North Canterbury, encompassing the Waipara Valley and a few isolated vineyards on the Banks Peninsula, is fast becoming one of New Zealand’s most promising regions for wine production, especially known for its Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling varieties. Located just a short drive north of Christchurch, its wine-making history is relatively recent but rich in… Read More »

In the ongoing examination of grape varieties, David Schildknecht highlights the importance of reviving nearly lost cépages. His exploration connects past and future, noting how once-abandoned grape varieties may serve as essential resources for adapting to current climate challenges in viticulture. Schildknecht references a recent article in Smithsonian Magazine discussing the rediscovery of Stenophylla, a… Read More »

London’s Landmark Hotel in Marylebone once again hosted the Decanter Fine Wine Encounter (DFWE), an event that has become essential for wine enthusiasts over nearly three decades. This year’s event, held in November, represented a significant evolution by introducing Friday attendance to the Grand Tasting and showcasing the inaugural series of Winemakers’ Lunches. The Grand… Read More »

Angiolino Maule and his wife Rosamaria established one of Italy’s foremost natural wineries in 1988, after a decade of experience as pizza makers. Located in Sorio di Gambarella, they initially cultivated a 6-hectare plot but have since expanded to 18 hectares, now involving their sons in the family-run vineyard. The winery focuses primarily on producing… Read More »

Can Wine Be Natural? Is wine truly a natural product, or is that just a romantic myth? The fermentation process itself suggests an inherent fragility; if left untreated, wine can quickly turn into vinegar through the activity of acetobacter. To maintain its integrity, winemakers must introduce various substances and methods that stabilize wine and shape… Read More »

Matt Walls delves into the essence of elegance in Châteauneuf-du-Pape through the lens of Domaine de la Vieille Julienne’s cuvée Réservé. Known for its powerful, concentrated qualities, this wine epitomizes the characteristics many admire in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Châteauneuf-du-Pape consistently garners recognition for its bold style, but achieving balance and drinkability amidst such strength can be challenging.… Read More »

South America is traditionally celebrated for its robust red wines, particularly Argentina’s Malbec, Chile’s Cabernet Sauvignon, and Uruguay’s Tannat. However, change is underway as the continent revitalizes its fine white wine production, showcasing an increasingly diverse array of grape varieties, terroirs, and styles across Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay. A New Focus on Premium Whites Sebastián… Read More »

There’s natural wine, and then there’s exceptional natural wine, as I experienced during my visit to Viñedos Herrera Alvarado with Carolina Alvarado and Arturo Herrera. Nestled in the picturesque Marga Marga Valley near Quilpué, Chile, this vineyard embraces a philosophy deeply rooted in the local ecosystem. Originally part of the Casablanca Valley, this vineyard has… Read More »

Falernian Wine: A Journey Through Time Falernian wine, held in high esteem by emperors and senators in ancient Rome for its exceptional quality and aging potential, has recently experienced a revival thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Avallone family. Historically significant and nearly forgotten for two millennia, this legendary wine from Campania is now… Read More »

Hugh Johnson expresses his solidarity with courageous English wine growers who tackle the challenging weather conditions in the region. He highlights that the English wine category that has garnered the most acclaim to date is sparkling wine, which is often on the pricier side. Despite the success of English sparkling wines, Johnson notes that still… Read More »