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 »
Eszterbauer Nagyapám Kadarka 2023 from Szekszárd, Hungary, presents a delightful expression of the Kadarka grape. With an alcohol content of 12%, this wine is crafted in a lighter style yet impressively develops complexity over a couple of days of exposure. Its fragrant aroma of juicy cherry and strawberry is complemented by a delicate palate that… Read More »
The revival of South Africa’s Bordeaux blends marks a significant shift in the country’s winemaking narrative. Once a staple that introduced South African wines to the world, these blends faced a decline as winemakers explored various other styles. However, they have reclaimed their status, particularly from the renowned regions of Stellenbosch and Constantia. Historically, Bordeaux… Read More »
Wine and desserts in Riga In late February, I had the unique experience of judging at the annual Wine+Dessert Latvia contest in snowy Riga, where I tasted 14 desserts along with their paired wines—a first for me (albeit in modest spoonfuls). This competition, which has been thriving since 2010 and now includes Estonian participation, was… Read More »
Rippon, a stunning vineyard overlooking Lake Wānaka, is known as one of New Zealand’s most photographed estates, and with good reason. The name Wānaka translates to “a teaching place” in Māori, which aptly describes the educational experience offered by Nick Mills during my visit in September 2024. Originally purchased in 1912 by Percy Sargood, the… Read More »
Rosa Kruger has forged a remarkable path in the world of viticulture, propelled by a passion for old vines and a commitment to social change. Growing up as the great-great-granddaughter of Paul Kruger, she initially faced the conservative values of her family and pursued journalism and law, but ultimately chose to abandon traditional careers to… Read More »
Many people fantasize about owning a vineyard or having their own wine label. Consequently, it’s no wonder that celebrities are drawn to the allure of winemaking. From Hollywood stars acquiring vineyards in Napa Valley to pop music icons introducing widely popular wines, celebrity involvement in the wine industry has reached new heights. With substantial financial… Read More »