The Full Bottle
Do you judge a wine bottle by its label? The origins of some Australian designs might surprise
Wine labels are like any other kind of label: they’re designed to sell the product. But what’s the story behind some of our popular brands?
- Huon Hooke
Is Australian red wine becoming more alcoholic because of climate change?
There has been a general increase in the alcoholic strength of red table wines over the past 20 to 30 years and debate continues as to why.
- Huon Hooke
Does the term ‘fine wine’ refer to a wine’s quality or its texture?
“Fine wine” and “noble” are rather outdated terms and not often heard today, probably because they have a slight whiff of elitism.
- Huon Hooke
A bunch of grapes: Why some single-region wines now use fruit from different places
With a finite supply of fruit in historic regions, winemakers may need to look elsewhere for complementary grapes.
- Huon Hooke
What are the best red wines to cellar for 18-plus years?
Laying down a dozen wines for a newborn to enjoy in the future is a fine tradition, but it comes with risks.
- Huon Hooke
‘The poor man’s Grange’ now costs how much?
The reason why the Penfolds Bin is retailing at more than $100.
- Huon Hooke
What is the best way to store a bottle of port if it has a screwcap?
The bottle cap doesn’t need to be kept wet like cork does. Just don’t call it “vintage port”.
- Huon Hooke
Why does my champagne taste oxidised? How to sniff out wine faults
Many factors can make your bottle of bubbly taste a little off. Here is how to avoid them.
- Huon Hooke
Wine myth busting: Does adding cling wrap to a bottle get rid of cork taint?
Dunking plastic into wine can help eliminate that musty cork taste, but there’s a catch.
- Huon Hooke
Dreaming about planting your own vineyard or starting a winery? Read this first
The cost of establishing a vineyard has never been higher, and then you have to sell the wine. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
- Huon Hooke