Christian Tschida is a prominent figure in the natural wine movement in Austria, based in Illmitz, a village situated on the eastern shore of Lake Neusiedlersee. His innovative approach to winemaking draws attention, as he focuses on being a "tuner" of the wine rather than a traditional winemaker. This philosophy emphasizes creativity and a natural… Read More »
In his first column of the year, Matt Walls reflects on how our engagement with wine taps into fundamental human qualities: patience, hope, and the awareness of our mortality. He notes that the allure of wine collecting often appeals to those in their 30s and older, necessitating a long-term perspective. Individuals who cultivate their collections… Read More »
2023 proved to be a distinctive vintage for Burgundy, marked by both abundance and variability. The growing season was characterized by intense heat, with temperatures soaring up to 38ºC (100ºF). The result was a plentiful harvest of Pinot Noir, yet the quality was inconsistent, raising questions about the balance between quantity and quality in this… Read More »
The Wine Society is set to enhance its en primeur campaign for the 2021 Barolo vintage by 50%, celebrating the vintage’s "exceptional quality and potential." The campaign, launching on January 14, will showcase 61 wines from 27 producers across seven communes: La Morra, Barolo, Verduno, Castiglione Falletto, Monforte d’Alba, Serralunga d’Alba, and Novello. This year’s… Read More »
Viña Zorzal is a winery located in Navarra, Spain, renowned for crafting some of the most intriguing wines not just in their region but across the country. Founded in 1989 by Antonio Sanz as Vinícola Corellana, the winery produced around 2 million bottles annually. However, a transformation began in 2007 when Antonio’s three sons joined… Read More »
The concept of Dry January emerged in the UK in 2013 as an initiative by the non-profit organization Alcohol Change. Over twelve years, it has evolved into a global cultural phenomenon. Writer Eliza Dumais explores the nuances of participating in an alcohol-free January, investigating the associated benefits and psychological impacts on moderation. The engagement surrounding… Read More »
Mayacamas, meaning "call of the mountain lion," is recognized as one of Napa Valley’s premier wineries, known for producing fine mountain wines that highlight the region’s authentic character. The winery eschews trends of late harvesting for more power and flavor, opting instead for a focus on structure, balance, and ageworthiness in their wines. Historically, the… Read More »
A Guide to Understanding and Enjoying Wine Brian St Pierre’s review of Wine Confident: There’s No Wrong Way to Enjoy Wine by Kelli A White shines a light on the evolving world of wine amidst the rise of social media influencers and modern marketing strategies. While platforms have opened the floodgates for wine promotions, cluttering… Read More »
Specially trained dogs are proving to be valuable allies for winemakers in the fight against damaging pests and vine diseases. Recent trials conducted by researchers at Cornell University revealed that these canine detectives can effectively sniff out invasive species, such as the spotted lanternfly. In a study highlighting the capabilities of two dogs, Dia, a… Read More »
Gaia Estate is a prominent winery in Greece, located in two regions: Nemea, situated in the Peloponnese, and the island of Santorini. Recently, we had the opportunity to visit the Nemea winery and vineyard, guided by co-owner Yiannis Paraskevopoulos. The vineyard, set at an altitude, benefits from a more temperate climate. In Santorini, the winery… Read More »