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 »
These are some captivating Portuguese wines that shone during the 2025 International Wine Challenge, shared through a live tasting on Instagram that delved into the nuances of success in this esteemed blind tasting event. Adega Coop de Ponte de Lima Loureiro 2024 Vinho Verde, Portugal12% alcohol. This cooperative wine demonstrates the potential of Portugal’s best… Read More »
Our updated wine and music quiz offers a fun and engaging way to explore the connection between these two cultural staples. With ten multiple-choice questions, the quiz invites you to traverse various genres and notable figures while delving into the science of music and wine pairing. It’s a light-hearted challenge: can you achieve a perfect… Read More »
I have previously discussed cork taint, which has significantly decreased since its peak in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Although still present, it is not as problematic as it once was. In contrast, issues with screwcaps are rare. Surprisingly, I encountered my first screwcap issue recently while tasting samples from Henschke, a renowned Australian… Read More »
Colli di Luni, a hidden gem in Italy, embodies a blend of stunning landscapes, historic charm, and exceptional Vermentino wines. Nestled between Tuscany and Liguria, this region offers a unique experience for wine lovers and those seeking scenic beauty, with its hillside wineries and mesmerizing sea views. The LandscapeThe Colli di Luni region is characterized… Read More »
Walking through Burgundy’s Côte d’Or several summers ago, the beauty of the vineyards captured my attention, but my companion, a fourth-generation vintner, was less enchanted. Her expression was grave as she introduced me to the reality of the soil we stood on. She filled my hands with remnants of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, lamenting that… Read More »
Piedmont, Italy, is home to several small DOCGs, particularly in the northeastern regions, where Nebbiolo is the star grape. The best-known areas include Gattinara and Ghemme, along with Bramaterra, Lessona, Sizzano, Boca, and Fara. Despite the historical struggles of Nebbiolo in these cooler climates, recent advancements in viticulture have led to a shift in wine… Read More »
Andrew Jefford recently explored the release of Frapin’s Millésime 1997, a remarkable 27-year-old single-vineyard Cognac meticulously crafted under the expertise of cellar master Patrice Piveteau. When the 2025 harvest was completed, Ugni Blanc grapes—alongside a touch of Folignan—were distilled and aged in various Limousin oak casks. After a careful assessment of each cask, only the… Read More »
When examining the relationship between vineyards and forests, one must consider the role that oak plays in winemaking. The conversation often revolves around the use of oak barrels in the aging process of wine, a subject that ignites diverse opinions among wine lovers and producers. Oak barrels are quintessential in creating a particular character in… Read More »