This new single-vineyard sparkling wine, the Black Chalk HiDE Extra Brut 2021, hails from the chalky terrains of Hampshire, England. It features a blend of 48% Pinot Noir, 47% Chardonnay, and 5% Pinot Meunier, with 5% of the base wine undergoing barrel fermentation. The vineyard was established in 2011, and the wine’s unique character stems… Read More »

Winnica Moderna, located in Poland’s warm Lower Silesian region, boasts vineyards nestled in the Trzebnickie Hills. I had the opportunity to sample their wines alongside owner Nestor Kościański. Wine Tasting Notes Winnica Moderna Pet Nat ‘F*ck the Frost’ 2024 Varietals: 80% Rondo, 20% Johanniter Description: A challenging 2024 harvest due to spring frost yielded only… Read More »

It was a bright, hot Friday in mid-April two years ago when I found myself in the medieval village of St-Guilhem-le-Désert in Hérault, France. The family encouraged me to take a long-desired path, urging me to return within two hours. The village, home to only 230 residents, boasts a rich history dating back to the… Read More »

The importance of prioritizing the well-being of workers and their communities in the wine industry is becoming increasingly clear. As the economic landscape reflects the challenges faced by wineries, the connection between the sustainability of these businesses and the welfare of the people involved is paramount. In South America, this issue has become particularly evident.… Read More »

As part of the recent Island Wines Summit held in Tenerife, attendees had the opportunity to sample a variety of wines from the island, organized by appellation. The tasting highlighted some notable discoveries, although it notably excluded any wines from Suertes del Marques, often regarded as among the finest from Tenerife. DO Valle de la… Read More »

A visit to the 2025 Old Vine Conference in Napa prompted Sarah Marsh MW to delve into the complex merits and flaws of old vines. The discussions, featuring wine luminaries from ten countries, centered around the common belief that old-vine wines are inherently superior, yet Marsh expressed ambivalence towards the extreme preservation of these grapes… Read More »

Port Wine Day offers a delightful opportunity to explore and enjoy Port wine in unexpected ways. This celebration not only highlights the excitement surrounding the recent Vintage 2024 declaration but also encourages appreciation of Port’s fresher, more affordable options that often go unnoticed. To fully embrace this year’s Port Wine Day, it’s time to rethink… Read More »

Continuing the exploration of the exceptional VDP tastings held in Wiesbaden, August 2026, here are some detailed notes on the delightful Rheingau Rieslings I experienced. The scores reflect my appreciation for these outstanding wines. August Kesseler Riesling Lorchhausen SELIGMACHER 2025 Rheingau: This wine showcases a focused, lime-laden nose with remarkable precision. The palate reveals a… Read More »

Billecart-Salmon, a prestigious Champagne house, was established shortly after the Congress of Vienna, marking a new era for France post-empire. The union of Nicolas-François Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ laid the foundation for a dynasty that would prioritize quality wine production, greatly influenced by Elisabeth’s brother, Louis. His expertise in cool fermentation and temperature… Read More »

Anthony Rose highlights some exceptional Spätburgunder wines from the 2025 vintage in his latest VDP Grosses Gewächs Sneak Preview. The selection emphasizes the remarkable quality of Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder) from various German regions. Ahr Region 2024 Spätburgunder, Sonnenberg, Neuenahr, Jean StoddenThis wine shows a youthful intensity with rich dark berry and cherry flavors. Initially strong… Read More »