THE third triennial Australian Cabernet Symposium was hosted in Coonawarra last week, where the region’s industry leaders and wine lovers learnt about the extensive history of the variety and opportunities for the future.
The symposium also discussed innovations and developments in the fields of wine research, viticulture, winemaking and the marketing of cabernet sauvignon.
“Coonawarra continues to carve the direction for excellence in the world’s most widely planted grape variety – cabernet sauvignon,” Wynns Coonawarra Estate winemaker Sue Hodder said.
“During this event, we put all aspects of growing, making and marketing premium cabernet under the microscope in a global context.”
The symposium was facilitated by Dig & Fish managing director Angie Bradbury and featured Australian and international specialists who shared their insights about the many unique facets of cabernet sauvignon.
The program brought together key presenters discussing three themes – the evolving viticultural paradigm, enhancing cabernet expression and sharing exceptional cabernet.
Guest speakers included Bordeaux-Cognac Department of The French Wine and Vine Institute (IFV) chief manager Marie Catherine Dufour, who discussed understanding the French approach to clonal material/propagation.
Ms Dufour has experimented with the growth of grapes and specialises in genetic clonal selection, which she has been involved with for 20 years.
“This is my first time in Australia and I have enjoyed discovering Coonawarra’s wonderful vineyards and the quality of the wines,” she said.
Seguin Moreau’s research and development manager Andrei Prida discussed recent achievements in oak wood chemistry.
This was the second time Mr Prida had visited Coonawarra, arriving in the region 10 years ago.
“I think events such as these are great to interact with winemakers as it allows us to share experiences and learn from other regions,” he said.
Other guest speakers included Opus One winemaker Michael Silacci, who discussed insights into international cabernet winemaking, focusing on the Californian experience, and Mayura Station’s Scott de Bruin discussed the art of storytelling and place in regard to marketing success.
“Some of the most respected international researchers and winemakers have made the trip to the terra rossa soil to share the latest findings and opinions, predict future trends, taste world class wines and address challenges,” cabernet symposium committee chair Cath Kidman said.
A pruning workshop on the Friday was facilitated by international pruning specialist Marco Simonit to provide insight into Mr Simonit’s pruning methods now adopted by leading producers worldwide, proven to extend the life of vines and improve the quality of the wines.
The pruning workshop consisted of an information session, followed by a practical hands-on demonstration in the vineyard.
