Premier cru status has been awarded to four Chardonnay vineyard sites in the Mâconnais region of southern Burgundy, specifically in the Pouilly-Vinzelles and Pouilly-Loché appellations, starting with the 2024 vintage. This recognition marks a significant milestone for the Mâconnais, emphasizing its rise in the wine world. The newly designated premier cru climats are: Les Longeays… Read More »
Rajat Parr’s journey into the world of farming was notably influenced by the pandemic, which shifted his focus from the hectic life of a wine professional to the tranquility of agriculture. He embraced the idea of growing grapes and cultivating a sustainable farming approach at Phelan Farms, located in Cambria, California. Phelan Farms is not… Read More »
Crozes-Hermitage 2023 has proven to be a successful vintage, showing notable improvements over the 2021s and demonstrating greater consistency compared to the varied 2022s. While challenging weather impacted production, the resulting wines are regarded as enjoyable, offering good quality across both red and white varieties. The reds from Crozes-Hermitage in 2023 exhibit moderate alcohol levels… Read More »
Pepe Galante stands as a pivotal figure in the evolution of the Argentine wine industry, particularly in the Uco Valley, where he has played a crucial role in its transformation. With nearly 50 vintages to his credit, Galante reflects on the drastic changes that have occurred in Argentina’s winemaking landscape, shifting from the era of… Read More »
A recent report on Hermitage’s 2023 vintage highlights the balance of richness and approachability in the wines produced this year. The style of red Hermitage has evolved, showcasing a softer structure than seen in prior vintages, making the wines more enjoyable straight away. The current vintage emphasizes white wines more than the reds, promising both… Read More »
Hokkaido, Japan, is an intriguing wine region, known for its focus on low-intervention winemaking. Among its notable varietals, Pinot Noir and Kerner stand out, with the latter being beautifully exemplified by the Nikki Hills Winery Hatsuyuki Kerner 2022. This wine, which has 12.5% alcohol, captivates with delicate aromas of lemon, oyster shell, and honeysuckle. The… Read More »
Álvaro Espinoza is recognized as a pivotal figure in Chile’s wine history, particularly noted for his role in the rediscovery of Carmenère. This significant moment occurred during a visit in 1994 by French ampelographer Jean-Michel Boursiquot at the Viña Carmen vineyard, where Espinoza was the winemaker. During a tasting, Boursiquot revealed that the Merlot Espinoza… Read More »
The 2023 vintage of Cornas has been observed by winemaker Olivier Clape as a return to classical proportions, differing from the overly ripe and exaggerated wines seen in recent years. Clape acknowledges the challenges faced during this period, specifically the rain and the threat of mildew. However, he believes that the resulting wines are worth… Read More »
The northern Rhône’s St-Joseph appellation faces a challenging vintage in 2023 due to adverse weather conditions. The storms that struck on September 18 affected the southern vineyards, while the northern slopes remained untouched. Consequently, the quality of the wines varies across the region. Some producers experienced significant challenges from hail and storms, impacting their harvests,… Read More »
Fattoria Le Masse, a young estate in Chianti Classico, is led by Robin Mugnaini, representing the third generation of his family. The first wine was bottled in 2009, which marked the beginning of their winemaking journey. After his father’s passing in 2006, 20-year-old Robin crafted his first wine, yielding just 300 bottles. Today, production has… Read More »