2010 Hospice du Rhône Seminar Series
Expand your Rhône wine knowledge at the 18th Annual Hospice du Rhône celebration by taking in the 2010 Seminar Series. The seminars will guide you through the wine growing regions of France, South Africa and Washington State.
Friday, April 30, 2010
9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Seminar One
We've Come a Long Way Baby! The Past, Present and Future of South African Syrah
Producers: Marc Kent, Boekenhoutskloof; David Trafford, De Trafford; Eben Sadie, Fairview Winery; Andrea Mullineux, Mullineaux Family Wines; Eben Sadie, Sadie Family Wines; Tulbagh Mountain Vineyards; Chris Mullineux, Stellenzicht
Moderated by: James Molesworth, Wine Spectator
A timeline of the evolution of South African Syrah. Six South African producers will lead you through the history of winemaking in their country. Their presentation will include wines from the best of the Old School, before Nelson Mandela was released and their industry was fairly isolated. You will become acquainted wiht the time when the world was opening up for their country and wine industry and examine a wine that took things to a new level from the late 90's then on to the more recent wines which together will give a good picture of Syrah in the Cape today. There are wines from the most important Syrah regions/terroirs as well as different vintages, and there are also a couple of blends to show what might be possible into the future.
10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Seminar Two
Côte Rôtie - The Next Generation
Producer: Stéphane Ogier of Domaine Michel and Stéphane Ogier, Ampuis, France
Moderated by: John Alban, Founding Director of Hospice du Rhône
Prior to 1980, Michel Ogier sold off both his fruit and the wines he produced to the large negoçiant Marcel Guigal. Michel later began to bottle wines under his own label. Nearly 20 years later, Stéphane, his son, is in now charge. His youthful energy and passion for the vineyards and winemaking have resulted in the estate’s rise to superstar status over the past ten years.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Seminar Three
Washington State: The Perfect Haven for “The UltimateTerroirist”
Producer: Charles Smith of K Vintners, Walla Walla, Washington
Moderated by: Alan Kropf, Mutineer Magazine
Charles Smith of K Vintners located in Walla Walla, Washington will pilot us on what he describes as, “…A sensory exploration of the diverse growing regions of Eastern Washington or “explode this bomb in your mouth, yo!”
Amongst his many accolades, Charles was named Food & Wine Magazines 2009 American Wine Awards Winemaker of the Year. Robert Parker reveals that, “When it comes to his wines, the otherwise wild and irrepressible Charles Smith is as serious as a heart attack. Charles Smith knows where to find the great grapes. In a region where blending is still the rule of thumb, he is the ultimate terroirist.”
10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Seminar Four
An Incredible Cambie-nation
Producers: Vincent Maurel of Clos Saint Jean, Michel Tardieu of Tardieu-Laurent and Philippe Cambie, Consulting Winemaker
Moderated by: Jeb Dunnuck, The Rhône Report
This dynamic trio could not represent the Southern Rhône wine experience any better with what they have to offer in their wines and their knowledge of the region. All three are internationally regarded as foremost experts at their craft.
Now, go and treat yourself and your palate to an international exploration of Rhône wines at the 2010 event!
