Stuart Walton explores the sanguine significance of red wine. By Stuart Walton The color of red wine has suited it since antiquity to be the sustaining metaphor for blood. Not only does its color resemble vital fluid, but the juice itself and its method of extraction, could stand for the life-force of the grapevine. This… Read More »
Eben Sadie has been a frequent topic of my previous writings. He requires little to no introduction. Therefore, instead of a lengthy preamble, I will directly dive into my observations on the latest offerings from South Africa’s most reputed winemaker. Regrettably, his creations sell out within moments of their release. Skerpioen 2022 SwartlandA vineyard, co-planted… Read More »
The story behind the Goring family’s stylish West Sussex sparkling wines. By Margaret Rand Margaret Rand visits a part of the South Downs famed (and nicknamed) for its warm climate, where the Goring family is making fine sparkling wines of tension and generosity on their sustainably managed farm at Wiston Estate. It used to be… Read More »
André Lourenço dedicated a decade and a half to the production of techno wines for others before initializing his own endeavour, where he could manifest wines that epitomized originality and transparency. His base of operations is in Fundão, located in Beira Interior where the climate cycles between hot, dry days and freezing nights during the… Read More »
I paid a visit to Peter-Allan Finlayson at Gabrielskloof in November. His Crystallum wines have a special place in my heart and I never hesitate to try them out whenever I spot them. Gave one recent bottle a taste that provided much enjoyment. Crystallum Peter Max Pinot Noir 2021 Western Cape, South AfricaWith an alcohol… Read More »
Bordeaux’s 2023 vintage is still to be tasted by many journalists and critics, yet there has already been price speculation ahead of an en primeur releases campaign expected to begin in May. ‘Further price increases are off the table,’ said Liv-ex, a global marketplace for the trade, citing market conditions in a new report focusing… Read More »
In the first of a series of blogs from the Bordeaux 2023 en primeur tastings, Simon Field MW sets the meteorological and commercial scene behind the vintage. By Simon Field MW It was 29°C (64°F) in Bordeaux yesterday, Sunday, April 14, with azure skies and the morning freshness gifted by the Atlantic Ocean. A far… Read More »
Mont Ventoux’s prominence in Southern Rhone’s Ventoux appellation cannot be overstated. The renowned mountain, rising to 1912 meters, commands the landscape. This majestic peak is a well-known attraction for cycling enthusiasts globally, being a challenging stage on the Tour de France route. Ventoux appellation, with Mont Ventoux at its core, is one of the major… Read More »
Xavier Vignon, a winemaker and consultant, arrived in the southern Rhône region in 1996 and fell deeply in love with the area. After canceling his planned move to Australia, Xavier began to produce wines for others. In the process, he assessed 50 different caves and initiated a negociant business. Seven years ago, his focus shifted… Read More »
Richard Mayson reports on an impressive tasting that marked 200 years of the Symington-owned property. By Richard Mayson Richard Mayson celebrates 200 years of Quinta do Vesúvio, an estate responsible for some of the greatest Single-Quinta Vintage Ports as well as increasingly fine table wines. The year 1792 was literally a breakthrough for the Douro… Read More »