Sommer is a winery located in the Leithaberg region of Burgenland, Austria, with a substantial 30 hectares of vines. The winery recently transitioned to the next generation, led by Leo and Kathrin Sommer, who officially took over in 2023. Their approach emphasizes a focus on terroir and low-intervention winemaking, which has been evolving even before… Read More »
In an impressive turnaround, the Lirac and Tavel regions in the southern Rhône, typically vulnerable during hot vintages, managed to produce an exceptional collection of wines in 2023. Despite facing challenges such as early drought, disease pressures, and a heatwave, these areas showcased a variety of fresh and enjoyable wines ideally suited for early drinking.… Read More »
In the 2023 vintage, the southern Rhône regions of Gigondas, Vacqueyras, and Beaumes de Venise have produced remarkable red wines, characterized by their freshness and riper profiles. Notably, Gigondas and Vacqueyras also offered high-quality whites this year that are worthy of exploration. Beaumes de Venise This particular vintage in Beaumes de Venise stands out for… Read More »
The recent release of the 2015 Armand de Brignac Blanc de Noirs has created buzz in the world of Champagne, showcasing the brand’s first Vintage offering. Until now, Armand de Brignac has only produced Multi-Vintage blends, similar to other premium brands. The decision to launch a Vintage cuvée was driven by the incredible quality of… Read More »
Natural wine from the Loire Valley has been chosen for the mass at the grand reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. This selection comes after a long and careful restoration process following the devastating fire that occurred in April 2019, which caused significant damage to the historic structure. The Archbishop of Paris chose a natural… Read More »
This remarkable tasting event was organized by Stephen Browett of Farr Vintners, focusing on a direct comparison between wines sealed with cork and those sealed with screwcap across various styles and vintages. This kind of event is rare, as wineries commonly conduct internal cork versus screwcap trials, but it is unusual to see these conducted… Read More »
Golden eagles and vultures soar the skies above the Cévennes, a remote region of France teeming with wild boar, wolves, and possibly even lynx. Here, the wildest of France’s major rivers—the Loire—begins its 625-mile journey. Initially turbulent and barely navigable, the river soon transforms as it meanders past grand châteaux, earning the title of “royal.”… Read More »
Coverage of the 2023 Rhône vintage is currently underway on Decanter Premium, highlighting a year characterized by juicy and accessible wines in the south and a return to a classic expression in the north. Following a dry winter, spring brought substantial rain, presenting challenges for vineyards; however, the Rhône region managed to avoid the severe… Read More »
Coonawarra, a renowned wine region in South Australia, has long been considered a pivotal area for viticulture, and Wynns is among the leading wineries there. This region has a unique terroir characterized by terra rossa soil over limestone, which was once a relatively obscure topic in Australian wine discussions. Recently, winemaker Sue Hodder shared insights… Read More »
On Saturday, November 16, the Decanter Fine Wine Encounter (DFWE) London celebrated its 27th iteration at the iconic Landmark London hotel. This eagerly awaited event hosted 127 world-class wineries, offering wine aficionados an exceptional day filled with tastings and valuable experiences. Attendees explored a remarkable array of wines from esteemed producers, interacted directly with winemakers,… Read More »