Côtes du Rhône is often viewed as a budget segment in the wine world, relegated to quantity over quality. However, savvy wine drinkers know it has significant rewards. Matt Walls highlights some exceptional Côtes du Rhône wines under £20 that affirm this reputation. Recent accomplishments in the region challenge the notion that Côtes du Rhône… Read More »

Chapoutier is a prominent producer in the northern Rhône region, boasting 60 hectares in the Crozes-Hermitage appellation, making them a significant vineyard owner in the area. They are committed to enhancing Crozes by investing in northern vineyards with appealing terroirs, despite the challenges posed by steep slopes. During a visit with Maxime Chapoutier, we explored… Read More »

From exclusive clubs to supermarket shelves, large-format wine bottles are captivating wine lovers around the globe. Recent celebrations at esteemed wine venues showcased impressive large bottles, like an imperial of Château d’Yquem 1996 and an 18-litre melchior of Blandy’s Madeira, signifying the growing trend of oversized wines. During the summer of 2024, Sainsbury’s witnessed a… Read More »

The relationship between wine and music has been celebrated for centuries, showcasing how the joy that wine brings often finds expression through song. As people indulge in drink, they often break into joyful singing, creating a vibrant cultural tradition that fuses the pleasures of wine with the arts. In Vienna’s taverns, or Heurigen, where the… Read More »

Familia Torres, a leading Spanish wine producer, is making a substantial investment of €6 million (approximately £5 million) to establish a winery dedicated solely to non-alcoholic wines. This investment will take place between 2024 and 2026 at their headquarters in Pacs del Penedès, Catalonia. Notably, half of this amount will be allocated for use in… Read More »

Sophie Menin and Bob Chaplin’s book, A Year in the Vineyard, offers an engaging chronicle of global viticulture through a blend of evocative text and stunning imagery. This literary and visual masterpiece invites readers into the seasonal cycle of the vineyard, capturing its richness and diversity. Upon opening the book, readers are encouraged to reflect… Read More »

Ricardo Freitas, a third-generation producer from Madeira, leads the renowned family firm Barbeito, admired as the island’s foremost producer. The history of winemaking on Madeira dates back to 1425, with a significant economic impact noted in the late 17th century when wine became a key export. Initially not fortified, the introduction of spirit additions in… Read More »

In March 1933, millions of Americans celebrated as President Franklin D. Roosevelt repealed Prohibition. The move was seen as a morale booster during the Great Depression. Fast forward to today, and the shadow of prohibition seems to linger once more, particularly with the recent remarks from outgoing US Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy. Dr. Murthy… Read More »

Wine is navigating a tumultuous landscape, marked by challenges such as climate change, increasing production costs, regulatory burdens, and a decline in consumption driven by changing lifestyles. Despite this, the global market for wine remains robust; Mintel estimates that the UK wine market alone was valued at nearly £15 billion in 2024, revealing that consumers… Read More »

Toklas, a modern-Mediterranean restaurant near Somerset House in London, recently hosted its first wine dinner to showcase its new wine list, curated over 18 months by Head of Beverages Agustina Basilico and consultant Heidi Mäkinen, a Finnish master of wine. The focus was to offer unique and high-quality wines while promoting sustainable practices and minimizing… Read More »