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 »
Luke Lambert crafts wine from the northern section of the Yarra Valley, where the soil consists of granite and granitic sand. His wines primarily come from the Denton View Hill vineyard, located near Yarra Glen. The production process utilizes neutral large format oak barrels and emphasizes low-intervention winemaking. Originally from Brisbane, Luke’s passion for wine… Read More »
The Symington Family has been actively promoting Graham’s 80-year-old Tawny Port across several European cities, a new category of age-dated Tawny Port introduced in early 2025. This category allows shippers with old stock to release unique wines for the first time, and Graham’s has made a significant contribution. The creation of this exquisite Tawny has… Read More »
Each year, Noble Rot Lambs Conduit Street hosts a grand celebration for Beaujolais Nouveau Day, inviting a guest chef or restaurant to take over their kitchen for the occasion. Last year’s guest was The Four Horsemen from Brooklyn, while this year’s event featured Vantre from Paris, with proprietor Marco Pelletier and chef Satria Vue at… Read More »
The narrative of Shiraz, Syrah, and Shirazi wine intertwines myth, history, and culture, presenting a rich tapestry that extends back to the region of Shiraz in Iran. Despite common misconceptions, genetic research has established that the Syrah grape, referred to as Shiraz in many English-speaking countries, is not genetically linked to the storied past of… Read More »
As Beaujolais greets the arrival of its first wines of 2025, the excitement of the annual festival on the third Thursday of November fills the air. The exuberance of Beaujolais Nouveau, known for its fresh and fruity flavor profile, typically dominates the scene, but there are other noteworthy contenders stepping into the spotlight. Across Europe… Read More »
Guests at Guado al Tasso’s recent masterclass experienced an immersive tasting featuring eight wines from the esteemed Bolgheri estate. Among these selections were a classic Bordeaux blend and a remarkable 100% Cabernet Franc. Guado al Tasso is owned by the Antinori family, who have been crafting wine in Tuscany for centuries. The masterclass was led… Read More »
Masi, renowned for its mastery of appassimento (the drying of grapes before fermentation) in Italy’s Veneto region, offers a unique wine with its Brolo version of Campofiorin. This blend incorporates Osoleta, a grape variety revived by Masi, and is aged in small oak barrels. Priced around £22 in the UK and available at Tesco, this… Read More »
In their pursuit of a sustainable future, winegrowers face a significant challenge: maintaining the remarkable adaptability of Vitis vinifera, the source of quality wines. Recent discussions have raised alarms regarding the reliance on technological solutions and hybridization in viticulture as methods to combat climate change. Historically, only wines produced from Vitis vinifera have managed to… Read More »