The wine industry has recently welcomed a new grape variety: Sémillon Gris, a naturally occurring mutation of the Sémillon grape, officially recognized by the OIV with roots in South Africa. Sémillon Gris is distinctively a pink-skinned variant of Sémillon, and while it has been long affiliated with South African vineyards, formal recognition brings its status… Read More »

Donavan Rall’s wines have captivated me since my first encounter with them 15 years ago, and his Rall Syrah 2024 from Swartland, South Africa, is no exception. This captivating wine has an alcohol content of 13% and is aged in concrete. It opens with floral aromatics that hint at stony nuances, complemented by the sweetness… Read More »

Château la Commaraine in Pommard, Burgundy has emerged as a highly anticipated luxury hotel and spa, recently opened to the delight of wine enthusiasts. This establishment offers a unique experience; it’s not just near top vineyards, but set within one, surrounded by the historic Clos de la Commaraine premier cru vineyard. The château, which has… Read More »

Cabernet Sauvignon is globally celebrated for crafting full-bodied red wines abundant in rich blackcurrant flavors, robust tannins, and notable longevity. This iconic grape variety is the most widely cultivated in the world, thriving across approximately 340,000 hectares. If these vines were consolidated, the vineyard would span an area resembling Long Island, Mallorca, or Goa. From… Read More »

Impressed by two offerings from Ponzi Vineyards, an Oregon winery established in 1970, the third in the state and now owned by Bollinger since 2021. Ponzi Vineyards Laurelwood District Chardonnay 2021This Chardonnay, hailing from the Chehalem Mountains in Willamette Valley, boasts an alcohol content of 13.1%. The Laurelwood soil series, consisting of windblown loess atop… Read More »

Welcome to Clare Valley, one of South Australia’s oldest and most innovative wine regions, renowned for producing exceptional wines since 1851. Despite its modest size—approximately 35 km long and 5-10 km wide—Clare Valley has made a significant mark on the global wine scene, accounting for less than 1.5% of Australia’s total wine production. Location and… Read More »

The name Château La Tour Figeac suggests a prominent structure, but in reality, there’s no tower to view at the estate located in St-Émilion. The unusual name derives from a mill that once stood atop an old well, marking the historical significance of the site. Château La Tour Figeac emerged following the fragmentation of Château… Read More »

Graham Beck is renowned for its exceptional traditional method sparkling wines in South Africa, known as Cap Classiques. The Graham Beck Blanc de Blancs 2020 is a new addition to their impressive lineup. This release is made entirely from Chardonnay grapes, using only the cuvée press fraction. Of the wine, 46% is fermented in both… Read More »

As dawn breaks over the misty hills of Piedmont, I accompany Michele, a renowned truffle hunter, and his spirited dog, Macchia, into the woods. Nestled in a dirt-smudged Fiat Panda, we step into the cool air, thick with the rich scent of damp earth and moss. Michele, one of Alba’s respected trifulau, shares a secret:… Read More »

Popped into Singburi in Shoreditch for a late lunch and left full, happy, and eager to return. London has earned a strong reputation for its Thai cuisine, with notable spots like Anglothai and Smoking Goat being greatly praised. Singburi lives up to this reputation based on today’s experience. The restaurant has a bright, modern dining… Read More »