The 2022 growing season in Oregon’s Willamette Valley began uncertainly but concluded on a high note. The season commenced with an early morning frost on April 15, which inflicted considerable losses on the primary buds. Chardonnay varieties, which ripen early, were especially affected. This was more so in the northern parts of the Willamette Valley,… Read More »
Andrew Caillard MW tells the tale(s) of how the first vines came to Australia. By Andrew Caillard MW Andrew Caillard MW shares some of the most revelatory findings from his two decades of research into the early history of Australian wine, highlighting the ambitious aspirations of the first generations of colonial producers and the precious… Read More »
Domaine JL Chave has been a family inheritance passed down through generations starting from 1481. Domaine Alary located in Cairanne holds a legacy not as ancient, established since 1692 by its family vine tenders. Domaine de Piéblanc is considerably younger, having just marked its 10th anniversary. “This wasn’t an existing domaine that I took over;… Read More »
Wine can play an important role in bringing people together. By Dr Erik Skovenborg Dr Erik Skovenborg discusses the numerous health advantages of social drinking. In various cultures, the act of drinking wine and sharing meals serves as a catalyst for uniting friends and family. When people drink together, it creates a social environment where… Read More »
Australian Chardonnay has evolved significantly over the years. From the heavily oaked versions of the 1990s to the excessively lean models of the mid-2000s, its style has now settled into a balance of subtle intensity and lush fruitiness, with clear distinctions emerging from different regions. Although comparisons to Burgundy’s finest have often been promoted by… Read More »
France’s wine harvest is expected to decrease by up to 16% in 2024 compared to the previous year, as excessive rainfall during the flowering period adversely affected the fruit set, and a rainy early summer led to widespread outbreaks of downy mildew in vineyards from Bordeaux to Alsace, according to the French agriculture ministry’s Agreste… Read More »
Website: https://stratuswines.com/ Stratus is a significant winery in Niagara, experiencing a period of growth and improvement recently, enhancing their wines in the process. I had the opportunity to meet with winemaker Dean Stoyka, who is making impressive strides both in the vineyard and the winery. Our tour of the vineyard revealed how well-maintained it was.… Read More »
Website: https://raimes.co.uk/ Raimes Blanc de Blancs 2018 Hampshire, England12% alcohol. 100% Chardonnay from the South Downs, produced by Hattingley. Matured 46 months on lees, disgorged in January 2023 with a dosage of 5g/l. Offers sweetly aromatic scents with hints of honey and toast coupled with bright tones of pear and peach. The palate presents a… Read More »
A unique Hungarian grape variety is experiencing a revival, albeit small yet delightful. By Sarah Marsh MW Sarah Marsh MW explores the efforts of growers and researchers who are revitalizing the Kéknyelű grape from the brink of disappearance in the Hungarian PDO of Badacsony on Lake Balaton, leading to the production of intriguing, age-worthy white… Read More »
Website: https://www.rameywine.com/ Ramey stands out as a premier winery in Sonoma, with David Ramey earning a reputation for his Chardonnay craftsmanship. Yet, Ramey offers more varieties beyond just Chardonnay. The winery initially had no vineyards of its own from its foundation in 1996 until 2012, instead leasing vine space and purchasing grapes. In 2012, they… Read More »