On my recent visit to Italy’s stunning Franciacorta region, known for its high-quality sparkling wines, I sensed a palpable frustration among local winemakers. Despite the exceptional quality of their wines, they struggle with global recognition, primarily due to the fact that only 12% of their production is exported. The low export rate is disheartening, especially… Read More »
Margaret Rand recently visited Chris Wilson, a former journalist turned winemaker, who is producing fine English still wines from a unique urban winery situated in a Cambridge windmill. The winery, named Gutter & Stars, is a compact 38 square yards and is located in the basement of the windmill, which was originally built in 1847.… Read More »
In the wake of climate change, vintners in Beaujolais are facing a critical decision regarding the future of the Gamay grape, a staple of their vineyards. As harvest dates shift earlier—once occurring in September and now edging into July—wine producers are grappling with altered growing conditions and fluctuating styles of wine. Historically, Gamay originated as… Read More »
A wide-ranging support plan for the European wine sector has been introduced by the European Commission to address significant challenges faced by producers, including climate change and the need to balance supply and demand. Key proposals include payments for winemakers wishing to conduct green harvesting, promotional support for wine exports, and increased investment for wineries… Read More »
This article details a masterclass with Alistair Cooper at the Decouvertes Vins Rhône festival in Avignon in March 2025 and includes insights from additional tastings at the event. Located near Châteauneuf and Gigondas, the Ventoux cru is adjacent to the famous cycling peak of Mont Ventoux, which rises 1900 meters and features a small ski… Read More »
The 2024 Burgundy vintage faced an exceptionally difficult growing season, impacted severely by unfavorable weather conditions, including persistent rain, frost, and hail. These challenges led to a significant decrease in grape yields across the region. Despite the hardships, the quality of the remaining grapes and the expertise of winemakers provided a glimmer of hope for… Read More »
April is an exciting month for wine enthusiasts as it delivers a host of reports, tastings, and insights from regions such as Champagne, Burgundy, and California. The anticipation builds as Bordeaux’s en primeur reviews approach in May, yet the groundwork for understanding the 2024 vintage begins now. Bordeaux 2024 Preparation Bordeaux editor Georgie Hindle and… Read More »
In 2021, brothers Matthieu and Gaëtan Thevenard returned to their family estate in Uchizy, located just north of Mâcon. They are the fifth generation in their family to work the land, which had previously been dedicated to a cooperative. The brothers took control of 12 out of the domaine’s 24 hectares, with plans to eventually… Read More »
Miguel Torres Chile has launched a range of wines under the label "The Green Road," emphasizing their commitment to environmentally conscious practices. One standout feature is their bottling process, which is done at the destination. This method results in a significant reduction in carbon footprint by approximately 40%. The wines are bottled at Greencroft in… Read More »
La Determinazione, the one-word theme encapsulating the mission behind the 2022 vintage of Ornellaia, reflects both a clear vision from the winemaking team and the resilience of the vineyards amidst challenging weather conditions. Lamberto Frescobaldi introduced this new vintage at Ornellaia’s Bolgheri winery, emphasizing the fortitude shown by the grapes in an unusually dry season.… Read More »