The recent increase in alcohol duty in the UK is expected to further elevate the prices of wine, as trade representatives have highlighted the financial implications of this decision made in the government’s latest Budget. With retail price inflation set at 3.66%, a bottle of Merlot priced at £8.50 may rise to £8.63 starting February… Read More »
The recent developments in the ongoing struggle between proponents of alcohol consumption and neo-prohibitionists have marked a significant moment for wine lovers and the industry alike. In September, two pivotal events took place that suggested a retreat from harsh restrictions on alcohol: a reassessment of U.S. dietary guidelines and a decision at the United Nations… Read More »
Emmanuel Reynaud, renowned owner and winemaker of the storied Château Rayas in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, passed away on November 25, 2025, at the age of 61 after battling a long illness. Early Life and Career Emmanuel began his winemaking journey at his family’s estate, Château des Tours in Sarrians, bought by his grandfather in the 1930s. His… Read More »
Here’s an overview of the Portuguese wines showcased at the recent amphora wine day held at Rocim in November 2025. Arvad, Algarve This emerging project in Algarve originally featured 20 hectares of vines, which has now expanded to 50 hectares. Their highlight is the local grape Negra Mole, known for its lighter red wines. Despite… Read More »
China’s fine-wine markets are undergoing a significant transformation, despite reports suggesting a decline due to economic issues and reduced wine consumption. Recent launches, like Penfolds’ Grange La Chapelle in Shanghai, have raised questions about the market’s health, particularly with high prices compounded by trade disputes and currency fluctuations. Some analysts warn of challenges, such as… Read More »
Each year, Herdade do Rocim hosts an amphora wine day, gathering wineries from around the globe that produce wine in clay. The 2025 edition marked my third attendance, showcasing diverse wines with a strong focus on the Alentejo region, where the talha tradition has been effectively revitalized. This year, I noticed that winemakers are becoming… Read More »
Decanter Fine Wine Encounter (DFWE) Singapore 2025 took place on November 22, 2025, at the lavish Shangri-La Hotel. This year’s event was a remarkable success, following the inaugural edition the previous year, and it has now become an essential part of the wine calendar in Singapore. The event attracted over 500 attendees eager to sample… Read More »
Irancy: Northern Reds in the Land of Cherries Irancy, a charming village in Burgundy, has become a noteworthy destination for wine enthusiasts due to its unique red varieties, including Pinot Noir and César. Located just 18 km southwest of Chablis, the region gained its AOC status in 1998, which recognizes its rich winemaking tradition. The… Read More »
I recall my first encounter with Central Otago Pinot Noir during a tasting in London in 2003. The experience included a notable 1992 Rippon and a pre-Nigel Felton Road Block 3 that left me moderately impressed. However, after visiting the region seven years later, I became an avid fan and have returned frequently since. Here’s… Read More »
Andrew Jefford’s latest column delves into the transformative climate conditions changing Germany’s wine landscape, positioning it as a potential new "Pinot Paradise" for wine enthusiasts. He emphasizes the ongoing ‘quiet change’ induced by climate change, a scenario that is drastically altering traditional wine terroirs worldwide. The alarming reality of climate change manifests through droughts, heat… Read More »