In a recent tasting event, the focus was on the diverse and captivating world of Fino and Manzanilla Sherry, celebrated for their craftsmanship and unique character. While the narrative surrounding Sherry often leans toward decline and nostalgia, the panel, which included David Williams, Simon Field MW, and Andrew Jefford, took a more optimistic view, highlighting… Read More »

The Hospices de Beaune’s 164th charity wine auction achieved a total of €14,404,200 (£12,040,927) on November 19, 2024. This figure is significantly lower than the previous year’s total of €23,279,800, according to Sotheby’s, the auction co-host. Despite the reduced overall amount, the average price per barrel increased slightly to €31,540 compared to last year’s €30,839.… Read More »

Porchetta is a traditional Italian dish featuring rolled roast pork that has gained popularity beyond its regional roots, tracing back to Ariccia in Lazio, with other towns such as Norcia in Umbria also claiming its heritage. Italian immigrants brought this savory dish to the United States in the early 20th century. The authenticity of porchetta… Read More »

I had the pleasure of tasting wines with Miguel Sarzies, who is a co-owner, vigneron, and winemaker at Domaine du Gringet, a distinguished wine producer located in Ayse within the Haute Savoie appellation, near Geneva and Annecy in the French Alps. This domaine represents the new vision for Domaine Belluard, established after the passing of… Read More »

We arrived at a viewpoint overlooking Collioure, but the stunning landscape was cloaked in rain clouds and swirling mist. The typically vibrant sea was now a dull grey, obscuring the beauty of the Côte de Vermeille. Amid the dampness, a couple of trail runners emerged from the underbrush, their recent climb rewarding them with views… Read More »

This remarkable wine was showcased during a special event held before the Pinot Massif gathering, which brought together numerous winemakers at Mitchelton in Goulburn Valley, Victoria. Michael Dhillon, known for his work at the esteemed Bindi winery, introduced the Mitchelton Cabernet Shiraz 1973. This wine, the first ever crafted at Mitchelton by Colin Preece, highlighted… Read More »

Chateau Musar Hochar Père et Fils 2019, hailing from Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, is a remarkable red wine that showcases a unique blend of Cinsault, Grenache, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Grown at an altitude of 1,000 meters, this wine is crafted using a low intervention approach and is aged for six months in barrels. With an alcohol… Read More »

Bastard Hill is as mythical as it is real, hidden in the temperate rainforest of Gladysdale in the Upper Yarra Valley. To reach the vineyard, one must navigate through towering tree ferns and listen for the elusive lyrebird. At just below 1,300 feet (400 meters), this unique site features red basalt soils uncommon in the… Read More »

Furious grape growers in the Rhône Valley rallied outside Lidl supermarkets in Orange and Bagnols-sur-Cèze, expressing their outrage over the sale of wine priced at a mere €1.69 per bottle. The protest involved smashing bottles of Côtes-du-Rhône wine, highlighting their discontent with prices they deem unsustainable. Jordan Charransol, president of the Young Farmers of Vaucluse,… Read More »

Tasting the MMAD Grenache 2022 from Blewitt Springs in McLaren Vale left a lasting impression after a recent dinner with wine enthusiasts. Produced by the Shaw & Smith winery, this Grenache comes from old vines planted in 1939, nestled in sandy soils characteristic of the region. The vineyard was acquired in 2021, and although some… Read More »