In the past thirty years, South Africa has made significant strides in winemaking since the end of apartheid. Despite its evolution into one of the most dynamic wine-producing countries in the world, South Africa still struggles with organic viticulture, lagging behind European counterparts. Alex Dale, co-founder of Radford Dale, has taken a prominent role in… Read More »
Raphaëlle Guyot, a graduate of winegrowing and winemaking from Beaune in 2015, is on a mission to revive lost terroirs in Bourgogne. After gaining experience with prestigious domaines like Thibault Liger-Belair, Domaine de la Grange Tiphaine, and Vincent Pinard, she launched her own venture in 2018. Based in her hometown of Puisaye-Forterre in Yonne, which… Read More »
Fine wine prices may soon stabilize in the secondary market after a two-year decline. According to a recent survey conducted by Liv-ex, a global marketplace for fine wine, market participants are cautiously optimistic that prices are "close to bottoming out." Despite this, there’s no immediate expectation for a significant rebound in 2025. Many respondents highlighted… Read More »
In 2025, Simon Field MW explores the enchanting offerings of Philipponnat Champagne from the powerful 2015 vintage, noting the surprising finesse found in both recent and older releases. Celebrated for its robustness, Clos des Goisses showcases the potential of the 2015 vintage—a year marked by extremes of heat and intermittent rainfall. Charles Philipponnat, the house’s… Read More »
The current landscape of the wine industry mirrors the historical paths of other agricultural sectors, notably coffee. Despite the world trending towards small-batch, high-quality wine production reminiscent of the artisanal coffee movement, challenges persist, particularly from regulatory frameworks and market dynamics. Drawing parallels from coffee, which faced tumultuous changes during the 1800s—with many small producers… Read More »
I’m currently on a Cathay Pacific flight to Hong Kong, experiencing the novelty of posting mid-air. While I typically shy away from in-flight internet, the complimentary service tempted me this time. The wine selection is surprisingly decent, featuring a section titled "Discovery Wines," showcasing Chinese wines. Of the three options offered, I opted for one… Read More »
London’s esteemed wine merchant, Philglas & Swiggot, has announced its impending closure due to "increasingly challenging trading conditions and the additional complexities of Brexit." The business, a fixture in the UK’s independent wine scene since 1991, is set to shutter its doors permanently on March 16. Founded by Mike and Karen Rogers in Battersea, Philglas… Read More »
We arrived at the Cognac train station and boarded a boat along the River Charente, where we were greeted by the sight of stone buildings, some darkened by a unique fungus, Torula compniacensis. Our small group of wine writers from the UK and Scandinavia was on a journey to discover the artistry behind Cognac, located… Read More »
Next up was a visit to Domaine des Hauts Châssis for a tasting with Raphaël Faugier. The winery, established by his father in 2003, marked its first vintage that year and is rooted in a six-generation family farming tradition. Originally, the farm produced apricots and peaches and raised sheep and cows before focusing on vines.… Read More »
As Matt Walls explores nearly four decades of Château de Beaucastel’s Roussanne Vieilles Vignes, he experiences a remarkable journey through wine. He is joined by father and son duo, François and César Perrin, at this iconic estate, known for its innovative winemaking. The family has a history of breaking from tradition; they embraced organic farming… Read More »