The release of the 2023 Ornellaia wine signals a moment of both challenge and renewal for the Tenuta dell’Ornellaia estate. This vintage has unfolded amidst significant personnel changes that have left the estate’s leadership in transition, but it also reveals a bright potential thanks to its new technical director, Marco Balsimelli. The turmoil began in… Read More »
Luis Seabra, a prominent figure in Portuguese winemaking, is renowned for his commitment to producing authentic wines. Previously the winemaker for Niepoort, Seabra embarked on his own journey in 2013 with a vision of crafting uncompromising wines that reflect the true character of the Douro, Vinho Verde, and Dão regions. He emphasizes low-intervention winemaking techniques,… Read More »
When Michel Rolland’s death was announced at the end of March 2026, it marked a significant moment in the wine industry. He passed away from a heart attack at the age of 78, leaving behind a legacy that defined an era of the fine-wine market. In the late 20th century, Rolland not only epitomized the… Read More »
Austria stands out as the leading country for Blaufränkisch, showcasing an impressive selection of the wine. A recent review of 40 wines highlights the diversity and quality found in the region, although some top producers such as Moric, Markus Altenberger, Weininger, and Rosi Schuster were not included. The selection is still commendable and presents a… Read More »
If you’ve often missed out on Bergerac while focusing on Bordeaux, now is the time to reconsider. This charming region in southwest France is rich in history, gastronomy, and of course, exceptional wines. When I first discovered Bergerac nearly twenty years ago, it was overshadowed by Bordeaux’s renown. My initial journey to this area was… Read More »
Julia Rose Hoyle and Kelby James Russell have quickly made a name for themselves in the Finger Lakes wine scene with their winery, Apollo’s Praise, founded in 2023. The couple, partners both in life and in business, are deeply engaged in every aspect of their wine production, from farming to sales. Their rapid success is… Read More »
Michel Gonet operates a successful grower Champagne business alongside their properties in Bordeaux, boasting 38 hectares of vineyards across multiple regions, including notable Grand Cru sites in Côte des Blancs. Located in Avize, the winery is run by a mother-daughter duo, Diane and Sophie Gonet, with Antoine Gomérieux serving as Chef de Cave. The team… Read More »
A new film, A Sip of Irish, produced and directed by Frank Mannion, highlights Ireland’s significant contributions to the global food and drink scene. The opening scene features Joe Hayden, a fourth-generation farmer in County Wicklow, who raises cattle that produce milk used in the beloved Baileys Irish Cream. This picturesque depiction quickly transitions to… Read More »
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 »