Chardonnay, the world’s favorite white wine variety, has an interesting history marked by fluctuations in popularity. In the 2000s, it faced a significant backlash as wine enthusiasts grew weary of the heavily oaked, high-alcohol Chardonnays produced in Australia and California. This led to the rise of the ABC (Anything But Chardonnay) movement, pushing many drinkers… Read More »
Esterházy is a notable estate situated in the Leithaberg subregion of Burgenland, Austria, recognized for its rich historical heritage, particularly linked to the royal family who once owned the castle on the estate. This castle, still in royal hands, not only stands as a historic landmark but also serves as a venue for various musical… Read More »
Mission to Mercurey Sarah Marsh MW embarks on a journey through the vineyards of Mercurey, guided by Amaury Devillard, president of the Mercurey Growers’ Association. Over the past ten years, Mercurey has witnessed a notable elevation in wine quality due to significant vineyard investments and a shift in focus from quantity to quality. The soil… Read More »
When discussing his passion for wine, American actor Kyle MacLachlan shares that about half of his cellar comprises wines from Washington, where he actively participates in winemaking. He particularly enjoys Cabernet, often keeping a selection from winemaker Daniel Wampfler, who also crafts wine at Abeja. MacLachlan has recently been drawn to Pinot Noir from California’s… Read More »
When discussing the rise of Tasmanian whisky, it is important to understand its historical roots. The story begins in the early 1800s when the British Empire expanded to places like Van Diemen’s Land, now known as Tasmania. This led to the establishment of a penal colony in 1803, setting the stage for the region’s spirits… Read More »
As Jon Wyand presents a series of captivating images influenced by Vincent Van Gogh, he reflects on the significance of vineyard paintings, both real and imagined. It’s intriguing to note that while 19th-century French artists commonly depicted cornfields and gardens, vineyards were rarely included. Van Gogh stood out with his focus on these landscapes. His… Read More »
Panel tasting results: The best Picpoul de Pinets offering texture, flavour and freshness A recent tasting of 65 Picpoul de Pinet wines revealed an impressive diversity and quality that showcases why these wines are a staple on bistro and gastro-pub wine lists. Conducted by Natalie Earl, Heather Dougherty, and Wieteke Teppema, the panel evaluated the… Read More »
Many Austrian wineries are family-owned, and a change of generations often serves as a catalyst for reinvention. This transformation is underway at Netzl winery, where Christina Netzl is introducing a new lineup of wines alongside the traditional offerings from her father, Franz. The collaboration showcases both innovation and a respect for established practices. The Netzl… Read More »
Laurent-Perrier 2018 and Grand Siècle Iteration 27: Aromatic Precision The family-owned Laurent-Perrier Champagne house showcases its unique approach with two significant wines: the 2018 Vintage and Grand Siècle Iteration 27. Unlike corporate giants like LVMH or Lanson BCC, Laurent-Perrier remains focused solely on its singular brand and its family roots, which are evident in the… Read More »
Château Lafleur has made waves in the Bordeaux wine community by participating in the 2025 en primeur campaign as its first release under the ‘Vin de France’ designation. This change follows the estate’s decision to withdraw from the Pomerol and Bordeaux appellations, allowing the winemakers more flexibility to adapt to climate change challenges. On May… Read More »