I’m currently in western Colombia, surrounded by stunning landscapes and warm-hearted locals. However, the supermarket selection is disappointing, primarily offering basic Rioja or overpriced Chilean and Argentinian wines. This contrasts sharply with the remarkable selections we feature in our latest articles, especially our comprehensive guide to Rioja included in this month’s issue.
This edition marks a significant moment for Rioja, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the DOCa Rioja designation. Along with the anniversary, we present our inaugural Rioja Report, where we tasted over 700 recent releases. The guide not only details critical insights on the region’s transformation but also highlights the names to know and essential wines to explore.
In our May issue, we delve into several exciting topics related to US wines, including a vintage report on Napa Cabernet 2022 and profiles of standout vineyards and winemakers. We also explore single-vineyard Pinot Noirs and celebrate Santa Barbara’s Chardonnay.
As we reflect on Rioja’s past, we embrace the future with its new generation of winemakers, offering a promise of innovation and excellence—an exciting chapter in Rioja’s narrative that I look forward to witnessing over the next hundred years.
Key Highlights from the Issue:
- Cru Americana: A look at 10 notable vineyards in the US.
- Napa Cabernet 2022 Vintage Report: Insights from the tumultuous year.
- California Grape Glut: Understanding the local wine industry’s challenges.
- Emerging Winemakers: Spotlight on the new talents shaking up the Spanish wine scene.
- Azerbaijan Introduction: A feature on this emerging player in the wine market.
As we celebrate Rioja’s centenary and our new enhancements, we encourage readers to share their thoughts on our magazine redesign at decanter.com/mag-redesign. Your feedback is invaluable.