In the modern wine industry, aging wine in barrels is often seen as a way to enhance style, yet historically, barrels primarily served the purpose of storage. Rod Phillips explores when barrels transitioned from mere containers to significant players in winemaking aesthetics. Consider contemporary barrel rooms where barrels are aligned with precision, filled with maturing… Read More »
This was a delightful wine dinner with a wonderful group at the esteemed Drapers Arms. Each attendee brought a couple of bottles, and the challenge was to taste them blind. We followed a process of tasting, discussing, revealing, and finally enjoying the wines together. For wine enthusiasts, this experience is incredibly enjoyable, though it may… Read More »
Pinotage is a fascinating grape variety that has a rich history. Originating from a cross in the 1920s, it faced near extinction but was rediscovered, leading to the first varietal wines produced in the 1950s. Despite its challenges in vinification — it can ferment in unpredictable ways and create reduction issues — winemakers have had… Read More »
Lauriga, located in Thuir within the Les Aspres terroir of Roussillon, has a rich history and is experiencing a revitalization under the ownership of Jean-Claude Mas since July 2016. Once a dormant estate, Lauriga has now leaned towards modernizing its wine production, shifting focus primarily towards white wines while still producing Vin Doux Naturels, which… Read More »
A Defense of Wine Writing Two friends, Meg Maker and Terry Theise, share their frustrations about the state of wine writing today. They believe that wine, an object (or "being," as Theise prefers) of beauty, deserves to be written about in a manner that is both persuasive and exquisite. While it can be tiresome to… Read More »
Here’s a selection of moments captured throughout 2025—an eventful year full of exciting happenings in the world of wine. The year kicked off with the Cool Climate Wine Summit held in Copenhagen in January, followed by podcasting sessions with Emily and Doug. Not long after, February brought visits to the Niepoort cellars in Jerez, showcasing… Read More »
Tasting four different Champagnes for comparison revealed a standout performer, Ayala. Champagne Ayala Brut Majeur NV, France This Champagne is blended from 70 crus and 120 vinifications, featuring 55% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir, and 15% Pinot Meunier. With a base from the challenging 2021 vintage, it utilizes 43% reserve wines and has a dosage of… Read More »
Hungarian sparkling wine has been gaining attention for its quality and diversity, particularly in regions like Tokaj and Lake Balaton. Notably, the tradition of bottle-fermented sparkling wine in Hungary dates back to 1882 when József Törley established vineyards near Budapest, bringing Champagne techniques to the country. For many years, the Communist regime hindered quality production,… Read More »