Badia a Coltibuono is a historic estate located in Chianti Classico with origins tracing back to the Middle Ages. The site, formerly an abbey established in 1051, features a bell tower dating from the 1700s. The estate was secularized by Napoleon in 1810 and has since evolved into a prominent wine producer. The current owners,… Read More »
Is the Clash Between Modernism and Tradition Over? The debate between modernism and tradition in wine has been ongoing since the Enlightenment, impacting various aspects of society and culture, including the wine industry, which has long championed its traditional roots. The concept of modernity versus tradition is not new, with its origins tracing back to… Read More »
Two bottles of the historic Tignanello 1971 vintage were sold for impressive prices at a recent auction held by Christie’s in London. These wines, sourced directly from the estate in Tuscany, went for £813 and £750 each, far exceeding the pre-sale estimate of £300 to £500 per bottle. This auction was particularly special as it… Read More »
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 »