Col.Mustard, in Prosecco, with a flash flood

Tragically, northern Italy suffered flash flooding last week, which lead to a number of casualties and sadly, deaths, in some regions. An area just north of Treviso has claimed that large plantings of Glera (used to make Prosecco) in recent years has left the ground unstable, and unable to fend against sudden downpours.

As consumers search for better value for money, and non-offensive flavours compared with Champagne, Prosecco consumption has spiked, particularly in the UK. Giving producers in the region little to consider in terms of adding a few hectares to their hilltop sites.

Prosecutors are filing charges for manslaughter against some producers.

Summer, summer, summer tiiiiime!

Wow, it's certainly been a while since I've posted anything huh?!

 

Well, what has been happening since my last wine-related rambling? LOTS!

 

Firstly, I have finished my second year at Plumpton, one year to go! I had a flourish of decent grades at the end of the year which made my final mark a solid 2:1, something I really wasn't expecting. I think a 2:1 in a BSc is a good thing, right?! One of the marks I'm most proud of was an exam on plant hormones, it was one of those exams that lasts a lifetime, you choose just one question from a choice of two and regurgitate everything that you know on the subject and hope some of it sticks (I even managed to slip in a few references!)

 

Another thing which is worth a quick mention is a potential employer contacting me after sending a fairly speculative application to them, they had a job on the WSET's website, which sounded bloomin' amazing! So I pinged them a quick email saying this and that, and they seemed to quite like it, I'll hear more back about this after vintage this summer, fingers crossed! It would involve a lot of travel to the states and Asia, double fingers crossed.

 

Now then, after Teresa May and her band of merry numpties decided to lay off hundreds of passport office staff before the summer months (good one...), my passport was delayed somewhat. I'm happy to say I've now received it, and will be joining the chaps at Gentilini Winery in Kefalonia (Greece) on Tuesday, until the 23rd Sept. I'll be helping them in all things winery related (grape processing, fermentation management, additions, stabilisation etc etc). Generally helping to make sure their wines are sellable!

 

I'll attach some snaps to make you all a bit jealous...

 

Outside of wine, I've just returned from a quick trip to Rome with the girlfriend, what an amazing city. Cant wait to go back!

 

Have a good Aug/Sept folks