Berkmann, a well-respected UK importer, has curated a fascinating portfolio of Australian wines that reflect the diversity and quality of the region. Recently, I had the opportunity to taste a selection from their collection, though I have excluded my separate notes from Yarra Yering. Tasting Notes La La Land Pinot Noir 2022Hailing from Victoria, this… Read More »
Wine drinkers in Washington State are well acquainted with the region’s impressive wine quality, with about a quarter of the bottles consumed in the state being locally produced. This year, Washington celebrates two significant milestones: the 150th anniversary of its first winery and the upcoming 200th anniversary of the first vineyard plantings. However, amidst these… Read More »
Statistically speaking, very old vineyards play a minor role in the broader wine market. This raises the question: are the twisted trunks and sparse canes merely an artistic nostalgia, or do they represent key sources of exceptional wine and vital biodiversity? To explore these complex themes, Richard Baudains engages with three individuals from Friuli-Venezia Giulia,… Read More »
Three Sticks Wines is a prominent winery in Sonoma County, specifically within the Russian River Valley, owned by Bill Price, affectionately known as ‘Billy Three Sticks’. Price has amassed a collection of six vineyards in Sonoma, two of which are located in this celebrated region. His journey began in 1997 with the purchase of the… Read More »
Celebrated on the third Thursday of November, International Beaujolais Nouveau Day falls on November 21 this year. This special occasion honors a light-bodied, fruity wine made from Gamay grapes that has recently gained traction for its improved quality. The Origins of Beaujolais Nouveau Day The roots of Beaujolais Nouveau can be traced back to the… Read More »
Domaine Villargeau, located in the Coteaux du Giennois, is a notable wine producer in the Centre Loire region of France. The domaine, guided by Marc Thibault who has been at the helm since 2000, sits in an appellation adjacent to Pouilly-Fumé with only about 200 hectares of vines cultivated by 40 growers. The family history… Read More »
In a recent tasting event, the focus was on the diverse and captivating world of Fino and Manzanilla Sherry, celebrated for their craftsmanship and unique character. While the narrative surrounding Sherry often leans toward decline and nostalgia, the panel, which included David Williams, Simon Field MW, and Andrew Jefford, took a more optimistic view, highlighting… Read More »
The Hospices de Beaune’s 164th charity wine auction achieved a total of €14,404,200 (£12,040,927) on November 19, 2024. This figure is significantly lower than the previous year’s total of €23,279,800, according to Sotheby’s, the auction co-host. Despite the reduced overall amount, the average price per barrel increased slightly to €31,540 compared to last year’s €30,839.… Read More »
Porchetta is a traditional Italian dish featuring rolled roast pork that has gained popularity beyond its regional roots, tracing back to Ariccia in Lazio, with other towns such as Norcia in Umbria also claiming its heritage. Italian immigrants brought this savory dish to the United States in the early 20th century. The authenticity of porchetta… Read More »
I had the pleasure of tasting wines with Miguel Sarzies, who is a co-owner, vigneron, and winemaker at Domaine du Gringet, a distinguished wine producer located in Ayse within the Haute Savoie appellation, near Geneva and Annecy in the French Alps. This domaine represents the new vision for Domaine Belluard, established after the passing of… Read More »