Sunny Hodge’s The Cynic’s Guide to Wine provides a critical, science-backed perspective on the wine industry, aimed at debunking popular misconceptions. Hodge, a wine judge and founder of notable London wine bars, combines his engineering background with his passion for wine, creating a guide that cuts through marketing hype to present a clear understanding of… Read More »
While visiting Tuscany, I had the incredible opportunity to sample a unique wine that embodies a centuries-old viticultural method known as "vite maritata." This technique, which involves growing vines on trees, was first brought to Italy by the Etruscans and was also practiced in France before the phylloxera crisis. It allowed farmers to cultivate grapes… Read More »
Burgundy’s Domaine Faiveley recently celebrated its 200th anniversary with a series of festivities, including a gala dinner at the prestigious Clos de Vougeot and a historical tasting of selected vintages dating back to 1935. The event highlighted the domain’s rich heritage and its long-standing connection to the region’s vineyards, as Faiveley is one of the… Read More »
At the end of April, Laurent-Perrier held an eagerly anticipated tasting event for their Grand Siècle Champagne, hosted in The Vintners Hall, London. The masterclass featured eight variations of Grand Siècle, showcasing a blend of vintages, with a highlight being the presentation of No.24 in both bottle and magnum formats. This marked a unique approach,… Read More »
New on the market, the Hambledon Classic Cuvée Rosé NV is setting a high standard for English sparkling wines. Produced by one of the UK’s premier sparkling wine houses, this rosé is crafted with care. A notable consideration is its clear glass bottle, which poses a risk of light strike; thus, it’s best stored in… Read More »
As Rioja reaches its centenary as a Denominación de Origen (DO), a significant debate unfolds regarding its future, positioning the region between tradition and modern innovation. The dichotomy centers on traditionalists who value established aging classifications and a new wave of winemakers advocating for site-specific expressions of terroir. Traditionalists in Rioja uphold the aging system… Read More »
A balmy evening in June inspired a regional tasting of Picpoul de Pinet, showcasing 30 current releases alongside a masterclass that focused on the emerging ‘Patience’ concept. To qualify for this unofficial selection, wines must exhibit gastronomic potential, complexity, and aging capacity. The aim is to elevate Picpoul’s status in public perception, positioning it as… Read More »
Liam and Sinead Cabot, originally from Ireland, operate a successful wine importing business named Cabot & Co. However, they also own a vineyard and winery in Slovenia, tracing their roots back to a family connection—Liam’s father worked as an environmentalist in Ljubljana for several years. After searching for a suitable property, they purchased a house… Read More »
After gaining international acclaim for their unique wines and remarkable collection of ancient vines, winemakers on Etna are diving deeper into the specifics of their contrade by producing single-vineyard bottlings. While battling sub-zero temperatures and the relentless wind, I found myself at 800m (2,620ft) on Etna’s northern slope, where intense rainfall—likely a result of climate… Read More »
I visited Marof in May 2023 during my first tour of Slovenia and was completely impressed. Recently, I had the opportunity to reconnect with winemaker Uroš Valcl in Maribor to explore their current offerings. Marof is located in the Prekmurje region of Slovenia, near the village of Mačkovci and close to the borders of both… Read More »