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 one of the great white wines of the Languedoc region.
Despite discovering some vintages that proved Picpoul’s aging potential, personal experiences with its youthful variants sparked curiosity. The question arose: Can a wine be considered great based solely on its delicious, fresh, lemony, and saline qualities, without needing cellaring potential? Since the establishment of the appellation in 2013, many global fans have embraced these youthful expressions. Still, the ongoing debate remains whether complexity is a requisite for a wine’s greatness.
In Focus
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Bordeaux 2024 – the Decanter verdict
A retrospective on what to buy from this challenging vintage after tasting over 700 wines, with Georgie Hindle sharing her top picks. -
Against the Grain
Jonathan Cristaldi explores California’s Silver Oak estate and its pioneering experiments with American oak. -
Patagonia
Ines Salpico highlights South America’s extreme terroir that is yielding impressive quality. -
Sincere Sancerre
Beverley Blanning MW discusses the shift towards terroir-driven wines in this renowned Loire region. -
Fridge-Door Favorites
Recommendations from Andrew Jefford and others on go-to bottles for chilling. -
Vineyard Biodiversity
Gemma Hadley delves into the challenges arising from changes in vineyard biodiversity.
Spirits
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Distilled
The latest news in spirits. -
American Single Malt – Now Official
An exploration of the new category of U.S. whiskey by Millie Milliken.
Food & Travel
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What to Pair with Asado
Fiona Beckett suggests wine pairings for food cooked over an open flame, emphasizing harmony over intensity. -
Waiheke Island Travel Guide
Olly Smith shares insights from his visit to this picturesque New Zealand island.
Learning
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Books
Sophie Thorpe reviews a new book that challenges the minerality myth associated with wine. -
Wine Wisdom
Expert advice and discussions on the ethical links between wine production and ocean conservation.
Buying Guide
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Editors’ Picks
Highlights from recent tastings presented by the Decanter staff. -
Panel Tastings
Insights from the tasting of 85 vintage English sparkling wines, including eight scoring 95 points or higher, plus a review of 174 Catalonian whites.
Collecting & Investing
- Marketwatch
Updates on auctions and new releases, highlighted by notable Burgundy.
This issue encapsulates the evolving narrative within the wine community, revealing a blend of tradition and contemporary exploration in the pursuit of quality and sophistication.