Fifteen years after Ets Jean-Pierre Moueix acquired Château Bélair-Monange, the estate has made remarkable advancements in quality and reputation in St-Emilion. During a July visit in 2024, co-owner Edouard Moueix shared insights on the careful vineyard management required due to the heavy rains that spring, leading to rapid vine growth and potential rot. With vines… Read More »
One of the most acclaimed wineries in the Alentejo region, Mouchão, has a unique history that sets it apart from its peers. I had the pleasure of tasting wines with Ian Reynolds, the owner, and winemaker Hamilton Reis. Founded in the mid-19th century by Thomas Reynolds, Mouchão originally served as a cork estate encompassing 900… Read More »
The 15th annual International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration (i4C+), held from July 17, 2025, in Ontario, was a significant event celebrating wines from both local and international regions. The festivities included tastings, food pairings, and a keynote address delivered by Clive Pursehouse, the North American Editor, who also moderated a panel. The discussions revolved around… Read More »
Ever since it was announced that Elaine Chukan Brown was writing a book about Californian wine, anticipation has been high. Having known Elaine for years and co-presented with her at several conferences, I was eager to see how her insights would translate into print. The book, part of the Classic Wine Library series recently acquired… Read More »
A tuk-tuk driver in London, identified as Iuliu Kubola, has pled guilty to three burglary charges after stealing an estimated £24,000 worth of wine from a restaurant. The 61-year-old was caught on CCTV secretly placing bottles in a wheelie bin and wheeling them away in a pedicab. City of London police reported that Kubola broke… Read More »
This morning started with a 4:30 AM alarm and a trip to Billingsgate Fish Market, where I found a great selection, including some large prawns and five fine sea bass. After enjoying a scallop and bacon roll accompanied by milky coffee (not wine), I headed to spend time with my family. We prepared the fish,… Read More »
Sales of still wine produced in England and Wales have surged, experiencing a notable 10% increase in 2024, largely attributed to a record harvest the previous year. Across the UK, overall wine sales volumes rose by 3% in comparison to 2023, marking a respectable achievement despite recent economic challenges and regulatory shifts. Nicola Bates, CEO… Read More »
Pork cooked in milk may not grace the menus of Michelin-starred restaurants, primarily due to its unappealing appearance rather than its flavor. The dish typically presents a brownish cream or beige sauce that some describe as resembling “curdled milk,” evoking childhood memories of “Little Miss Muffet” and her curds and whey. Elizabeth David, a prominent… Read More »
Once considered lesser varieties due to their late ripening, slow sugar accumulation, and high acid retention, certain grape types now present a unique opportunity in the age of climate change. These traits are increasingly seen as advantageous as the wine industry grapples with rising temperatures, water scarcity, and shifting weather patterns. Varieties that withstand drought… Read More »
Jim White from Cloudy Bay recently presented at the 2025 Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference, focusing on the promising future of disease-resistant grape varieties (DRVs), often referred to as PIWIs. This topic is gaining traction in Europe and gaining attention in Australia and New Zealand. White emphasized the environmental benefits, stating that this could signal… Read More »