In South America, the perception of red wines often leans toward bold varieties with thick tannins, known for their aging potential. However, a shift is underway that is highlighting lighter-bodied reds, which are gaining popularity just as barbecue season approaches. The exploration of lesser-known grape varieties alongside well-established ones like Malbec, Carmenère, and Tannat is… Read More »

Really impressed with the latest vintage release from Laurent-Perrier: Champagne Laurent Perrier Brut Millésime 2018 from France, with 12% alcohol content. This exceptional Champagne is composed of 100% Grand Cru grapes, featuring 52% Chardonnay sourced from Le-Mesnil-sur-Oger, Avize, Cramant, and Chouilly, alongside 48% Pinot Noir from Verzy, Louvois, Aÿ, Tours-sur-Marne, and Ambonnay. The wine exhibits… Read More »

Tenuta San Leonardo, located in the picturesque Trentino valley and housed in a former medieval monastery, is famed for its flagship red wine, which uniquely blends Carmenere with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The estate, which has been owned by the Guerrieri Gonzaga family for 300 years, features lush vineyards and beautifully maintained gardens surrounding the… Read More »

Brunello di Montalcino is a prestigious wine that exemplifies the beauty of patience in winemaking. In a fast-paced world that thrives on instant gratification, the approach taken by this iconic wine reflects a profound respect for time and craftsmanship. The Libération Tardive Foundation, a non-profit organization in the UK, advocates for the later release of… Read More »

I recently tasted the wines from Courelas da Torre, a family-owned winery located in Redondo, Alentejo, Portugal. This winery has been producing organic wines since 2013 and spans 11 hectares of vines. Here’s a summary of the wines I sampled: Courelas da Torre Branco 2023: A bright and fruity white with a crisp and clean… Read More »

Franco Massolino recently hosted an impressive vertical tasting of his family’s flagship wine, Vigna Rionda, featuring twelve vintages from 1996 to 2019. With an innovative approach, the tasting was divided into four themes: warm years, classic years, great vintages, and recent releases. As the fourth generation of the Massolino family, Franco highlighted the significance of… Read More »

This year’s Langhe Nebbiolo, produced by Ferdinando Principiano, has captivated wine enthusiasts with its remarkable qualities. The 2023 vintage showcases 13% alcohol and presents a delightful experience marked by its silky texture. On the palate, this wine offers elegant notes of red cherry and plum fruits, balanced by a perfect level of tannins that contribute… Read More »

The 2007 Ferrari Giulio Ferrari Collezione has been released, reinforcing its status among the world’s premier sparkling wines. Ferrari has showcased its ambition by aging its flagship wine for nearly two decades prior to its launch, a technique more commonly associated with the elite champagnes. While many champagnes delay their releases for over 15 years,… Read More »

Eastern Slovenia, particularly the Štajerska region, is an overlooked gem in the wine world, producing remarkable wines that can age for decades. Recently, an astonishing tasting revealed the impressive potential of this region, often overshadowed by more famous wine areas. One standout experience was tasting a 1927 Šipon (Furmint) from Ptujska Klet, which is part… Read More »

Simon Field MW recently celebrated the 40th anniversary of Bruno Paillard’s Perpetual Reserve, highlighting the evolution and complexity of this remarkable Champagne. Established in 1981 by Bruno Paillard, this winery is noted for its commitment to quality, distinct from other ventures linked to the Lanson-BCC group. Today, it is led by Bruno’s daughter, Alice, who… Read More »