Jane Lopes - All Comments

RE: Reconsidering Chianti Classico

Steve Murphey — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 01:50:52 GMT

really spot on insight. enjoyed it

RE: Discovering Australia

Guillaume Barray — Sun, 23 Sep 2018 04:34:59 GMT

Hello Jane,

Thank you for the dialectic approach, very inspiring!

While I share your critical approach - big up to the prominent greeniness at the entry level; which coming from Europe made me initially and still going almost exclusively for homeland wines, I most definitely share a growing excitement about varietals and spirits nicely executed around here, and how nicely!

I am happy that I know a good proportion of the winemakers and distillery that you bring up to support this vision, and equally glad that I don't know the rest, for I am most definitely sure it will make up for good tastings!

RE: Discovering Australia

Jhea Fulgaro — Tue, 25 Jul 2017 06:17:34 GMT

I Feel the same passion for these great and unsung Aussie wines. I think a lot of US sommeliers just don't get to try them or have preconceived notions of them and don't try them. Which is a shame. There are so many parallels between our two countries on great wine... and of course on not so great wine, but you have to get out there and drink it. I promise there's magic in those bottles.

RE: Discovering Australia

Wendy Shoemaker — Tue, 18 Jul 2017 05:47:39 GMT

Great writing! Thanks for sharing! You and Jon have a great time!!

RE: Discovering Australia

Matthieu Ghezouli — Thu, 13 Jul 2017 07:42:47 GMT

Thanks for this really interesting article and way of life. Hope to read more soon!

RE: Discovering Australia

Eric D. Major — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 20:49:46 GMT

You are quite the writer. Lots of great knowledge and perspective here. Kudos and best of luck!

RE: Discovering Australia

Jessica Norris — Wed, 28 Jun 2017 11:19:51 GMT

I truly love the way you look at the wine world. You are inspiring and I miss your face.

RE: Discovering Australia

Christopher Ramelb — Wed, 28 Jun 2017 10:42:25 GMT

Wonderful piece, Jane! A great message and with so much personality. Look forward to reading more of your work.

RE: Discovering Australia

Brad Hardt — Mon, 26 Jun 2017 23:13:18 GMT

Great article! Especially liked the exciting right now portion.

RE: Discovering Australia

kathleen thomas — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 19:04:39 GMT

Thank you for sharing. The writing is superb as well!

RE: Discovering Australia

Rachael Ryan — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 16:45:22 GMT

Great article, Jane, with some spot-on insights. Having worked and lived in Australia for nearly three years myself, you are absolutely correct that Australians produce some great wines and are truly proud of them. (If I had a dollar for every time a guest solemnly informed me that Australia makes the best wine in the world...)

But, I think it's important to point one one MAJOR factor in the Australian wine industry you didn't mention: the Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) which is a 29% tax levied on all imports (also technically levied on domestic producers, but this is largely canceled out by rebates and tax credits) in addition to a 5% duty. This is the main reason imported wine is so expensive in Australia, even accounting for more complex transportation, a smaller market, fewer importers, less competition, etc.

The WET tax essentially promotes the home team and stymies foreign competition. Some may see this as not in line with a free market economy, but many small American winemakers (myself included) honestly wish we had something similar here. If more people were nudged to buy domestic wine they'd probably realize, much like in Australia, how good so much of it is! It frustrates me to no end how many consumers are committed to local produce and meat, yet will line the table with foreign wine. And why wouldn't they, when it's the same price or in many cases, even cheaper, than a domestic counterpart?

RE: Discovering Australia

Andrey Ivanov — Sat, 17 Jun 2017 17:24:41 GMT

Attica is one of the top three meals of meals of my life, I am so glad the beverage program rests in your hands now! Great article, I am longing for some Aussie Pinot Meunier right about now.

RE: Discovering Australia

Nicole Hakli — Sat, 17 Jun 2017 15:37:19 GMT

My favorite part of this whole thing was embracing the local wines. I hope that others read this entry and feel inspired to be ambassadors for their own wine history. Ten years from now, who will be telling the story of American wine but American sommeliers? And wouldn't that be really sad if we let that pass by? This is one of the most exciting times in wine because we know so much more about technology and viticulture. Who knew that incredible wine could be grown in Arizona? (ex: Hidden Hand, Caduceus) I'm really looking forward to sommeliers getting on board... Thanks for sharing your new passion, Jane!

RE: Discovering Australia

alessandro dimare — Sat, 17 Jun 2017 15:23:27 GMT

I just got back from harvest in Victoria for Reed Wines and it truly opened my eyes of how incredible Australian wines really are. I admit I really missed American wine while there but wines from Australia and Tasmania did not let me down. And I feel your pain with alcohol prices as they are sky high. I wish i was able to get wines to the Alabama area like Bindi, Head, Best's, Syrahmi, Mount Langi Ghiran... the list goes on and on. An unforgettable experience. Thank you for the great read!

RE: Discovering Australia

Jim Bube — Sat, 17 Jun 2017 05:43:50 GMT

Great read, Ms. Time to procure some Aussie Fiano and Meunier!