At a recent tasting event organized by the Libération Tardive Foundation, the topic of whether English wine ages backwards was humorously raised. Held at Skinners Hall, the event featured noteworthy wines from Breaky Bottom, Gusbourne, and Hattingley. Attendees, including key industry figures like Peter Hall from Breaky Bottom and Mary Bridges, the head winemaker at… Read More »

Marimar Estate Vineyards and Winery: La Sucesión Marimar Torres, born into one of Spain’s leading winemaking families, journeyed from Catalonia to establish her own winery in Sonoma County. As she prepares to pass the reins of her estate to her daughter, Cristina, their intertwined stories illustrate a legacy of passion and commitment to winemaking. Marimar,… Read More »

I recently tasted the Little Pomona Ripple Egremont Russet Unoaked Still Cider 2022, crafted by the renowned Little Pomona in Herefordshire. Even though it’s technically a cider, its remarkable vinous character compelled me to highlight it. This cider, with an alcohol content of 8.4%, features the Egremont Russet apple variety, often likened to Chardonnay in… Read More »

Weingut Krone Assmannshausen is a specialized winery located in Rheingau, renowned for its exceptional Spätburgunder, or Pinot Noir. The estate comprises a 3.7-hectare vineyard that was formerly part of a hotel, characterized by its distinct violet slate soils. Since 2007, the winery has been owned by Weingüter Wegeler. Notable Wines from Krone Assmannshausen: Spätburgunder Gutswein… Read More »

In a reflective piece first published in WFW55 back in 2017, Andrew Jefford recounts his evolving relationship with English sparkling wine, notably inspired by the Wiston Estate 2010 Blanc de Blancs. He emphasizes the importance of moments and details in life, drawing parallels with nature’s subtle changes. Jefford recalls his first visit to an English… Read More »

The Decanter Fine Wine Encounter (DFWE) returns to New York on Saturday, June 7, showcasing some of the most prestigious producers in the American wine scene. Attendees can look forward to an impressive selection of wineries from across the United States that exhibit the quality, diversity, and innovation that defines contemporary American fine wine. Major… Read More »

When discussing the origins of sparkling wine, we can only pinpoint the first recorded instance rather than what might have occurred before. This evidence, however, needs further interpretation to ascertain whether its effervescence was intentional. The earliest recorded sparkling wine often cited is mentioned in the Bible. In the King James Bible (1611), passages in… Read More »

Winnica Moderna is located in Poland’s Lower Silesian region, known for its warmer climate, making it an ideal spot for viticulture. The vineyards are nestled in the scenic Trzebnickie Hills, where owner Nestor Kościański showcases a range of wines that demonstrate both creativity and quality. One of the standout offerings is the Winnica Moderna Pet… Read More »

Global wine consumption hit its lowest point in over six decades, declining by 3.3% last year, according to the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV). The total consumption dropped to 214 million hectoliters in 2024, marking the third consecutive year of decline. The downturn is primarily attributed to inflation impacting consumers’ purchasing power, alongside… Read More »

Umathum is located in Austria’s Burgenland region, specifically on the east side of Lake Neusiedlersee, and has additional vineyard sites on nearby hills. Approximately 20 years ago, they expanded their vineyard holdings by acquiring properties on Leithaberg from a count whose family has been farming there since 1214. The estate spans 30 hectares, with 85%… Read More »