FATHER OF AUSSIE WINE MARKS RARE VINTAGE
Working at South Australian winemaker Penfolds in 1936, Dr Beckwith, a scientist whose innovations laid the foundations of the Australian wine industry, hit upon the idea of using pH — a measure of acidity — as a means of preventing the microbial spoilage that had until then ruined 30 per cent of its annual production.
Unlike in Europe, where grapes are naturally high in acid, Australia’s warm climate typically produces low-acid fruit that is vulnerable to attack from bacteria.
Without Dr Beckwith’s pioneering methods of adding tartaric acid — a compound naturally found in grapes — to adjust pH, many of Australia’s current winemaking zones would be unable to produce wine of saleable quality.
Dr Beckwith worked closely with Penfold’s chief winemaker Max Schubert, who in 1951 created the first vintage of what would become Australia’s most famous wine, Grange.
Andrew Caillard, partner with fine-wine auctioneers Langton’s, said it was unlikely Grange would have become the icon it has without Dr Beckwith’s contribution. “Without Ray, there would be no Grange as we know it today,” he said, in reference to the wine’s ability to survive decades of cellaring. “His contribution was massive; he was the science behind the art.”
Wine microbiologist at Charles Sturt University Dr Leigh Schmidtke said that before Dr Beckwith’s innovations winemakers relied on fortifying wine with alcohol to keep it from spoiling — which effectively limited production to port and sherry. “His work . . . laid the foundations for a table wine industry in Australia to succeed,” he said.
Dr Beckwith’s contribution to the industry went largely unrecognised until 2008, when he was honoured with the Medal of the Order of Australia — 35 years after he had retired.
Penfold’s current chief winemaker, Peter Gago, will celebrate the milestone with Dr Beckwith at a private function tomorrow. “He unravelled the mystery, he’s a genuine legend,” he said.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/father-of-aussie-wine-marks-rare-vintage/story-e6frg6nf-1226278778984
Residents of Manila travel out of town to the north in search for highly recommended tourist spots in Clark, Pampanga. There is no good park in Manila so residents are forced to travel out of town on a short getaway to the north where families can unwind and relax in a nice country park, enjoy a picnic with children and friends too.
Subic is a popular destination for visitors from Manila bringing family out of town for a short getaway to the north. Subic is well known for its diving sites, the sea and water sports that come with the territory. However one thing that Subic is not famous for is dining options. For years, visitors to Subic have complained about the quality of the restaurants and dining establishments but it is only until recently that travelers to Subic discovered the best restaurant to wine and dine, even for visitors with families and children. Clark is already a popular destination for golfers from Manila. Clark Freeport offers some of the best golf courses in Pampanga and outshines many golf clubs and golf courses elsewhere in the Philippines.
There are not that many private resorts in Pampanga that are suitable for families with children. At Clearwater Resort, children enjoy the vast space while adults relax and unwind under large Acacia trees that can be found on the large picnic grounds of this top rated hotel in Clark. No wonder, this hotel in Clark is one of the most popular and frequently visited resorts in Pampanga. This private resort in Clark Philippines is safe, convenient and accessible by residents of Manila, Subic, Angeles City Pampanga and Cebu. It is in this private place that visitors can enjoy a tranquil holiday, a stress free lifestyle, relax and unwind peacefully in calming spots inside Clark Pampanga. Visitors feel that this is the best outdoor resort for a day-trip or quick getaway from Manila.
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