Changes to the UK’s duty tax system are set to lead to increased wine prices starting February 2025. The new sliding-scale duty tax, which will apply to many still wines for the first time, is a response to rising inflation, as indicated by the UK’s Wine & Spirit Trade Association (WSTA). From February 1, consumers… Read More »
Jasper Wickens began his journey in the world of wine during his university days in Stellenbosch, South Africa, where he worked at Zevenwacht to support himself. There, he met Adi Badenhorst, who became a pivotal figure in his career. In 2009, when Adi set up in Swartland, he brought Jasper on as a winemaker. During… Read More »
New Zealand’s Cloudy Bay, renowned for its iconic Sauvignon Blanc, celebrates a milestone this year with the release of its 40th vintage. The journey commenced back in 1985 when the first vintage rolled out, marking Cloudy Bay as a significant player in the wine world, despite not being the first Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough—that honor… Read More »
English wine mogul Richard Balfour-Lynn has been declared bankrupt after he was unable to pay millions in compensation to investors linked to a stock market scandal. The Takeover Appeal Board ordered Balfour-Lynn to compensate investors for deceit and wrongdoing revealed at his property investment company. Balfour-Lynn, who founded Balfour Winery in Kent, stated he did… Read More »
MARSANNAY CHÂTEAU DE MARSANNAY Sylvain Pabiot, the technical director, emphasized the critical role of leaf- and fruit-thinning in July. To combat the risk of botrytis, he chose to mow the lush grasses between the vines rather than plow them under. With increased rainfall recorded in the south of the Côte de Nuits, he noted a… Read More »
Côtes du Rhône is often viewed as a budget segment in the wine world, relegated to quantity over quality. However, savvy wine drinkers know it has significant rewards. Matt Walls highlights some exceptional Côtes du Rhône wines under £20 that affirm this reputation. Recent accomplishments in the region challenge the notion that Côtes du Rhône… Read More »
Chapoutier is a prominent producer in the northern Rhône region, boasting 60 hectares in the Crozes-Hermitage appellation, making them a significant vineyard owner in the area. They are committed to enhancing Crozes by investing in northern vineyards with appealing terroirs, despite the challenges posed by steep slopes. During a visit with Maxime Chapoutier, we explored… Read More »
From exclusive clubs to supermarket shelves, large-format wine bottles are captivating wine lovers around the globe. Recent celebrations at esteemed wine venues showcased impressive large bottles, like an imperial of Château d’Yquem 1996 and an 18-litre melchior of Blandy’s Madeira, signifying the growing trend of oversized wines. During the summer of 2024, Sainsbury’s witnessed a… Read More »
The relationship between wine and music has been celebrated for centuries, showcasing how the joy that wine brings often finds expression through song. As people indulge in drink, they often break into joyful singing, creating a vibrant cultural tradition that fuses the pleasures of wine with the arts. In Vienna’s taverns, or Heurigen, where the… Read More »
Familia Torres, a leading Spanish wine producer, is making a substantial investment of €6 million (approximately £5 million) to establish a winery dedicated solely to non-alcoholic wines. This investment will take place between 2024 and 2026 at their headquarters in Pacs del Penedès, Catalonia. Notably, half of this amount will be allocated for use in… Read More »