It’s the end of February each year when the mimosa tree bursts into bloom, with its bright yellow pincushions adorning the branches. As we stroll on cool mornings, a blend of sweet almond, honey, and toasted scents envelops us—a sensory paradise that begs for a corresponding white wine. Enter the Clairette grape variety, which captures… Read More »
Changes on the menu A newly released book dives into the captivating history of the restaurant menu, often referred to as "the world’s favorite piece of paper," showcasing how its expectations have evolved alongside culinary practices over the years. Tastes and Traditions: A Journey through Menu History by Nathalie Cooke explores how menus serve not… Read More »
If you’re visiting the Okanagan wine region in Canada, you can’t miss dining at Elma, located in Penticton. This remarkable restaurant sits beautifully on the lakefront and offers a Turkish-inspired modern Middle Eastern cuisine that is exceptionally well-executed. During a recent visit with a judging panel for the National Wine Awards of Canada, we brought… Read More »
Hollywood actor Brad Pitt has released a new video showcasing breathtaking vistas of the French Riviera to promote his organic gin, The Gardener. The film acts as a "poetic love letter" to the scenic coastline that has long inspired artists and film stars alike. Pitt opens the video by noting, "The French Riviera is a… Read More »
We often regard Chardonnay as a mainstay of Australia’s wine portfolio, but it may come as a surprise to learn that the first varietally labeled Chardonnay in the modern era was only released in 1971 with Tyrrell’s Vat 47 Chardonnay. The grape itself has been part of the Australian viticulture landscape since its importation by… Read More »
Slovenia’s Bela Krajina, a picturesque eastern region, is gaining recognition for its unique vineyards that harmonize with the surrounding landscape, characterized by woodlands and small agricultural plots. Here, vines are often cultivated by local families tending small weekend plots. The story of the Šuklje winery began in May 2022 with proprietor Guillaume Antalick, a French… Read More »
President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, ended their first day in the UK with an opulent state banquet hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle, showcasing a menu that prominently featured Anglo-French elements. The menu included a selection of luxurious wines, featuring the acclaimed Bordeaux first growth, Château Haut-Brion 1996,… Read More »
In the heart of Saumur lies a captivating vineyard known as Clos d’Entre des Murs, notable for its unique construction — a walled vineyard with walls nested within. This distinctive feature sets it apart from previously seen walled vineyards. Established in 1894 by textile entrepreneur Antoine Cristal, Clos d’Entre des Murs spans 0.56 hectares and… Read More »
With the rising trend of younger generations opting to remain sober, Harry Eyres reflects on how to entice them to appreciate the deeper values of wine. Eyres begins by recognizing the challenge posed by current health narratives, citing the World Health Organization’s severe warnings against alcohol consumption. The fine wine market faces difficulties as the… Read More »
We currently live under the dominance of numerical ratings in wine criticism, which has largely replaced qualitative descriptions with an obsession for scoring. This shift to a numerical rating system—most notably the 100-point scale—has permeated wine evaluation since its inception in the 19th century. The push for numbers over words reflects a growing belief that… Read More »