Welcome to the April 2005 Vinodiversity Newsletter.

In this issue: 2005 Vintage report, Varietal tasting at Jwow, Wine Varieties Table, and at the end of this newsletter are some bargains for my loyal subscribers.

But first I will ask you a favour. if you have any friends who you think might enjoy this newsletter please forward it on to them. The information here and on the Vinodiversity website is compiled to be shared with friends.

The 2005 Vintage is all but over in many Australian wine regions. There is still some work to be done in the cooler regions but a picture is emerging of what we are to expect. For Vinodiversity readers who want to be the first to know I am compiling reports from growers and winemakers, especially those with alternative varieties. You can watch the 2005 vintage unfold at https://www.vinodiversity.com/vintage-2005.html

My friends at the Jwow wine bar in Melbourne are holding a special tasting evening on Thursday 9 June. It would be good to meet some of the subscribers to this newsletter at this event. So put the date in the diary. More details will be available in the next newsletter.

The Wine Varieties Table and Index is a wonderful resource to get to know about wine varieties. The table covers about 180 of the more common varieties with the entries arranged by acidity and weight of typical wines. For example The other night I shared a bottle of Fitou with some friends. this is an inky dark wine from the Languedoc region in France. The index was able to give me information which was not on the label. I was quickly able to find that the major varieties of the Fitou appellation were Carignan, Grenache and Lladoner pelut supplemented by Mourvedre, Syrah, Grenache rose, Cinsaut, Macabeo and Terret noir.

The table and index is available for $US35 and now Australian can get it with the freight reduced to $US5. Buy it through the vinodiversity site. It makes the perfect gift for the discerning wine lover, but better still get one for yourself.

Our partners in wine have recovered from March Madness just in time to fall into a bout of April Foolishness. Well their prices are no joke, but you need to act fast.

Offer #1 (under Email Specials) Be quick for big wine savings. This is not a misprint - Save more than 50% off recommended retail price on these selected wines! There are no minimum or maximum quantities, and you can mix and match your order. This special offer is strictly valid only until Tuesday 19 April 05.

Offer #2 (under Weekly Specials) Free delivery on the 15 Weekly Web Specials on offer. You only have until Tuesday 11 April to get this deal.

Offer #3 (Under Cellar News) There are lots of specials here, mixed dozens, all reds, all whites, often with bonus bottles as well. But my favourite this month is the $98 dozen. Buy two dozen and you will get a free box of Crown Lager!

You can access all of these wine specials through this Special Link Take a few minutes to explore the site, there are lots of Bonuses and Bargains to be had. You can even join one of their wine plans.

Don't forget you can get the breaking news from the Vinodiversity Blog!

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