German wine has seen a remarkable rise in reputation over the past decade, largely due to the impact of climate change, which has allowed many regions to flourish, particularly for Spätburgunder, or Pinot Noir. However, this warming trend is a double-edged sword, introducing climate extremes that can threaten the best vineyard sites in certain vintages.… Read More »
The Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) 2026 showcased an impressive array of wine talents across the globe, revealing some unexpected standout regions, grapes, and styles that have emerged in the fine wine landscape. With nearly 17,000 wines judged from 58 countries, the competition notably highlights traditional wine powerhouses like France, Italy, and Spain, but it’s… Read More »
The United States may not have a winemaking history that stretches back for centuries, but it certainly boasts a rich tapestry of achievements in the wine industry over its relatively short 250 years. Early European settlers brought their winemaking skills and a thirst for quality beverages, giving rise to a variety of wines made from… Read More »
I arrived in the Ahr Valley this afternoon and explored the vineyards, which are renowned for their specialization in Pinot Noir. Most of the grapes I observed were Pinot Noir, with some potentially being Fruhburgunder. The region showcases a diverse range of cropping levels and stages of ripening. The soils are primarily schist, and the… Read More »
Alejandra Chadwick, representing the esteemed Seña winery, is set to lead a masterclass at the Decanter Fine Wine Encounter London. As a member of the sixth generation of her family’s wine legacy, she reflects on her upbringing surrounded by vineyards and the profound connection to wine that evolved throughout her life. Through her experiences, she… Read More »
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 »