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New vintage sparkler from Jacob's Creek

Published:  23 July, 2008

Jacob's Creek's chief winemaker Phil Laffer has revealed that the company's first vintage sparkling wine will be released in the UK by the end of the year.

The 2004 Reserve Sparkling will be priced between 12-13, and is a blend of 77% Chardonnay and 23% Pinot Noir.

The grapes were sourced from Adelaide Hills and Tasmania, and 10,000 cases have been produced in total. Laffer also revealed that he was considering adding a Merlot and a Pinot Noir to the Reserve range.

He also announced details of a new book, a compilation of his thoughts on winemaking. The book, which has the working title The View from Jacob's Creek', will be sold through the website, www.jacobscreek.co.uk.

The 92-page book will be published in July, by Martin Books, and will also be sold on stand at consumer food and wine shows.

Laffer said: It's my views on Australia, on Australian winemaking, and what sets Australian wine aside. It's not aimed at beginners or cork-sniffers; it's speaking in a language that I agree with. It talks about wine and food matching, and it tries to simplify or debunk some of the rigmaroles and myths of wine, such as letting wine breathe.'

Other chapters in the book include Corks and closures', What's in a name', and Judging wine by price'.

Laffer added: I'm not trying to lecture to people, but letting wine breathe is an anachronism hung over from 100 years ago. Nowadays, if you do that, all you do is let the lovely aromas disappear into the ether. With Australian wines, it's all about fruit flavours and the freshness.'

And when told that Hugh Johnson is a fan of letting wines breathe, and even puts his name to a collection of wine jugs and decanters, Laffer replied: Good luck to him!'

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