Category Archives: Blog

The Centre Loire region is predominantly celebrated for its Sauvignon Blanc, especially from Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, yet it also produces notable red wines, chiefly from Pinot Noir. Surprisingly, before phylloxera, Sancerre was mainly known as a red wine area. During a recent tasting, several impressive red wines stood out: Domaine Serge Laloue Sancerre Rouge 2022:… Read More »

Opportunistic buyers are currently taking advantage of lower prices to restock their cellars with blue-chip Burgundy. This trend emerged over the past few months, as detailed in the Market Watch section of the January 2025 issue of Decanter magazine. The glossy pages report that well-known merchants, including Bordeaux Index, noted a recovery in trading volumes… Read More »

Many regions across France and Europe boast their own versions of wild boar stew, but Corsica’s civet de sanglier, known locally as stufatu di cignale, stands out as a true culinary treasure. This stew, rich with flavor and often served with pasta or polenta, exemplifies the hearty cuisine inspired by the island’s mountainous terrain. Corsican… Read More »

Based in Wettolsheim, Domaine Albert Mann has long been recognized for its exceptional Alsace wines. Recently, the winery has elevated its status to one of the top producers in the region. During a visit with Antoine Barthelmé, the son of Jacky Barthelmé, who co-manages the estate, I learned that the Barthelmé and Mann families have… Read More »

2023 Chablis has emerged as an exciting vintage, characterized by its richness and aromatic complexity across various domaines. Notably, many producers reported a warm and ripe season which has led to a concentrated and flavorful wine profile. Domaine Bessin-Tremblay (La Chapelle-Vaupelteigne)The family-run estate has been embracing biodynamic practices, which has enriched the natural character of… Read More »

Jorge Borges and Sandra Tavares have established a remarkable entity with Wine & Soul. Their journey began in May 2002 when I first encountered them during a visit to the Douro, a region renowned for its emerging table wines. At that time, Jorge was crafting wines for Niepoort, while Sandra was the winemaker at Quinta… Read More »

Saranno Famosi nel Vino is a unique wine tasting event held annually in Florence, inspired by the popular Italian TV talent show of the same name, meaning "They will be famous." Now in its third year, the event aims to spotlight lesser-known wine producers from across Italy. The event is open to any winery that… Read More »

Christian Tschida is a prominent figure in the natural wine movement in Austria, based in Illmitz, a village situated on the eastern shore of Lake Neusiedlersee. His innovative approach to winemaking draws attention, as he focuses on being a "tuner" of the wine rather than a traditional winemaker. This philosophy emphasizes creativity and a natural… Read More »

In his first column of the year, Matt Walls reflects on how our engagement with wine taps into fundamental human qualities: patience, hope, and the awareness of our mortality. He notes that the allure of wine collecting often appeals to those in their 30s and older, necessitating a long-term perspective. Individuals who cultivate their collections… Read More »

2023 proved to be a distinctive vintage for Burgundy, marked by both abundance and variability. The growing season was characterized by intense heat, with temperatures soaring up to 38ºC (100ºF). The result was a plentiful harvest of Pinot Noir, yet the quality was inconsistent, raising questions about the balance between quantity and quality in this… Read More »