Margan is a notable wine producer in the Hunter Valley, recognized for its intriguing wines and a focus on newer grape varieties. Founded by Andrew Margan after leaving Tyrrells, he and his wife Lisa established their vineyard in the Broke Fordwich area. Initially, they aimed for a larger production scale to support their three young… Read More »

The Hunter Valley, established as a wine region in 1828, holds the title of Australia’s oldest wine region. Once the largest in the 19th century, it now boasts a boutique character that is distinctly its own. Despite its predominantly hot and humid climate, Hunter Valley remains a pivotal source of some of Australia’s finest wines.… Read More »

As in love, certain wines enter your life by chance, and my journey with Jurançon began far from its native Pyrenean region. While browsing the shelves of a grocery store in Wellington, New Zealand, I stumbled upon a bottle labeled Petit Manseng from the Marlborough grower Forrest. This grape, one of the two main varieties… Read More »

The traditional distinction between Old and New World wines, a popular framework for understanding wine culture, is becoming increasingly obsolete. This binary classification has typically divided countries with a long vinous heritage (Old World) from those where winemaking has flourished more recently, particularly since the Age of Exploration (New World). Old World wines are traditionally… Read More »

I recently sampled four wines from Virginia, USA, a state known for its challenging viticulture due to hot, humid summers. Despite these challenges, the quality of these wines shines through, as evidenced by the offerings from the state’s 300 wineries and 1600 hectares of vineyards, predominantly featuring 75% Vitis vinifera and 25% hybrids. Here’s a… Read More »

Puligny-Montrachet is a prestigious wine region known for its exceptional white wines, especially the world-renowned grands crus: Montrachet, Bâtard-Montrachet, Chevalier-Montrachet, and Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet. Despite having the smallest vineyard area compared to its neighboring villages of Meursault and Chassagne, Puligny prides itself on the quality of its terroir and the talent of its winemakers. Today, Puligny is… Read More »

After exploring Sydney, I decided to stop by Dear Saint Éloise, a wine-centric casual restaurant located in Potts Point. The ambiance is wonderfully relaxed, and I was able to walk in without a reservation and sit at the bar. The wine list is impressive, emphasizing low-intervention wines, though it includes a diverse selection, representing both… Read More »

Cas ‘Amaro is emerging as a significant player in the wine tourism and winemaking scene in Portugal. Established in 2016 when the company acquired a historic estate in Alenquer, located in the Lisboa region, Cas ‘Amaro transformed a 4.5-hectare vineyard into a luxurious accommodation site and began producing wines from organically grown grapes in 2022.… Read More »

I recently had the pleasure of judging at the Hunter Valley Wine Show alongside Rob Mack, who generously brought one of his wines for us to enjoy during dinner. This particular wine, Aphelion Grenache Noir ‘Wait’ 2025 from Blewitt Springs in McLaren Vale, truly captivated me. The wine exhibits complexity and depth, enhanced by a… Read More »

Obituary: Matthew Jukes (1967-2026) Matthew Jukes, a towering figure in the British wine industry, whose voice resonated with authority and warmth, has passed away, leaving behind a remarkable legacy. Known for his compelling critiques and extensive knowledge, he was much more than a wine writer; he was a passionate advocate and a beacon of excellence… Read More »