Wine has been aged in various unexpected locations, including underwater and in caves, but a new approach is emerging in Italy’s Valtellina wine region: high-altitude aging on mountain tops. This innovative project seeks to explore how the unique conditions at elevation, such as cooler temperatures and lower oxygen levels, affect the maturation process of wine.… Read More »
One of Australia’s esteemed wineries, Yarra Yering was founded by the visionary Dr. Bailey Carrodus, who passed away in 2008. In 1973, he created the first commercial vintage from the Yarra Valley since 1922, marking a significant moment in the region’s viniculture. On a beautiful early summer day, I had the pleasure of visiting Yarra… Read More »
At the table: Wiener Schnitzel Joanna Simon’s exploration of wine country cuisine leads her to the heart of Austria, where the beloved dish Wiener schnitzel takes center stage. It took Joanna Simon a while to arrive in Austria, despite its rich culinary heritage, which she describes as "hearty." Her initial impression during a visit decades… Read More »
Ruin Bars are a distinctive aspect of Budapest’s nightlife, originating in the early 2000s as makeshift bars set in abandoned buildings. Today, these unique venues are largely concentrated in the Jewish Quarter of the city. Recently, Wines of Hungary collaborated with Georgie Fenn to host a pop-up ruin bar experience featuring Hungarian wines, complemented by… Read More »
Recently, I came across a story highlighting the pricing tactics of a well-known Champagne house regarding their non-vintage blend. While I won’t disclose their name, this situation reflects a larger trend within the Champagne market, specifically concerning the inflation of list prices. During a visit to my local convenience store, I noticed bottles of this… Read More »
To judge a wine by its label isn’t necessarily a mistake; it’s a human inclination, particularly in a market flooded with options. Eliza Dumais explores the instinctive snap judgments consumers make about wine based on its packaging. Wine labels have mere seconds to communicate the essence of what lies within the bottle, often leading to… Read More »
Justin Leone, the sommelier and owner of Munich’s Sticks and Stones, recently claimed the title of the 2025 World’s Best Wine Bar. In a conversation reflecting on this achievement, he emphasized that such accolades are not just personal victories but are shared with the entire team. The success, he insists, is a collective effort, particularly… Read More »
In The Greek House: The Story of a Painter’s Love Affair with the Island of Sifnos, author Christian Brechneff wistfully recounts his arrival on the charming island back in 1972. After a grueling 15-hour journey on a rusty ferry, he found himself in the early hours of the morning, having to navigate from the ferry… Read More »
Neal Hulkower reviews Taste the Limestone, Smell the Slate: A Geologist Wanders Through the World of Wine by Alex Maltman, the latter’s second challenge to prevailing misconceptions about how soil and minerals affect wine. Following his earlier work, Vineyards, Rocks, & Soils: The Wine Lover’s Guide to Geology, Maltman takes a deeper dive into the… Read More »
Maison Krug has teamed up with esteemed composer Max Richter to unveil a unique project titled "Every Note Counts," which transforms the experience of enjoying wine into a musical journey inspired by three cuvées from the celebrated 2008 vintage. This initiative continues Krug’s tradition of blending music and Champagne, having previously collaborated with various artists… Read More »