Masi, renowned for its mastery of appassimento (the drying of grapes before fermentation) in Italy’s Veneto region, offers a unique wine with its Brolo version of Campofiorin. This blend incorporates Osoleta, a grape variety revived by Masi, and is aged in small oak barrels. Priced around £22 in the UK and available at Tesco, this… Read More »
In their pursuit of a sustainable future, winegrowers face a significant challenge: maintaining the remarkable adaptability of Vitis vinifera, the source of quality wines. Recent discussions have raised alarms regarding the reliance on technological solutions and hybridization in viticulture as methods to combat climate change. Historically, only wines produced from Vitis vinifera have managed to… Read More »
The Decanter Fine Wine Encounter (DFWE) returned to London on November 7-8, 2025, marking its first two-day edition since 2019. This milestone celebrated 28 years of connecting wine enthusiasts with top producers. The event featured a dynamic schedule of masterclasses, walk-around tastings, and the introduction of Winemakers’ Lunches. For the first time, the Decanter World… Read More »
Had the Paltrinieri Radice Lambrusco di Sorbara in Purezza 2022 during a recent visit to Noble Rot, and it was truly remarkable. After spending a weekend in Bologna, Modena, and Parma, my appreciation for wines from Emilia Romagna has deepened, particularly the Sorbara variety, which stands out in its brilliance. The Paltrinieri Radice Lambrusco di… Read More »
The 165th charity wine auction of the Hospices de Beaune was held on November 16, 2025, featuring Burgundy’s promising 2025 vintage. This event raised a staggering €18,754,670 (approximately $21.5 million), marking the third highest revenue in the auction’s history, surpassing last year’s total by over €4.3 million. Sotheby’s, which co-hosted the auction, noted that this… Read More »
So on the final day of our trip, we had some time to spare before our 5 pm ferry. We decided to revisit Cherinissos, which boasts a stunning bay and a delightful fish tavern. The day was perfect for swimming, and we experienced a superb lunch accompanied by a bottle of the exquisite Sclavos white… Read More »
Day 4 began with a twist as winds led to ferry cancellations, leaving some guests in distress over their plans. It’s a reminder that island life can be unpredictable, and it’s advisable to book connections through Athens when visiting Sifnos. Our focus today was on Chrysopigi, famed for its stunning monastery perched on a promontory.… Read More »
Etna’s unique landscape and its challenging viticulture continue to captivate wine enthusiasts and producers alike. This mountainous region, characterized by its lava slopes, high altitudes, and century-old vineyard terraces, fosters a distinctive wine culture that embraces both tradition and innovation. Recent discoveries at the Etna Days event led Alessandra Piubello back to the volcanic slopes… Read More »
The northwestern Spanish region of Bierzo is experiencing a vibrant renaissance in red wine production, particularly around the Mencía grape variety. This transformation began in 1998 when Álvaro Palacios relocated from Priorat to establish Descedientes de J Palacios with his nephew, sparking a new era for the region, alongside the innovative Raúl Pérez, who founded… Read More »
I’ve visited Black Estate several times and have consistently enjoyed their wines, which exemplify low-intervention winemaking. Black Estate was established in 1993 when restaurateur Russell Black began cultivating an 8-hectare vineyard of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in Omihi, with the help of Danny Schuster. Initially, the vineyard included 3.8 hectares of each grape variety, all… Read More »