Frédéric Marc Burrier has spent years leading the Pouilly-Fuissé region, yet he remains refreshingly genuine, far from the political theatrics often seen in the industry. His journey is interwoven with change, reflecting both personal growth and broader developments in wine classification. The first visit I made to Le Pichet de Solutré two decades ago was… Read More »
As with last year, I had the pleasure of experiencing Henschke’s single vineyard releases alongside Stephen and Prue during a Zoom call. Their wines are a testament to the joy of winemaking, evident even in my first visit in July, where the rain welcomed me on a particularly dry day. At Henschke, located in Eden… Read More »
Once part-owned by Robert Parker and now belonging to the esteemed Artemis stable, Beaux Frères continues to produce exceptional Pinot Noir under the management of founder Mike G Etzel’s son, Mike D Etzel. In a significant shift, Mike D took over as winemaker in 2016 and later ascended to leadership in 2023, after years of… Read More »
When I visited Angelo Gaja in Barbaresco, he made an unexpected claim: "The future of winemaking is in white wines." This statement was particularly striking coming from Gaja, a master of Nebbiolo, known for the iconic red wines of Barbaresco and Barolo. Gaja has always been ahead of the curve, having previously produced two Chardonnays—Gaia… Read More »
Meerlust, a renowned winery situated on the outskirts of Stellenbosch, continues to impress with its latest wine releases. Known for its flagship wine, Rubicon, Meerlust offers a diverse selection that is both notable and affordably priced. Recent Releases Meerlust Estate Red 2022The estate red has been renamed to highlight its status as an estate wine.… Read More »
Montpeyroux, located in the Languedoc region of southern France, has received official recognition as a new ‘cru’ appellation, set to debut with the 2026 vintage. This decision, confirmed by the French National Institute for Origin and Quality (INAO) in February 2026, marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the area’s wine landscape, transitioning from… Read More »
I recently discovered the enchanting wines crafted by Anne-Claire Schott in the Three Lakes region of Switzerland. Situated in Neuchatel, Schott employs Demeter-Certified biodynamic practices on her vineyard. Anne-Claire presents two distinct labels: the first adheres to the traditional styles established by her parents, Peter and Marie-Thérèse; the second, known as Aroma der Landschaft, reflects… Read More »
The Dirty Martini has surged in popularity, capturing the attention of cocktail enthusiasts worldwide. Andy Loudon, director of bars at Rosewood London, notes a significant shift towards savory, umami-driven drinks, and the Dirty Martini is a prime example. It seamlessly marries familiarity with a punch of flavor, offering a savory experience without the need for… Read More »
Pairing wine with food is a nuanced art that goes beyond rigid rules. A notable Master of Wine once proclaimed, "Champagne goes with everything!" While Champagne is indeed delightful, it doesn’t always suit every dish—especially heavy proteins like Confit de Canard or Kobe beef, where its acidity clashes with the richness. On the other hand,… Read More »
Black Chalk is gaining recognition as one of the most intriguing English sparkling wine producers since their initial vintage in 2015. Initially crafted at Hattingley Valley, winemaker Jacob Leadley left in 2018 to devote himself entirely to Black Chalk, teaming up with Zoë Driver, who had been collaborating with him at Hattingley. The duo has… Read More »