A recent report on Hermitage’s 2023 vintage highlights the balance of richness and approachability in the wines produced this year. The style of red Hermitage has evolved, showcasing a softer structure than seen in prior vintages, making the wines more enjoyable straight away. The current vintage emphasizes white wines more than the reds, promising both… Read More »
Hokkaido, Japan, is an intriguing wine region, known for its focus on low-intervention winemaking. Among its notable varietals, Pinot Noir and Kerner stand out, with the latter being beautifully exemplified by the Nikki Hills Winery Hatsuyuki Kerner 2022. This wine, which has 12.5% alcohol, captivates with delicate aromas of lemon, oyster shell, and honeysuckle. The… Read More »
Álvaro Espinoza is recognized as a pivotal figure in Chile’s wine history, particularly noted for his role in the rediscovery of Carmenère. This significant moment occurred during a visit in 1994 by French ampelographer Jean-Michel Boursiquot at the Viña Carmen vineyard, where Espinoza was the winemaker. During a tasting, Boursiquot revealed that the Merlot Espinoza… Read More »
The 2023 vintage of Cornas has been observed by winemaker Olivier Clape as a return to classical proportions, differing from the overly ripe and exaggerated wines seen in recent years. Clape acknowledges the challenges faced during this period, specifically the rain and the threat of mildew. However, he believes that the resulting wines are worth… Read More »
The northern Rhône’s St-Joseph appellation faces a challenging vintage in 2023 due to adverse weather conditions. The storms that struck on September 18 affected the southern vineyards, while the northern slopes remained untouched. Consequently, the quality of the wines varies across the region. Some producers experienced significant challenges from hail and storms, impacting their harvests,… Read More »
Fattoria Le Masse, a young estate in Chianti Classico, is led by Robin Mugnaini, representing the third generation of his family. The first wine was bottled in 2009, which marked the beginning of their winemaking journey. After his father’s passing in 2006, 20-year-old Robin crafted his first wine, yielding just 300 bottles. Today, production has… Read More »
Laurent-Perrier Héritage Unveiled: A New Frontier in Champagne Champagne Laurent-Perrier has recently introduced a groundbreaking cuvée, Laurent-Perrier Héritage, which prioritizes reserve wines over base years in its blend. This innovative move was led by chef de cave Michel Fauconnet, who has been at the helm since 1973. Known for his technical prowess and creative approaches,… Read More »
Champagne Alfred Gratien NV is a distinctive offering from a smaller house that produces approximately 300,000 bottles annually and is owned by the large German sparkling wine producer Henkell. This champagne stands out due to its unique aging process, where all base wines are matured in barrels sourced predominantly from the Chablisienne cooperative, having seen… Read More »
Château Mouton Rothschild has unveiled its 2022 vintage label designed by artist Gérard Garouste. This artistic tribute marks the 100th anniversary of Baron Philippe de Rothschild’s leadership at the iconic Bordeaux winery. In his 1981 autobiography, Baron Philippe expressed curiosity about whether anyone would commemorate his centenary. The question has now been answered with a… Read More »
Castello di Ama, a noteworthy establishment in Chianti Classico, was founded in 1976 by four Roman families. Over the years, it has gained prestige, particularly under the guidance of Marco Pallanti, who joined in 1982 to oversee viticulture and winemaking. Nestled at an altitude of 500 meters, the estate’s unique location contributes to the wine’s… Read More »