Category Archives: Blog

Antinori Chianti Classico Gran Selezione: A Commitment to Tradition and Quality In September 2024, Marchese Piero Antinori expressed the family’s enduring connection to Chianti Classico, stating, "Chianti Classico is part of our DNA." This sentiment was highlighted during the launch of Antinori’s four new Gran Selezione wines, which signify a significant reaffirmation of the family’s… Read More »

Back to the classics. As we navigate the tumultuous events of 2025, from global conflicts to the rise of misinformation, the desire to retreat to the comforting embrace of the classics feels almost instinctive. In times of chaos, there’s wisdom to be found in the teachings of philosophers like Seneca, and in the storytelling of… Read More »

Véronique Günther-Chereau Cru Communal Gorges Muscadet Sèvre et Maine 2013 Véronique Günther-Chereau’s 2013 Gorges Muscadet Sèvre et Maine, with an alcohol content of 12%, hails from the Loire region of France. This wine is crafted from grapes grown in unique terroir featuring volcanic Gabbro stone layered with a thin topsoil rich in clay. At 11… Read More »

Champagne Giraud 2017 Aÿ Grand Cru Argonne: A Celebration of Craftsmanship The release of Champagne Henri Giraud’s 2017 vintage of the Aÿ Grand Cru Argonne marks a significant milestone—the 400th anniversary of the family’s vine stewardship in Aÿ. Initially bottling wines post-World War II, Henri Giraud, followed by his son Claude, paved the way for… Read More »

The countdown is on for the upcoming Decanter Fine Wine Encounter London (DFWE), scheduled to take place at The Landmark on November 7 and 8, 2025. This year’s lineup promises some of the most exciting masterclasses for wine enthusiasts. Masterclass Overview The event will kick off on Friday with an intimate tasting featuring 70 exceptional… Read More »

I had a fascinating conversation with Antoine Lespès and Jean-Marc Lafage about their innovative regenerative practices at Domaine Lafage in Roussillon. They are exploring the use of biochar, an effective soil amendment known for enhancing soil health and fertility. Additionally, they have started cultivating two resistant grape varieties that minimize the need for chemical spraying,… Read More »

The recent change in the naming convention for the oldest age-dated Tawny Port category has brought clarity to a formerly confusing area of the Port wine regulations. Only two years ago, the rules allowed for the production of 50-year-old Tawny Ports, and in January, the Port Wine Institute approved the creation of 80-year-old Tawny Ports,… Read More »

Dynamic Vines, a well-regarded importer of biodynamic, organic, and low-intervention wines located in Bermondsey, London, opened its doors to the public on a recent Saturday morning. While exploring the area during the Spa Terminus crawl, I had the opportunity to stop by and participate in a tasting featuring the wines of Emmanuel Giboulot, a producer… Read More »

Dr. Patrick McGovern, known as the ‘Indiana Jones of ancient wine’, passed away at the age of 80 on August 23, 2025. He was a prominent biomolecular archaeologist, recognized for his extensive research on ancient alcoholic beverages, particularly wines and beers. McGovern served as the Scientific Director of the Biomolecular Archaeology Project for Cuisine, Fermented… Read More »

A new literary work titled On Tuscany: From Brunello to Bolgheri, Wine Tales from the Heart of Italy, compiled by Susan Keevil, has captured the essence of Tuscany, touching on its wine, culture, history, art, and gastronomy. Marc Millon highlights that Tuscany, much like the Italian Renaissance that began there, has undergone a fascinating transition… Read More »