I’m currently at the São Paulo airport in Brazil, reflecting on a fantastic few days spent exploring coffee at Fazenda Mio. While here, I decided to sample the only Brazilian wine available to me, which turned out to be a delightful and reasonably priced sparkling wine. Casa Valduga Arte Tradicional Brut 2024 is crafted using… Read More »
Joaquim Arnaud’s family has been farming near Évora in Portugal for over 450 years. The Arundel name carries English heritage; William Arnaud, a descendant of the counts of Arundel, arrived in Portugal as an escort for Princess Philippa of Lancaster who was to marry King D. João I. He settled in the region, establishing roots… Read More »
I recently took a train journey from London to the picturesque countryside of southwest England, specifically to River Cottage near Axminster, Devon. My mission was to delve into a new line of wines created through a collaboration between Domaine Gayda in Languedoc and the acclaimed UK chef and activist, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. Hugh is well-known in… Read More »
On an evening devoted to “craftsmanship, expertise, and transmission,” Champagne Bollinger hosted the unveiling of its latest Vintage cuvées in Aÿ during March, marking the launch of the 2018 Grande Année. This was not only a product reveal but also a celebration of the newly completed cellar, part of Bollinger’s extensive plan leading to its… Read More »
As the sun shines brightly over Decanter’s London office, the team eagerly anticipates the opportunity to relax with a glass of chilled rosé at the end of the workday. The growing interest in pink wines has resulted in a diverse array of options, appealing to wine lovers throughout the year, not just in summer. Provence… Read More »
I did not attend the primeurs in Bordeaux this spring, as I typically avoid them due to the significant time investment and the challenge in evaluating wines still in the barrel. Instead, I prefer to wait until the wines have been bottled for approximately a year before tasting them at events like the Union des… Read More »
A new alliance of six producers is redefining the Dão region in Central Portugal, as they emphasize the old world charm and traditional varieties that reflect its unique terroir. The group, known as “New Dão,” was inspired by Álvaro Castro’s pioneering winemaking at Quinta da Pellada, where a restrained style contrasts with the over-extraction and… Read More »
Kiwi winemaker Sam Connew has established Stargazer Wines in Tasmania’s Coal River Valley, seeking to create wines that encapsulate a unique sense of place and time. As she approaches her 15th vintage with Stargazer, Connew reflects on her journey, emphasizing how passion and instinct have shaped her career. Her achievements are remarkable, having worked a… Read More »
Antonio Madeira is a prominent figure in the Dão wine region of Portugal, known for his exceptional wines. Recently, his latest releases were showcased at Simplesmente Vinho in Porto, February 2026. Antonio Madeira Branco 2023 Dão, PortugalThis old vine field blend is notable for its complexity and structure. Spending a year in barrel followed by… Read More »
Marc Bouffard’s book, Saint-Julien: Vineyards, Cellars, People, and Place, serves as an essential reference for enthusiasts of the Bordeaux appellation. Weighing over 4.5 pounds, it’s designed for detailed exploration rather than casual reading, and although it resembles a coffee table book, its substance far exceeds that. This volume is the first in a series aimed… Read More »