UK sparkling wine, predominantly produced in England, is experiencing a significant transformation. An increase in vineyard area over the past few decades has led to a surge in the number and quality of producers, making the market more competitive than ever. In January 2024, I attended a major tasting event at the Institute of Masters… Read More »
Francisco Baettig recently visited London to present the wines he produces under his own label, Vinos Baettig. Having previously tasted them both in Chile and with his US importer, Eric Solomon, this was a welcome opportunity to revisit these impressive offerings. Baettig, who spent 20 years at Errazuriz and directed Eduardo Chadwick’s renowned wines, sought… Read More »
Perceptions of richness in certain sparkling wines may be influenced by compounds that enhance the sensory experience, a phenomenon known as the ‘kokumi’ effect. This insight comes from recent research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, which focused specifically on Trentodoc, a type of Italian sparkling wine. Kokumi, a Japanese term, relates… Read More »
Val do Salnés: A Unique Terroir Sarah Marsh MW embarks on a journey through Val do Salnés, a notable Galician subregion of Rías Baixas known for its distinctive terroir and potential for exceptional wines. With only eight days to spare, she decides to walk the Camino Portuguese from Porto to Santiago, making stops to visit… Read More »
Amphora Day 2024 showcased Portugal’s rich tradition of clay-pot winemaking at Rocim’s picturesque winery in Alentejo. This event has become an essential part of the international wine calendar, attracting enthusiasts eager to experience the unique qualities of talha wines. With 2024 proving to be a remarkable vintage due to a cooler growing season and ample… Read More »
Austrian Alternative wines were highlighted in a recent seminar led by Aleks Zecevic, part of Alberg Weinberg 2024. Alex’s journey into the world of wine began at 19 when a family connection brought him to a wine shop in Manhattan. His passion for natural wines ignited after attending a Jura natural wine tasting. With experience… Read More »
Matt Walls re-evaluates the 2020 vintage of Châteauneuf-du-Pape now that the wines are bottled, highlighting 25 notable selections. Originally, the tasting experience of the 2020 wines left much to be desired. After visiting the region during a year marked by a challenging vintage in 2021, winemakers were still processing their memories from the fresh 2020s.… Read More »
2014 Bollinger La Côte aux Enfants and Vieilles Vignes Françaises: A Celebration of Craftsmanship The 2014 vintage from Bollinger showcases the house’s exceptional ability to create exquisite wines even in challenging conditions. The newly named La Côte aux Enfants, previously known as La Côte aux Enfers, is located in Aÿ, a grand cru village. This… Read More »
Pablo Morandé is a groundbreaking figure in the Chilean wine industry, known for his innovative approaches that have reshaped the country’s winemaking landscape. His notable contributions began in the early 1980s when he pioneered the development of Chile’s first cool coastal wine region, which served as a crucial turning point in an industry overshadowed by… Read More »
The 2023 vintage in Chablis has proven to be remarkable, yielding delicious wines in substantial quantities. Despite concerns about potential frost caused by an unusually warm and dry winter, the spring progressed largely unscathed, save for minor frost events in late March and early April. Ideal conditions during the flowering period in early June led… Read More »