Vienna’s WorldWineFestival attracts stars of the wine world

Pierre Lurton, Serena Sutcliffe MW, Jim Clendenen and Stephane Derenoncourt will be among the stars presenting at Vienna’s WorldWineFestival next month.

More than 65 of the world´s top wine producers and professionals will meet at Vienna´s Palais Coburg between 27 February and 1 March for the annual festival.

The former 19th century palace is now home to one of the world´s finest wine cellars with a 60,000-bottle collection valued at well over €20m.

Programmes and participants will range from Stéphane Derenoncourt, Bordeaux consultant and owner of Domaine de l´A in Saint-Emilion, who will present and discuss his ‘light’ approach to producing Bordeaux wines, a biodynamic winemaking workshop conducted by Dr Josef Schuller MW, head of the Austrian Wine Academy; and Sotheby´s international wine head Serena Sutcliffe MW.

Jim Clendenen of California´s Au Bon Climat winery and Jacob Duijn of Baden, Germany will look at the potential of Pinot Noir.

‘Things have changed a lot in Burgundy, and not just the warmer weather,’ Clendenen said. ‘The trellising systems, the availability of clones and rootstocks, there is much more now.

‘But there are a few other particular areas of the world – like New Zealand, Australia, Oregon, in California, and even elsewhere in France – that can be great for planting Pinot Noir.’

Another highlight will be Pierre Lurton, the director of Chateau dÝquem and Chateau Cheval Blanc, presenting the 1937, 1947 and 1967 vintages of Yquem.

The WorldWineFestival was founded in Bad Ragaz, Switzerland, in 1995, and is held each year alternately in Vienna and Bad Ragaz.

Written by Darrel Joseph