Monthly Archives: November 2024

Angry French Grape Growers Protest Outside Lidl: Bottles Smashed in Outrage

Furious grape growers in the Rhône Valley rallied outside Lidl supermarkets in Orange and Bagnols-sur-Cèze, expressing their outrage over the sale of wine priced at a mere €1.69 per bottle. The protest involved smashing bottles of Côtes-du-Rhône wine, highlighting their discontent with prices they deem unsustainable. Jordan Charransol, president of the Young Farmers of Vaucluse,… Read More »

The Allure of Throaty Reds: Jason Millar on Embracing Bold Flavors in 15% Roussillon Wines

Walking through London reveals a dynamic blend of architectural styles, from the Brutalist Barbican to the Georgian elegance of Mayfair, alongside Gothic churches and modern skyscrapers. This juxtaposition reflects an evolutionary approach to design that often eludes the traditional wine world, where strict adherence to historical norms can stifle creativity. The conventional wine standards often… Read More »

1994 Vintage and Colheita Port: A Timeless Classic to Savor

In the world of fine wines, the 1994 Vintage Port stands out as a remarkable year that showcases the potential for greatness in this beloved beverage. Tasting the 1994 Vintage Ports evokes memories of past legendary vintages, such as those from the 1960s, indicating its potential to join the ranks of such esteemed selections. The… Read More »

Azerbaijan: The Vinous Renaissance of the Caucasus

As world leaders convene in Baku for COP29, Paul White reflects on the rich history and evolving landscape of Azerbaijani wine, showcasing notable producers from his recent visit. Azerbaijan, often seen as an outlier in the wine world, shares borders with wine-rich countries like Georgia and Armenia, where ancient winemaking traditions thrive. Despite this, Azerbaijani… Read More »

Navigating the Complex Landscape of Alcohol, Health, and Social Licensing: A Critical Discussion for the Wine Industry

How much alcohol can one safely consume without harming health? This question resurfaces amid shifting guidelines, as the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse and Addiction (CSSA) recently recommended that Canadians limit their intake to two drinks per week—well below past recommendations and those of other nations. This echoes the UK’s 2016 guidelines, which lowered the… Read More »

Maison Martell to Feature Rare 72-Year-Old Cognac at Christie’s Auction

A Baccarat decanter featuring a remarkable 72-year-old Cognac from Maison Martell will be up for auction during Christie’s online sale set for November 22 to December 6. This extraordinary offering is among a selection of fine wines and spirits, including numerous lots from the cellars of Raby Castle. The Cognac is a unique Grande Champagne… Read More »

Arthur Young: An Englishman’s Journey into the Heart of French Wine

Reflecting on his journeys through France just prior to the French Revolution, English agricultural reformer Arthur Young (1741–1820) documented intriguing insights into the country’s viticulture and wine during the late 1700s. Young made three significant trips through various wine regions to assess French agriculture, with a focus on viticulture, which was crucial to the nation’s… Read More »

Unlock the Secrets of Chianti Classico: Join Our Free Online Course!

Chianti Classico producers have launched an engaging Massive Online Open Course aimed at anyone interested in enhancing their knowledge of the region’s renowned wines and olive oils. This free course is tailored for sommeliers, wine professionals, journalists, and wine enthusiasts alike. It consists of five modules featuring short, informative videos produced by leading experts, including… Read More »