When Youmna and Tony Asseily purchased a derelict château in Bordeaux, they had no intention of entering the wine business. This year marks two decades since they acquired Château Biac, which they have meticulously restored, turning it into a beloved hidden gem of the region. Originally from Lebanon, the Asseilys had spent years balancing their… Read More »
Raúl Moreno, hailing from Sevilla, has carved a niche in the world of wine by producing remarkable unfortified wines from sherry country. His journey began in London at the age of 18, where he started in a restaurant kitchen and eventually became a sommelier. After gaining experience in the vibrant Australian wine industry, he returned… Read More »
If you’ve enjoyed a glass of Lugana while relaxing at Lake Garda, you might want to reconsider its potential. This white wine region, split between Lombardy and Veneto, deserves more attention than just being labeled a casual holiday sip. The wines, made primarily from the local Turbiana grape, exhibit both fruit-forward characteristics and structural complexity,… Read More »
In 1985, Italy established a law allowing farmers to offer hospitality services, aimed at preserving rural heritage and providing struggling farms with alternative income sources. This legislation sparked the rise of ‘agriturismo’, especially in Tuscany, where historic estates began welcoming visitors, transforming centuries-old agricultural properties into experiential destinations. Mania Castelli, who operates La Torre alle… Read More »
Mateus Nicolau de Almeida comes from a celebrated winemaking lineage, being the son of João Nicolau d’Almeida of Ramos Pinto and the grandson of Fernando Nicolau d’Almeida, the founder of Barca Velha in 1952. His upbringing in a vineyard-rich environment propelled him into a global exploration of wines, including significant experiences with Denis Dubourdieu in… Read More »
In Search of the Soul of St-Emilion Colin Gent MW takes us on a journey through St-Emilion, often hailed as "The Burgundy of Bordeaux," characterized by its diverse terroirs and vibrant wine culture. Despite the prevailing narrative that Bordeaux is facing a crisis with waning interest in its wines, St-Emilion continues to draw over a… Read More »
Sablière has recently launched a groundbreaking 0% alcohol sparkling drink designed to emulate the qualities of traditional Champagne and sparkling wines. Co-owner Lucy Isles, along with her partner Kim Wilson, developed this concept through extensive research, aiming for complex flavors and textures typically found in wine. Unlike a sparkling tea or kombucha, Sablière has been… Read More »
Olivier Coste has introduced a refreshing red wine from the Pays d’Oc region, the Olivier Coste Bisou Rouge 2025. This distinctive wine is purposefully made to be enjoyed chilled, with a unique label that indicates the ideal temperature for consumption—lips on the front label change from red to blue when it’s just right. With an… Read More »
There has been an ongoing discussion about the term "fine wine" and its connotations of exclusivity—almost as if the wines themselves were designed to highlight the lack of culture in those who cannot appreciate their complexities. This reflects a larger issue in the wine industry, where the challenge lies in making wine appealing again amidst… Read More »
I don’t usually purchase Bordeaux wines, but when I do come across one that captures my attention, it can be quite rewarding. Recently, I stumbled upon the Château Marquis de Terme Margaux 2022 at a Leclerc store in Lourdes, France, and I felt it was worth the €48 price tag. It turned out to be… Read More »