Robert Dougan, once a successful musician, made the unconventional decision to acquire a vineyard, La Pèira, in Languedoc with his wife Karine Ahton in 2004. His journey from Melbourne to owning a wine estate reflects both his passion for creative pursuits and a desire to embark on something as "non-sensible" as winemaking. Dougan recounts his… Read More »
I envy my dog. Each morning during our woodland walks, her nose is low to the ground, inhaling the myriad scents around her. The picturesque landscape changes with the seasons, and I realize there’s a deeper connection to this place that goes beyond sight. Emulating my furry friend, I take a moment to sniff the… Read More »
Champagne Bollinger has unveiled its sixth edition of the Pinot Noir series, PN TX 20, which continues the tradition of showcasing the unique character of Champagne’s vineyards. The latest release, predominantly sourced from Tauxières, represents a commitment to gastronomic excellence and innovation, echoing the pioneering spirit of the late Lily Bollinger. The PN series debuted… Read More »
Argentinian distillery La Alazana has introduced Isla Marambio, the world’s first whisky aged in Antarctica. This unique single malt has a story that begins with a five-year maturation in virgin oak at the La Alazana distillery located in Chubut Province, Patagonia. Subsequently, it underwent a three-year aging process in ex-bourbon casks at Base Marambio, an… Read More »
Soca Rel Ecursac, a small cellar established by Pep Rodriguez in 2008, has been making waves in Mallorca, Spain. Located between Binissalem and Consell, Rodriguez began by renting abandoned vineyards and now cultivates 4.5 hectares of land using organic methods. The cellar recently released its 2022 vintage, which has garnered significant acclaim. This lighter red… Read More »
Back in 1988, American couple Stuart and Sandy Moss revolutionized the English wine industry. At the time, the UK wine scene was vastly different, with around 800 hectares of vines primarily comprising early-ripening Germanic varieties like Bacchus and Seyval Blanc. It had a more hobbyist feel to it. The Mosses dared to defy conventional wisdom… Read More »
Beaujolais renouvelé In her exploration of the Beaujolais wine region, Natasha Hughes, author of a new book dedicated to its wines, articulates the factors behind the renewed appreciation for this once-derided area. During a tasting at the renowned Château du Moulin-à-Vent in May 2022, Hughes tasted several vintages that showcased Beaujolais’ remarkable capacity for producing… Read More »
Let’s start with a shared love for wine. While many consider wine a harmless pleasure, recent discussions have raised concerns about its potential risks, prompting the question: Should we panic, surrender, or simply reassess our approach? The World Health Organization asserts that there is "no safe level" of alcohol consumption, indicating that even a sip… Read More »
Following the 2022 merger of Bouchard Père & Fils with Artémis Domaines, significant changes are underway in the Burgundy wine scene. As part of a structural division, Bouchard has established a new entity called Domaine des Cabottes, set to feature the finest cuvées from its portfolio. The first wines from this domain will be labeled… Read More »
A stunning Napa Valley estate, featuring nearly 2.7 hectares (6.6 acres) of Cabernet Sauvignon vines and a spacious wine cellar, has recently been sold for approximately $13.5 million. This property, located close to downtown Calistoga and nestled among the rolling hills with stunning views of Mt. St. Helena, was initially listed at $13.475 million. The… Read More »