Croser calls for affordable quality

THE INTERNATIONAL financial downturn will sort out the producers of ‘trophy wines' as drinkers become more discriminating and demand to pay less for their quality wines, according to industry statesman, Brian Croser. The founder of Petaluma and former president of the Winemakers' Federation of Australia believes "austerity conscious" fine wine consumers are seeking out more modestly priced, "authentic" wines, made naturally, that reflect their terroir. This, he adds, could be to Australia's advantage. "We urgently need to focus our efforts and international attention on the attributes