2025 is marked as one of the most challenging vintages in the Douro region, primarily due to an exceptionally hot summer. During this year, the temperatures soared beyond 38°C for 40 consecutive days, following a notably wet spring and minimal rainfall from June onward. This posed significant difficulties for growers and producers. In a video… Read More »
A recent Champagne tasting in Stockholm showcased top-notch Blanc de Blancs from renowned small growers, revealing the intricacies of terroir and the unique characteristics of each wine. The tasting was organized by Marina Olsson and featured a variety of cuvées, highlighting that while large producers often grab attention, the exceptional quality of smaller, independent growers… Read More »
Cristina Mercuri, the founder and CEO of Mercuri Wine Club, delves into how the wines of Sicily’s DOC Etna are contributing to the evolving identity of Italian wine, moving towards a style characterized by elegance and restraint. Located on the flanks of Mount Etna, the area’s vineyards span approximately 1,300 hectares across diverse landscapes shaped… Read More »
Hatzidakis, a prominent producer from the Greek Island of Santorini, has been actively engaging with wine enthusiasts through a significant tasting event alongside their importer, Keeling Andrew. Co-founder Konstantina Chryssou shared the winery’s history, rooted in the love story between her and Haradimos Hatzidakis, who dedicated his life to reviving a family vineyard in the… Read More »
Wine has been aged in various unexpected locations, including underwater and in caves, but a new approach is emerging in Italy’s Valtellina wine region: high-altitude aging on mountain tops. This innovative project seeks to explore how the unique conditions at elevation, such as cooler temperatures and lower oxygen levels, affect the maturation process of wine.… Read More »
One of Australia’s esteemed wineries, Yarra Yering was founded by the visionary Dr. Bailey Carrodus, who passed away in 2008. In 1973, he created the first commercial vintage from the Yarra Valley since 1922, marking a significant moment in the region’s viniculture. On a beautiful early summer day, I had the pleasure of visiting Yarra… Read More »
At the table: Wiener Schnitzel Joanna Simon’s exploration of wine country cuisine leads her to the heart of Austria, where the beloved dish Wiener schnitzel takes center stage. It took Joanna Simon a while to arrive in Austria, despite its rich culinary heritage, which she describes as "hearty." Her initial impression during a visit decades… Read More »
Ruin Bars are a distinctive aspect of Budapest’s nightlife, originating in the early 2000s as makeshift bars set in abandoned buildings. Today, these unique venues are largely concentrated in the Jewish Quarter of the city. Recently, Wines of Hungary collaborated with Georgie Fenn to host a pop-up ruin bar experience featuring Hungarian wines, complemented by… Read More »
Recently, I came across a story highlighting the pricing tactics of a well-known Champagne house regarding their non-vintage blend. While I won’t disclose their name, this situation reflects a larger trend within the Champagne market, specifically concerning the inflation of list prices. During a visit to my local convenience store, I noticed bottles of this… Read More »
To judge a wine by its label isn’t necessarily a mistake; it’s a human inclination, particularly in a market flooded with options. Eliza Dumais explores the instinctive snap judgments consumers make about wine based on its packaging. Wine labels have mere seconds to communicate the essence of what lies within the bottle, often leading to… Read More »