The narrative of wine has predominantly leaned towards a Eurocentric view, sidelining the rich history of its origins in the Near East. Although this area is widely recognized as the birthplace of wine, its significance diminished over centuries as European viticulture gained prominence during the Greco-Roman era. The advent of Islamic rule in Western Asia… Read More »
Bordeaux is gearing up for the 2025 en primeur releases, as prominent châteaux from Pauillac to Pomerol set to unveil their offerings. The anticipation builds as journalists, critics, and merchants converge for the annual barrel tastings. On May 1st, Decanter will provide hundreds of exclusive tasting notes and in-depth analyses to its Premium subscribers, showcasing… Read More »
The wine industry is currently facing a significant crisis driven by diminishing demand and increasing production costs. As pointed out by industry experts, this cycle of decline has reached unsettling levels, prompting discussions about the future of vineyards. A notable figure in the wine discourse, Jancis Robinson MW, raised the alarm in a Financial Times… Read More »
As London transitions into the warmth of spring, Daylesford Organic Farmshop on Pimlico Road serves as a perfect backdrop for an intimate dinner celebrating the Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA). The event brought together press members to savor a selection from the top winners of the 2025 competition. The elegant farmshop features a stunning marble… Read More »
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 »