2023 Comte Liger-Belair: A Perfect Harmony of Quantity and Quality

Michael Schuster provides an in-depth review of the 2023 Comte Liger-Belair wine range, highlighting its quality and the unique conditions of the vintage. The 2023 season in Burgundy was marked by record warmth, yet the resultant wines display none of the expected heat. Instead, attendees noted the extraordinary balance between the bright fruit and the… Read More »

Exploring Hungary’s Red Grape Varieties: A Masterclass Experience in Budapest

This recent masterclass in Budapest highlighted Hungary’s red grape varieties, led by two prominent winegrowers: Andrea Gere, from the esteemed Gere winery, and György Lőrincz Jr., who transitioned from professional football to viticulture after training in Austria, Tokaj, and New Zealand. Hungary may be small, but it boasts 22 diverse wine regions, making it one… Read More »

Winemaker Challenges Conviction in Fraud Case Over Fake Champagne

A former French winemaker, Didier Chopin, has been sentenced to prison for producing counterfeit Champagne and is now appealing the court’s decision. Chopin, aged 56 and hailing from the Aisne region, received an 18-month prison sentence with an additional 30 months suspended, alongside hefty fines for both himself (€100,000) and his company (€300,000). The court… Read More »

Antinori Chianti Classico Gran Selezione: Embracing Tradition and Innovation Together

Antinori Chianti Classico Gran Selezione: A Commitment to Tradition and Quality In September 2024, Marchese Piero Antinori expressed the family’s enduring connection to Chianti Classico, stating, "Chianti Classico is part of our DNA." This sentiment was highlighted during the launch of Antinori’s four new Gran Selezione wines, which signify a significant reaffirmation of the family’s… Read More »

Discovering the Depths of Champagne Giraud 2017 Aÿ Grand Cru Argonne: A Tasting Experience of Sheer Presence

Champagne Giraud 2017 Aÿ Grand Cru Argonne: A Celebration of Craftsmanship The release of Champagne Henri Giraud’s 2017 vintage of the Aÿ Grand Cru Argonne marks a significant milestone—the 400th anniversary of the family’s vine stewardship in Aÿ. Initially bottling wines post-World War II, Henri Giraud, followed by his son Claude, paved the way for… Read More »