In episode 179 of The Drinking Hour podcast, host David Kermode is joined by Alex Hunt MW, purchasing director at Berkman Wine Cellars, and sommelier-turned-communicator Shanteh Wale. Kermode, Hunt and Wale were all judges at the recent IWSC Judging in Australia’s Margaret River.
The trio discuss the history of Margaret River as a winemaking area and mark the recent passing of the ‘godfather of the region’, Dr John Gladstones. Wale goes on to explain the pivotal role Gladstones played in Margaret River’s development as a wine region.
Kermode asks his two fellow judges what defines the wines of Margaret River. Hunt’s answer lies in what he classes as ‘beauty in moderation’, while Wale focuses on maritime influence and touches on the efforts by some Margaret River winemakers to incorporate indigenous cultures and practices.
Other topics on the agenda include favourite grape varieties from the region, overall perceptions of the wines they judged, their hopes for the region and their advice to Margaret River’s winemakers. They end the episode with Hunt’s tips on how to overcome palate fatigue, after the recent judging saw him taste more than 130 wines in one day.
Discover more episodes of The Drinking Hour with David Kermode here.
