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Comparative Review: 2014 and 2015 Champagne, A Study in Contrast

Comparing two Champagne vintages that are in many ways polar opposites. By Essi Avellan MW. How do the wines of a vintage produced in “classic” conditions compare to those from a year more in keeping with the new, warmer normal in Champagne? Essi Avellan MW is joined by Simon Field MW and Tom Hewson for… Read More »

Andrew Shaw Joins Ambitious Coterie Holdings as New Wine Director

Coterie Holdings has appointed Andrew Shaw as its wine director less than two months after it also announced the acquisition of specialist importer Hallgarten & Novum Wines. Shaw, who is set to take up the new role at the beginning of March, was most recently head of trading for beers, wines and spirits at Marks… Read More »

Exploring the Highlights of Champagne Piper-Heidsieck Cuvée Brut NV

This isn’t a life-altering bubbly, but it’s a finely crafted Champagne at a reasonable price. I’m presently savoring it in an airport lounge, as are several others. Champagne Piper-Heidsieck Cuvée Brut NV FranceIncludes 12% alcohol. This consists of 50% Pinot Noir, 30% Pinot Meunier, and 20% Champagne, sourced from 240 partner growers and over 100… Read More »

Exploring Les Deux Cols: A Tale of Two and a Half Irishmen

How a group of three Dublin-based wine lovers started a rising-star Rhône vineyard. By Raymond Blake Raymond Blake on the romance and reality of Les Deux Cols, a collaboration that began in Dublin and is now producing increasingly refined wines in the Rhône Valley. Much has been written about the strong Irish wine connections to… Read More »

Demand for Significant Reduction of Vineyard Hectares in California

The California wine industry is currently dealing with an oversupply situation. This is largely due to changing consumer preferences, with younger consumers choosing to consume other beverages like RTDs, spirits, non-alcoholic drinks, or even cannabis. As a result, there is a significant risk of overproduction which could potentially lead to higher inventory turnover by 2024,… Read More »

Decanter Fine Wine Encounter 2024: A Showcase of Global Wines

In the sophisticated sphere of viticulture, where refinement combines with exceptional quality, we are delighted to introduce the upcoming installment of the internationally acclaimed Decanter Fine Wine Encounter (DFWE) 2024 edition. As we commemorate the 27th anniversary of our distinguished event in London and mark the third successful year in New York, we are proud… Read More »