On a recent Saturday morning, I visited Dynamic Vines in Bermondsey, where Natalie Milan showcased a selection of wines from Domaine Milan. Formerly known as Henri Milan, the estate has shifted leadership to Henri’s son, Théophile, and his wife, Natalie. The estate was initiated by Henri’s father, who started focusing on organic and natural wine… Read More »

Sauvignon Blanc, although not native to Italy, has become one of the country’s most significant white grape varieties. Noteworthy examples primarily emerge from Friuli Venezia Giulia and Alto Adige, with additional variations found in Piedmont, Trentino, Umbria, and Tuscany. Friuli Venezia Giulia In the Gorizia province’s commune of Mariano, the Gallo family of Vie di… Read More »

It was in 2001 that Jorge Moreira launched Poeira, embarking on his personal winemaking journey after previously working with Real Compania Velha. By 2002, he was also the winemaker at Quinta de La Rosa. I’ve been following his wines since their inception and have always appreciated his philosophy of selecting north-facing vineyards, harvesting early, and… Read More »

My initial experience in southern Italy began on an awkward note while flying from Rome to Palermo, Sicily. The air conditioning failed mid-flight, and I awoke disoriented and sweat-drenched. Upon landing, I found myself in a baggage area under renovation, where locals exploited the temporary structure, crawling outside to smoke in the sweltering heat. Palermo… Read More »

French scientist Paul Truel invented Marselan in 1961 by crossing Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache in a lab, aiming to develop a grape that thrived in the warm conditions of the Languedoc region. Initially, Marselan found some success in this area but faced challenges due to its small grape size leading to lower yields, making it… Read More »

Australian Chardonnay is thriving, particularly in the Margaret River region, which is recognized for producing some of the finest examples of this grape variety. The Gingin clone flourishes here, yielding wines that are rich, generous, and exhibit remarkable elegance and longevity. Experts like Jancis Robinson MW have even noted the allure of Western Australian Chardonnays… Read More »

Tasmania, Australia’s smallest state, boasts an impressive array of microclimates and terroirs perfect for wine production, particularly Chardonnay. Notable producers, such as Dawson James, Decades, Freycinet, Stargazer, Tolpuddle, and Holyman, are reimagining what Tasmanian Chardonnay can offer. Dawson James Founded by veteran winemakers Peter Dawson and Tim James, Dawson James is a boutique endeavor focused… Read More »

Roger Taylor, the drummer of Queen, has launched a new rosé wine called Queen Côtes de Provence Rosé Cuvée Rock n’ Roll 2025, set to hit stores in the UK on May 5th. The wine, a blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Cinsault, reflects Taylor’s vision of creating something that embodies joy and togetherness. In… Read More »

Buying wine en primeur has two main advantages. First, if the wine is highly sought after, purchasing it at this stage ensures you secure your allocation. However, for most Bordeaux wines—the primary wines sold this way—this is not typically the case. The second potential benefit arises when the release price is appealing, which may allow… Read More »