Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2020: Best-value wines Matt Walls reflects on the impressive 2020 vintage from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, highlighting 30 wines priced under £50 that showcase the remarkable value of this renowned appellation. A friend once described Chablis as both the best and worst-value wine in the world. This expression captures how the lower-end wines are generally subpar yet… Read More »
Nicolas Chemarin is emerging as a prominent figure in the natural wine landscape of Beaujolais. On a beautiful summer day, I visited him at his vineyard located in Marchampt, just outside the crus in the west of Beaujolais. The vineyards here are breathtaking, characterized by steep slopes and meticulous farming practices. Working among these slopes,… Read More »
Sometimes dismissed as less prestigious than flagship Vintage blends, the category of single-quinta Vintage Port holds its own significance in the fine Port wine community. A recent tasting event highlighted both the challenges and excitement associated with these wines. The single-quinta Vintage Port (SQVP) has roots going back over fifty years, emerging from practices in… Read More »
Almaviva 1999–2021: A Marriage Story An intricate Franco-Chilean collaboration, Almaviva epitomizes the fusion of fine winemaking traditions from Bordeaux and Chile. This partnership began officially in 1997, rooted in the spirit of collaboration and excellence that echoed the earlier formation of Opus One between Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild. Initially, the venture was met… Read More »
Javier Arizcuren is crafting some of the most intriguing wines in Rioja, Spain, originating from his family’s vineyards. However, his journey into winemaking is rather unconventional; he is primarily an acclaimed architect. Arizcuren’s fascination with wine led him to complete a course in enology and viticulture in 2009, which eventually steered him to take over… Read More »
In the wake of Andrew Jefford’s insightful piece titled “The problem with Bordeaux, and how to fix it”, Decanter’s readership has engaged in a fervent discussion about the state of Bordeaux wines. Jefford’s article presented a stark view of Bordeaux, yet it also sparked passionate responses from readers who clearly have a deep appreciation for… Read More »
UK sparkling wine, predominantly produced in England, is experiencing a significant transformation. An increase in vineyard area over the past few decades has led to a surge in the number and quality of producers, making the market more competitive than ever. In January 2024, I attended a major tasting event at the Institute of Masters… Read More »
Francisco Baettig recently visited London to present the wines he produces under his own label, Vinos Baettig. Having previously tasted them both in Chile and with his US importer, Eric Solomon, this was a welcome opportunity to revisit these impressive offerings. Baettig, who spent 20 years at Errazuriz and directed Eduardo Chadwick’s renowned wines, sought… Read More »
Perceptions of richness in certain sparkling wines may be influenced by compounds that enhance the sensory experience, a phenomenon known as the ‘kokumi’ effect. This insight comes from recent research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, which focused specifically on Trentodoc, a type of Italian sparkling wine. Kokumi, a Japanese term, relates… Read More »
Val do Salnés: A Unique Terroir Sarah Marsh MW embarks on a journey through Val do Salnés, a notable Galician subregion of Rías Baixas known for its distinctive terroir and potential for exceptional wines. With only eight days to spare, she decides to walk the Camino Portuguese from Porto to Santiago, making stops to visit… Read More »