When Rudiger Gretschel was interviewed for a position with Tim Rands (of Boekenhoutskloof and others), he expressed his ambition to produce wine from his own vineyard. This dream, seemingly distant for someone without a farm in South Africa, began to take shape as he became part of the team. His initial task involved sourcing Grenache… Read More »
As Bordeaux en primeur barrel tastings for the 2025 vintage begin, initial impressions suggest a promising year. The 2025 vintage is being praised for its combination of ripeness and structural elegance, reminiscent of other strong vintages ending in ‘5’. Early samples reveal that despite challenging growing conditions marked by intense heat and drought, the wines… Read More »
Nestled in the historic Champagne village of Aÿ, Champagne Bollinger is one of the region’s most distinguished names. Founded in 1829, the family-owned house is gearing up for its 200th anniversary, but there are surprising aspects that even seasoned enthusiasts might not know. Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting during the launch of Bollinger’s… Read More »
Might the concept of “epic wine” have substance? While the term evokes grand tales from oral traditions, it may very well apply to certain wines that convey a deep narrative through layers of flavor and complexity. Andrew Jefford reflects on the concept through the lens of a single bottle, the 2020 Kiridžija Dingač M from… Read More »
Chef and restaurateur Daniel Boulud, renowned for his Michelin one-star restaurant, Daniel in New York City, shares his thoughts on wine and memorable moments from his culinary journey. Current Wines on His Rack Boulud enjoys Château Biac and admits to a preference for French wines, specifically white and red Burgundies, Bordeaux, and Rhône varieties. His… Read More »
At Wine Paris, I had the opportunity to meet Faouzi Issa from Domaine des Tourelles, a prominent wine producer located in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley. Known for creating impressive wines, Domaine des Tourelles blends traditional French techniques with local flavors, specifically leveraging the unique terroir of their 50 hectares of vineyards situated at altitudes above 1000… Read More »
Lamb is to Easter what turkey is to Christmas; it’s a staple for a festive family meal. However, the common expectation of spring lamb might not be realistic if you’re not in regions like Spain or France, where lamb is usually milk-fed. Generally, what many enjoy is a more mature version of lamb, like hogget,… Read More »
Flint Vineyard’s Silex 2024 is receiving high praise as one of their best wines yet. This English still white wine showcases the talent of the East Anglian winery, composed of 66% Chardonnay, 24% Pinot Blanc, 6% Pinot Noir, and 4% Pinot Gris. With an alcohol content of 11.5%, the grapes are hand-harvested from their home… Read More »
The Champagne landscape is evolving, facing a more uncertain market after years of booming sales. Despite this challenge, it is an exciting time to observe the outstanding efforts of established Champagne houses, which are producing remarkable wines of incredible quality. Notably, Laurent-Perrier and a select few others are earning praise and recognition, suggesting that 2026… Read More »
On a recent journey through the DOCGs of Campania, I was drawn to the unique character of Greco di Tufo, a white grape variety that had once been overlooked but is now celebrated for its distinctive qualities. My adventure began with a visit to Vesuvius, followed by tastings of the latest vintages organized under the… Read More »