Australian Wine Vintages 2017

Now in its 34th Edition, Australian Wine Vintages (also known as -The Gold Book') is the essential guide to discovering the best local wines this year, no matter the price point or your level of wine knowledge. Written by Rob Geddes MW, it provides detailed tasting notes of over 3500 wines from Australian and New Zealand in print, and over 13,500 in the App.

Empowering wine buyers by demystifying the experience, Rob Geddes showcases the top 10% of Australian wineries that are proven consistent to drink, cellar and invest. With over 100 new wineries and 1000 new wines included in this edition, the book includes past vintage details for those who are cellaring or trading back vintages, as well as a guide to the various wine varieties and regions so you know what to look for. The Gold star list recognises the most consistent high quality wines in Australia, with an annual list of the top 100 wines tasted.

Accompanied by a panel of experts from other Master of Wine recipients, Sommeliers, major retail buyers and winemakers, all of the wines featured are tasted independently and objectively.

Suitable for both newbies and seasoned collectors, the 34th edition of Australian Wine Vintages is a trusted companion for exploring wine country or your local bottle shop.

Sydney-based Rob Geddes, Master of Wine, has been immersed in every aspect of the wine industry for more than 30 years as an author, consultant, speaker, judge and educator, and is one of less than 20 MWs in Australia today. Rob has recently been awarded various titles including visiting professor at China's A&F Northwest University, and Ambassador of Jumilla and the grape Monastrell. Rob is known for his charismatic and often humorous presentation style and his encyclopaedic knowledge of wine. He is also a judge at numerous national and international wine shows.

Australian Wine Vintages 2017
Geddes a Drink Publications
Author: Rob Geddes
ISBN: 9780992493646
RRP: $34.95

Interview with Rob Geddes

Question: Can we buy a good bottle of wine for under $20?

Rob Geddes: Under $20 is difficult these days. It is now under $30.00 Good is hard to define and there are a lot of quite fresh fruity reds and whites that have enough character to be so good with food you will go on drinking them. Yalumba have been the name most associated with good reds and Taylors good whites.


Question: When and how should we cellar wine?

Rob Geddes: Cellaring offers a lot of fun and we all should have a few sentimental bottles for special people, times or events. I am a big believer that wine can be part of these moments. A wine fridge is a good start, if not most of all consistent temperatures and no vibration. Start with a case of something you like and drink a bottle every 6 months and if it starts to change too quickly drink it up. Best of all buy some good advice like my book and try out the advice. Cellaring wine is like a child so look in on them frequently and enjoy the journey to maturity.


Question: Are low alcohol wines or organic wines better for us?

Rob Geddes: The idea that wine can be better for us goes back to the days when you could not trust the water. Today moderation is the answer and it's to be seen in sales, people are drinking less. Organic is good for everyone from the birds and the bees to the soil, and onto you but it won't be if you drink too much. Low alcohol is something that is either a genuine light wine: german riesling, moscato, wine spritzer, Pewsey Vale Prima is a good Australian try or hunter valley semillon or else an artful modern winemakers big brand product with a price tag. Me I am happy to add water to my wine, or drink slowly.


Question: What should we be drinking and buying as gifts, this Christmas?

Rob Geddes: Christmas gifts are so about personal taste that it's not the gift it's the person and their taste that matters most. For the older set a Sparkling Shiraz especially if they are cooking!! Its corks off as the sun goes down on the traditional wine that celebrates all that is individual and special about Australia and partners with ham and turkey well. Rose for drinking and Italian varietals for gifting , particularly Sangiovese, Barbera, Nebbiolo and Vermentino.


Question: What is the difference between moscato and pink moscato?

Rob Geddes: Moscato and its pink sister are variations on the theme of the grapey sweet low alcohol sparkling wines that are ideal simmer drinking or as a dessert wine with fresh fruit salad. The pink version is not known in Italy the home of Moscato but my Australian winemaking and grape growing friends tell me that Yellowglen has a purpose planted mature vineyard for this -wine and my tastings confirm it is the best in Australia. Given it's not made anywhere else it's possible to call it world's best. Neat eh.


Interview by Brooke Hunter.

 

Australian Wine Vintages 2017
Geddes a Drink Publications
Author: Rob Geddes

ISBN: 9780992493646
RRP: $34.95