When mid-July 2022 hit, Portugal saw a staggering record high of 47ºC in Pinhāo, nestled in the Douro Valley, igniting concerns over the forthcoming wine harvest. However, contrary to expectations, the harvest revealed small, healthy berries with remarkable flavors and an unexpected freshness, turning skepticism into intrigue. After maturing for two years in cellars, prominent… Read More »
Pedro Leunda and Jon Aseginolaza, childhood friends from San Sebastián, have transitioned from friends to winemakers in the northwestern region of Navarra, Spain. Their journey began in 2016 with a modest plot of old vine Garnacha, and they now manage ten small vineyard plots encompassing nearly four hectares. Their winemaking process emphasizes natural techniques, utilizing… Read More »
2023 Burgundy Tasting Notes: Côte de Beaune—Pommard In her exploration of the 2023 Burgundy vintage, Sarah Marsh MW examines the wines produced in Pommard, highlighting various producers and their harvest practices. Domaine du Comte Armand Paul Zinetti’s harvest spanned two weeks, focusing on morning picking. They concluded in Auxey-Duresses at Largillas, where grapes were ripe… Read More »
Raising substantial amounts year after year, the Naples Winter Wine Festival has set a new record with over $34 million raised during its 2025 auction. This figure is more than double that of the 2024 Hospices de Beaune auction, raising questions about how a town known for golf and sandy beaches has become a beacon… Read More »
2023 Burgundy tasting notes: Côte de Beaune—Beaune Sarah Marsh MW provides insights into the 2023 vintage from Beaune, focusing on notable producers and their offerings. Albert Bichot Albert Bichot operates six estates along with a négociant business, sourcing grapes from around 50 hectares. Although the pH levels were elevated, with the Chambolle Chabiot reaching 3.7,… Read More »
Claus Preisinger began his winemaking journey in 2002 while working as an assistant winemaker for Hans Nittnaus. He established his winery in Gols, located on the northern shore of Lake Neusiedlersee in Austria’s Burgenland region, which is uniquely equipped with amphorae, concrete tanks, and large-format oak barrels. Over the years, Claus has significantly expanded his… Read More »
Changes to the UK’s duty tax system are set to lead to increased wine prices starting February 2025. The new sliding-scale duty tax, which will apply to many still wines for the first time, is a response to rising inflation, as indicated by the UK’s Wine & Spirit Trade Association (WSTA). From February 1, consumers… Read More »
Jasper Wickens began his journey in the world of wine during his university days in Stellenbosch, South Africa, where he worked at Zevenwacht to support himself. There, he met Adi Badenhorst, who became a pivotal figure in his career. In 2009, when Adi set up in Swartland, he brought Jasper on as a winemaker. During… Read More »
New Zealand’s Cloudy Bay, renowned for its iconic Sauvignon Blanc, celebrates a milestone this year with the release of its 40th vintage. The journey commenced back in 1985 when the first vintage rolled out, marking Cloudy Bay as a significant player in the wine world, despite not being the first Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough—that honor… Read More »
English wine mogul Richard Balfour-Lynn has been declared bankrupt after he was unable to pay millions in compensation to investors linked to a stock market scandal. The Takeover Appeal Board ordered Balfour-Lynn to compensate investors for deceit and wrongdoing revealed at his property investment company. Balfour-Lynn, who founded Balfour Winery in Kent, stated he did… Read More »