyne’s research into the varying phenolic content – and subsequent sensory differences – between Old World and New World wines. The tasting included in Venetia’s report highlight the different characteristics in wines from the Australia, New Zealand, the USA and France.

Regular Wine Industry Journal business columnist Jonathan Scott has recently returned from another trip to the UK, where he was able to gain a great deal of insight to the UK Government’s increase in alcohol excise. In this issue’s column, Jonathan indicates the reasons for the excise hike, reactions and possible consequences for Australian wine, which may include an opportunity to increase prices for exporters of mid-priced wines.

The Wine Industry Journal thanks Tony Keys for making a special trip to Adelaide to interview Stephen Strachan of the Winemakers’ Federation of Australia, and Paul Henry of the Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation, about which path they think the Australian wine industry needs to take in the coming years. Tony’s interview highlights the strength in leadership that will be a vital element in ensuring the future success of Australian wine industry.

Valmai Hankel delves into the oenological life of Joseph Gilbert of Pewsey Vale in South Australia’s Barossa Valley. The Wine Industry Journal joins Valmai in thanking Simon Gilbert, of Wineworks of Australia, for his assistance in providing family history and photographs for Part One of this article. Look out for Part Two in our next issue.

The Wine Industry Journal wishes all our readers the best of luck for their new wine releases, and we look forward to your feedback about the information presented in the March/April issue. ‹‹ hide