Launched in March 2025, Zacal Mezcal describes itself as “the spirit for wine lovers.” Co-founder Andrew Maidment emphasizes that, similar to wine, a mezcal’s identity is influenced by its soil, altitude, and climate, leading to nuanced varietal expressions. However, this raises the question of whether terroir or varietal expression is more crucial for mezcal. Esteban… Read More »

The autumn of 2026 has ushered in an exciting array of wines from California, showcasing remarkable releases that include ageworthy Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, mountain-grown Cabernets, Bordeaux blends from Sonoma County, and both Rhône-style whites and reds. With a unique blend of tradition and innovation, these selections warrant attention from wine enthusiasts across the globe.… Read More »

I had the opportunity to visit Montes in Chile, accompanied by Rodrigo Barral, the chief viticulturist, and Santiago Izcúe, the winemaker. The vineyard, situated in the stunning Apalta Valley, showcases a unique amphitheater-like arrangement of vines across picturesque hills. Montes spans 120 hectares in Apalta and an additional 450 hectares in Marchigüe, which is closer… Read More »

London is home to a vibrant cocktail scene, providing a treasure trove of bars that cater to all tastes and preferences. From luxurious hotel bars to trendy spots that attract a hip crowd, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a curated list of standout cocktail bars in the capital. A Bar with Shapes for a Name… Read More »

The Terre del Barolo cooperative, established in 1958 in Castiglione, began its journey with its first vintage in 1959 and has since become a significant player in the wine industry. The cooperative launched the Arnaldo Rivera project in 2017, named after its founder, who also served as the mayor of Castiglione Faletto for 37 years.… Read More »

A collective excitement filled the air as plates of golden chicken nuggets adorned with sauces were served, paired with elegant wines characterized by floral and mandarin notes. This was no ordinary gathering; it was the Crystal Palace Wine Club’s innovative junk food and wine pairing night, a hit among London’s trendier young adults. The club,… Read More »

Dobričić is a unique grape variety from the Croatian island of Šolta, which was nearly extinct until the early 2000s. Once upon a time, it played a significant role as one of the parent grapes of Croatia’s flagship variety, Plavac Mali. Vicko Kaštelanac, a winemaker on the island, emphasizes the grape’s intriguing qualities by referring… Read More »

This tasting event showcased an exceptional selection of artisan Champagnes presented by the UK wine merchant Berry Bros & Rudd. The collection comprised both grower Champagnes and those from smaller houses that often operate similarly to growers. Many of these selections were new discoveries for attendees. The offerings become available for purchase on October 6.… Read More »

After tasting over 100 wines for the annual Barossa Shiraz vintage report, a new narrative emerges for the region, showcasing a fresh approach to winemaking. This shift emphasizes elegance, nuance, and sophistication, stepping away from the previously dominant trend of producing heavily oaked and excessively ripe wines. This transformation is spearheaded by innovative winemakers like… Read More »

I recently purchased Waitrose No 1 Don Gaspar Dry Amontillado Sherry with the intention of using it in a special recipe. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find it to be an exceptional wine on its own. With its current promotional price at Waitrose, it’s an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys a quality sherry… Read More »