2024 Burgundy has emerged as a surprisingly admirable vintage, despite a tumultuous growing season characterized by excessive rainfall and challenges posed by downy mildew. Sarah Marsh MW highlights the resilience of the region’s winemakers and the resulting quality of the wines. Overview of Conditions The year was marked by a “summer of tough love” as… Read More »

Domaine de Montbenay, a notable Swiss winery located in Vaud, is helmed by Paul de Watteville, who succeeded his father Maurice in 2022 while the latter continues to play an active role. The estate has embraced innovative vinification techniques, incorporating amphorae, which they began using in 2019. These hand-built clay vessels from Castelnaudry in Roussillon… Read More »

Matters of taste and preference bring forth curious discussions, especially with a grape variety as distinctive as Gewurztraminer—a varietal renowned for its aromatic character that often divides wine enthusiasts. In a recent panel tasting, a selection of Gewurztraminers from eight Grand Crus showcased the complexities and variations of this unique grape, offering a window into… Read More »

Cave Biber is a winery located in the Valais region of Switzerland, which was established in 1971 by René Mathier in the village of Salgesch. Initially, the winery encompassed five hectares of vineyard, and after 20 years, it was sold to Jürg Biber who rebranded it. In 2022, due to the absence of successors, Biber… Read More »

Romagna has been intertwined with the history of Sangiovese for many centuries, a grape variety deeply appreciated in Italian wine culture. This famed grape, typically associated with Tuscany, shares its storied lineage with Romagna, creating a unique narrative around its cultivation and development. The origins of Sangiovese in Romagna are somewhat enigmatic. While historical references… Read More »

I recently attended the Cool Climate Wine Summit in Copenhagen, which kicked off with an engaging big bottle party. The concept was simple yet delightful: participating producers were encouraged to share a magnum or larger bottle, allowing for a relaxed environment to mingle and taste a variety of wines ahead of the more structured tastings… Read More »

Moderate drinking might hold potential benefits for cognitive health, particularly in the context of dementia. Research has shown that alcohol’s role can vary widely depending on drinking habits. Notably, the Whitehall II study, which commenced in 1985, examined the correlation between alcohol consumption and dementia across several health factors. Data revealed that individuals who abstained… Read More »

Domínio do Açor is a promising new venture in Portugal’s Dão region that has quickly established itself among the area’s top producers. Located in Oliveira do Conde, Viseu, this vineyard-based project was initiated by a consortium of Brazilian wine enthusiasts, including sommelier Guilherme Corrêa and Igor Beron. Guilherme serves as the regisseur, while Luis Lopes… Read More »

Typical of the industry, a big multinational acquires a family-owned company, only to make sweeping changes. This is the case with Joseph Phelps Winery, an esteemed Napa Valley estate that recently came under the ownership of LVMH. Following the death of founder Joseph Phelps in 2015, the winery transitioned through generations until LVMH purchased it… Read More »

Back in June 2025, I spent a day with Rui Lucas, an innovative winemaker in Portugal’s Bairrada region, known for producing unique wines from intriguing vineyard blocks. The winery’s name combines Rui’s surname with that of his great grandfather, José Francisco Prior, a priest who once cultivated vineyards in Souselas. Over the years, those vines… Read More »