As the wine industry faces yet another crisis of overproduction, it is essential to reflect on the historical patterns of wine gluts, which have persistently troubled European viticulture since antiquity. Stuart Walton draws attention to this dilemma, highlighting its roots from the Roman Empire to the European wine lake of the 1970s. Overproduction poses a… Read More »
Mallorca, while not widely recognized as a wine destination, has been seeing some exciting new projects emerge, including Son Antem Alaró. This winery was established by Johan and Marin Lidby, a couple from Sweden who ventured into the world of fine wine. They manage 18 hectares of vines by hand, and what they produce has… Read More »
Previously known as Domaine Gagey, this estate is now branded as Famille Gagey, likely due to the inclusion of some non-domaine fruit in their blends. Located in Bourgogne, the Bouzeron appellation spans just 47 hectares and is solely dedicated to the Aligoté grape variety. The Louis Jadot Famille Gagey Bouzeron 2023 is an exceptional representation… Read More »
Champagne’s allure is undeniable, and whether you’re keen on a whirlwind experience or a leisurely getaway, a two-day trip can offer a taste of its enchantment. Here’s how to maximize your stay in Champagne, incorporating both exploration and relaxation. Where to Stay Reims: Known as the capital of Champagne, it’s perfect for those seeking hotels,… Read More »
Cristian Rimoldi, the export director for Champagne houses Salon and Delamotte, shares insights into his journey and the delightful world of Champagne. His early memories are infused with traditional Argentine family gatherings focused on food and wine, which sparked his lifelong interest in oenology. He initially pursued a career in marketing across various sectors before… Read More »
Invincible, the Douro project founded by Marc Kent and Rita Marques, is making waves in the wine industry. Marc Kent, renowned for his role at Boekenhoutskloof in South Africa, has dedicated significant time to the Douro region, while Rita Marques has a rich history in winemaking, previously associated with the Conceito label. Founded in 2000,… Read More »
In the heart of Chablis, the Hôtel de L’Étoile was a legendary destination in the early 20th century, frequented by notable figures such as Aristide Briand and King Alphonse XIII of Spain. Established in 1866, it became renowned for its exquisite dining, thanks in large part to chef Charles Bergerand. The restaurant offered memorable dishes,… Read More »
The final stage of sparkling wine production is known as disgorgement. After the second fermentation occurs inside the bottle, sediment forms, consisting of dead yeast cells and tartrate crystals. Initially, the sediment is settled in the neck of the bottle through a process called riddling. This involves gradually turning the bottles until the sediment collects… Read More »
When France’s wine appellations were introduced nearly 90 years ago, they aimed to combat post-phylloxera fraud and establish controlled origins for wine production. This system resulted in several appellations d’origine protégée (AOPs) emerging, notably during a tumultuous time marked by economic struggles and adverse weather conditions in the 1930s. Fast forward to the present, and… Read More »
I recently had the opportunity to see the Vitibot Bakus, an autonomous vineyard robot, in action for the first time at Domaine Louis Latour’s Grand Cru Corton-Charlemagne vineyards. This robot, which I’ve known about for years, is designed for precision cultivation tasks under the vine, a job known for being time-consuming and requiring careful execution.… Read More »