Infestation Threatens N.Z. Vineyards

A root-destroying louse has been found in a New Zealand vineyard.

Martin Anderson, president of the Central Otago Winegrowers Association, said an infestation of phylloxera has caused vineyard owners to begin assessing what their management practices should be. Some, he said, will have to replant with phylloxera-resistant root stock.

The phylloxera pest nearly wiped out the European wine industry in the late 1800s. They overcame the threat by importing resistant American rootstocks and graft their vines on to them.



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For Madonna, It's a Very Good Year

Madonna has made a career of reinventing her image. Her latest: winemaker.

The singer / dancer / actress / author / entrepreneur's wine will be sold in bottles carrying an image of her on the label along with a "certificate of authenticity," whatever that may be.

Four wines will be available, the most expensive of them a 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon selling for about $40 a bottle. The others are a pinot grigio and a barbera ($29 each)and a non-alcoholic "unwine" ($25 -- for a bottle of grape juice). The series of wines is labeled "Confessions On a Dance Floor." One of the images is taken from her 11th studio album of that name.

This may turn out to be a classier offering from the Queen of Pop than the "Jesus Juice" a California couple is trying to market with the King of Pop on the label.



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