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 »
Laurent-Perrier Héritage Unveiled: A New Frontier in Champagne Champagne Laurent-Perrier has recently introduced a groundbreaking cuvée, Laurent-Perrier Héritage, which prioritizes reserve wines over base years in its blend. This innovative move was led by chef de cave Michel Fauconnet, who has been at the helm since 1973. Known for his technical prowess and creative approaches,… Read More »
Champagne Alfred Gratien NV is a distinctive offering from a smaller house that produces approximately 300,000 bottles annually and is owned by the large German sparkling wine producer Henkell. This champagne stands out due to its unique aging process, where all base wines are matured in barrels sourced predominantly from the Chablisienne cooperative, having seen… Read More »
Château Mouton Rothschild has unveiled its 2022 vintage label designed by artist Gérard Garouste. This artistic tribute marks the 100th anniversary of Baron Philippe de Rothschild’s leadership at the iconic Bordeaux winery. In his 1981 autobiography, Baron Philippe expressed curiosity about whether anyone would commemorate his centenary. The question has now been answered with a… Read More »
Castello di Ama, a noteworthy establishment in Chianti Classico, was founded in 1976 by four Roman families. Over the years, it has gained prestige, particularly under the guidance of Marco Pallanti, who joined in 1982 to oversee viticulture and winemaking. Nestled at an altitude of 500 meters, the estate’s unique location contributes to the wine’s… Read More »
Global wine production has dropped significantly, reaching its lowest level since 1961, with new data from the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) indicating a forecast of just 231 million hectoliters for 2024. This represents a 2% decrease from the already low figures of 2023 and a 13% decline compared to the average production… Read More »
Nicola Greening recently presented the 2023 selections from Felton Road, a prominent winery in Central Otago, New Zealand. This vintage faced challenges due to heat, but was effectively moderated by timely rainfall and cooler weather just before the March harvest. The winery hadn’t experienced a truly hot vintage since 2018, leading to concerns prior to… Read More »
Rasteau, Cairanne, and Vinsobres have made notable strides in the wine industry, particularly in the 2023 vintage. According to Matt Walls, this year has revealed a treasure trove of balanced and approachable wines, especially from Rasteau and Vinsobres. Vinsobres The vintage in Vinsobres has been exceptional, showcasing the classic characteristics of the region—bold tannins paired… Read More »