This article details a masterclass with Alistair Cooper at the Decouvertes Vins Rhône festival in Avignon in March 2025 and includes insights from additional tastings at the event. Located near Châteauneuf and Gigondas, the Ventoux cru is adjacent to the famous cycling peak of Mont Ventoux, which rises 1900 meters and features a small ski… Read More »

The 2024 Burgundy vintage faced an exceptionally difficult growing season, impacted severely by unfavorable weather conditions, including persistent rain, frost, and hail. These challenges led to a significant decrease in grape yields across the region. Despite the hardships, the quality of the remaining grapes and the expertise of winemakers provided a glimmer of hope for… Read More »

April is an exciting month for wine enthusiasts as it delivers a host of reports, tastings, and insights from regions such as Champagne, Burgundy, and California. The anticipation builds as Bordeaux’s en primeur reviews approach in May, yet the groundwork for understanding the 2024 vintage begins now. Bordeaux 2024 Preparation Bordeaux editor Georgie Hindle and… Read More »

In 2021, brothers Matthieu and Gaëtan Thevenard returned to their family estate in Uchizy, located just north of Mâcon. They are the fifth generation in their family to work the land, which had previously been dedicated to a cooperative. The brothers took control of 12 out of the domaine’s 24 hectares, with plans to eventually… Read More »

Miguel Torres Chile has launched a range of wines under the label "The Green Road," emphasizing their commitment to environmentally conscious practices. One standout feature is their bottling process, which is done at the destination. This method results in a significant reduction in carbon footprint by approximately 40%. The wines are bottled at Greencroft in… Read More »

La Determinazione, the one-word theme encapsulating the mission behind the 2022 vintage of Ornellaia, reflects both a clear vision from the winemaking team and the resilience of the vineyards amidst challenging weather conditions. Lamberto Frescobaldi introduced this new vintage at Ornellaia’s Bolgheri winery, emphasizing the fortitude shown by the grapes in an unusually dry season.… Read More »

The exploration of Bulgarian wine continues with a visit to The Jolly Vintners, nestled along the Iscar River in the charming village of Lyutibrod, northwestern Bulgaria. The picturesque setting is enhanced by the striking Ritlite limestone formations nearby. The Jolly Vintners, operated by Dimitar Dimitov and Ivana Tsatova, is both a negociant and a vineyard.… Read More »

The Carcavelos Comeback: Reinvention on the Tagus Carcavelos wine, once a celebrated name in British households during the 19th century, is making a notable comeback. Historically competing with Oporto for prominence, Carcavelos is now emerging from a period of decline. Situated near the Tagus River, this coastal suburb of Lisbon was recognized for its rich,… Read More »

Chancellor Rachel Reeves recently delivered her Spring Statement but did not address pleas from the wine and spirits industry to cut tax duties. Industry leaders and opposition MPs were left disheartened as Reeves announced significant welfare spending cuts amounting to £4.8 billion, alongside a crackdown on tax avoidance expected to save £1 billion. This declaration… Read More »

Some wine regions enjoy favorable conditions, while others, like Cahors in the Lot Valley, have faced historical challenges over the past 800 years. The geography of Cahors, nestled along the River Lot, has played a significant role in its struggles. The river’s upper part presents steep, narrow gorges unsuitable for viticulture, while the lower part… Read More »