In March, Clive Pursehouse, the North American Editor of Decanter, reviewed approximately 150 wines, yielding some standout selections. His extensive tastings included backing up the napa correspondent at Heitz Cellars and assisting the Sonoma correspondent during a day of tasting with top producers. He described March as an exciting month due to its designation as… Read More »
In the context of a changing climate, the narrative around traditionally overlooked grape varieties like Carignan, Aligoté, and Palomino is shifting. Once considered mere workhorses of the vineyard, these grapes are now gaining recognition, propelled by a new generation of vintners and changing consumer preferences. Carignan, for example, was long seen as too acidic and… Read More »
On my recent visit to Italy’s stunning Franciacorta region, known for its high-quality sparkling wines, I sensed a palpable frustration among local winemakers. Despite the exceptional quality of their wines, they struggle with global recognition, primarily due to the fact that only 12% of their production is exported. The low export rate is disheartening, especially… Read More »
Margaret Rand recently visited Chris Wilson, a former journalist turned winemaker, who is producing fine English still wines from a unique urban winery situated in a Cambridge windmill. The winery, named Gutter & Stars, is a compact 38 square yards and is located in the basement of the windmill, which was originally built in 1847.… Read More »
In the wake of climate change, vintners in Beaujolais are facing a critical decision regarding the future of the Gamay grape, a staple of their vineyards. As harvest dates shift earlier—once occurring in September and now edging into July—wine producers are grappling with altered growing conditions and fluctuating styles of wine. Historically, Gamay originated as… Read More »
A wide-ranging support plan for the European wine sector has been introduced by the European Commission to address significant challenges faced by producers, including climate change and the need to balance supply and demand. Key proposals include payments for winemakers wishing to conduct green harvesting, promotional support for wine exports, and increased investment for wineries… Read More »
This article details a masterclass with Alistair Cooper at the Decouvertes Vins Rhône festival in Avignon in March 2025 and includes insights from additional tastings at the event. Located near Châteauneuf and Gigondas, the Ventoux cru is adjacent to the famous cycling peak of Mont Ventoux, which rises 1900 meters and features a small ski… Read More »
The 2024 Burgundy vintage faced an exceptionally difficult growing season, impacted severely by unfavorable weather conditions, including persistent rain, frost, and hail. These challenges led to a significant decrease in grape yields across the region. Despite the hardships, the quality of the remaining grapes and the expertise of winemakers provided a glimmer of hope for… Read More »