January 21, 2009

GRAPE RADIO INTERVIEW - Maggie Harrison, Lillian & Antica Terra

Let’s assume you’ve worked with Manfred Krankl at Sine Qua Non for the last eight years. What could you possibly do for an encore? Well, if you’re Maggie Harrison, you would become part of a venture to work with Oregon Pinot Noir. And then, you’d get to work on your own label as well.

The recent history of Oregon’s Antica Terra winery began when a group of four individuals, including winemaker Maggie Harrison, purchased the winery in 2005 and two years later planted additional acres of Pinot noir, with more planting planned for 2008. The new winery should come on-line in 2009. For her own label, Maggie is sourcing Syrah from Santa Maria Valley for her own, Lillian label, a small lot collection named for her grandmother.

Join us as we talk with Maggie Harrison, about her past experiences with the iconic SQN, and her current projects in Oregon and with California Syrah.

January 19, 2009

GRAPE RADIO INTERVIEW - Ray Walker, Domaine Ilan, France

Ray Walker departs February 8, 2009 to set up the logistics for his negociant wine business in Burgundy. Only 27 years old, Ray left behind a promising career in the financial world a few years ago to pursue a career in winemaking.

Smitten by Pinot Noir, and Burgundy in particular, Ray quite his job and moved his young family to Sonoma where he was mentored by Ed Kurtzman and others. While many of his type would have been satisfied with a winemaking career in California, Ray felt a pull to return to Pinot Noir’s Holy Land. He immersed himself in the French culture and language and made plans to develop his independent label, Domaine Ilan, in Burgundy.

Join us as we listen to Ray Walker tell his captivating story.

January 15, 2009

GRAPE RADIO INTERVIEW - Craig Murphy, Long Boat, New Zealand

Located at the top of New Zealand’s South Island, Marlborough is home to the Kiwi’s largest wine growing region. Its international reputation has been cemented with the production of some excellent Sauvignon Blanc, along with some very nice Chardonnay and Riesling, and it is now flirting with Pinot Noir. However, fully one-third of the region is planted to Sauvignon Blanc, making it akin to the national grape. And, it’s no wonder - with plenty of sun, cool nights, and very little autumn rain, the well-drained gravel-laced alluvial soils make a comfortable home to the grape.

So, it should come as no surprise that a new Marlborough producer, Long Boat, is also concentrating on Savignon Blanc (“Savi” in Kiwi). However, they’ve decided to push the envelope and grow the wine at an elevation of 400-1,000 feet in the more remote Awatere and Waihopai Valleys, rather than on the flatlands of the Wairau. They feel the added stress of the vines should produce wines with more intense flavors.

Join us as we talk with Craig Murphy, winemaker and winery manager for Long Boat, about the country, the region, and Long Boat’s own unique style of “Savi.”

January 14, 2009

GRAPE RADIO INTERVIEW - Rob Mann, Cape Mentelle, Australia

Born and raised in Western Australia, Rob Mann followed in the family tradition - oenology. After receiving his degree from University of Adelaide, Rob worked for Hardy’s in McLaren Vale, before returning home to pickup the reins at Cape Mentelle Vineyards in 2005 in Australia’s Margaret River region. Cape Mentelle was one of the first vineyards established in the area. First planted in 1970, there are now over 180 hectares under vine. Founded by West Australian wine industry pioneer David Hohnen, Cape Mentelle is credited with pioneering many varietals and blends in the region, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Shiraz and Sauvignon Blanc Semillon.

The Margaret River region is located in the Southwest corner of the “land down under,” stretching about 100 km from north to south, and about 27 km in width. The climate here is Mediterranean, with mild wet winters and warm dry summers – approximating something like Bordeaux in a dry season. Although it contributes only 3% of the country’s total grape output, it commands over 20% of its wine market. With over 5,500 hectares under vine, there are over 120 producers in the region. Grape varieties grown include: Cabernet, Shiraz, Merlot, Chardonnay, Semilion and Sauvignon Blanc.

Join us as we talk with Rob Mann about Australia, the Margaret River region, to see if it really is different “down under.”