Monthly Archives: November 2024

Has the Clash Between Modernism and Tradition Finally Reached Its End?

Is the Clash Between Modernism and Tradition Over? The debate between modernism and tradition in wine has been ongoing since the Enlightenment, impacting various aspects of society and culture, including the wine industry, which has long championed its traditional roots. The concept of modernity versus tradition is not new, with its origins tracing back to… Read More »

Historic Tignanello 1971 Vintage Surpasses Auction Expectations

Two bottles of the historic Tignanello 1971 vintage were sold for impressive prices at a recent auction held by Christie’s in London. These wines, sourced directly from the estate in Tuscany, went for £813 and £750 each, far exceeding the pre-sale estimate of £300 to £500 per bottle. This auction was particularly special as it… Read More »

Lirac & Tavel 2023: Highlights and Top-Scoring Wines from the Latest Report

In an impressive turnaround, the Lirac and Tavel regions in the southern Rhône, typically vulnerable during hot vintages, managed to produce an exceptional collection of wines in 2023. Despite facing challenges such as early drought, disease pressures, and a heatwave, these areas showcased a variety of fresh and enjoyable wines ideally suited for early drinking.… Read More »

Natural Wine Selected for Notre-Dame Cathedral’s Grand Reopening

Natural wine from the Loire Valley has been chosen for the mass at the grand reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. This selection comes after a long and careful restoration process following the devastating fire that occurred in April 2019, which caused significant damage to the historic structure. The Archbishop of Paris chose a natural… Read More »

Cork vs. Screwcap: Insights from a Major Tasting of Older Wines

This remarkable tasting event was organized by Stephen Browett of Farr Vintners, focusing on a direct comparison between wines sealed with cork and those sealed with screwcap across various styles and vintages. This kind of event is rare, as wineries commonly conduct internal cork versus screwcap trials, but it is unusual to see these conducted… Read More »

Exploring the Loire: A Journey Through Its Dazzling Geology

Golden eagles and vultures soar the skies above the Cévennes, a remote region of France teeming with wild boar, wolves, and possibly even lynx. Here, the wildest of France’s major rivers—the Loire—begins its 625-mile journey. Initially turbulent and barely navigable, the river soon transforms as it meanders past grand châteaux, earning the title of “royal.”… Read More »

2023 Rhône Vintage Report: Insights and Highlights from Decanter Premium

Coverage of the 2023 Rhône vintage is currently underway on Decanter Premium, highlighting a year characterized by juicy and accessible wines in the south and a return to a classic expression in the north. Following a dry winter, spring brought substantial rain, presenting challenges for vineyards; however, the Rhône region managed to avoid the severe… Read More »