WITH TONY LOVE
Spitting is one of the most anti-social acts of all. Considered a horrid public taboo and a health hazard, it might be unacceptable in public but it is still practised regularly in sport and in the world of wine.
Boxers and swimmers deem it a necessity, while tennis great Goran Ivanisevic had form, and so too former Australian cricket captain Steve Smith. Football’s A-League has dealt with it, banning Brisbane defender Avraam Papadopoulos for seven games for spitting at Sydney striker Matt Simon.
But not only is it accepted in the wine business, it’s also encouraged at cellar doors, tasting benches, in show judgings, and on winery floors during barrel checks and blending sessions.
In many wineries it’s almost a competition to show the best, longest and most accurate spitting technique.
Two young filmmakers have now made a short feature about the art of spitting in the wine world, uncovering some of the best in the business.
Michael Williamson and Rhys Howlett