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 »
The countdown is on for the upcoming Decanter Fine Wine Encounter London (DFWE), scheduled to take place at The Landmark on November 7 and 8, 2025. This year’s lineup promises some of the most exciting masterclasses for wine enthusiasts. Masterclass Overview The event will kick off on Friday with an intimate tasting featuring 70 exceptional… Read More »
I had a fascinating conversation with Antoine Lespès and Jean-Marc Lafage about their innovative regenerative practices at Domaine Lafage in Roussillon. They are exploring the use of biochar, an effective soil amendment known for enhancing soil health and fertility. Additionally, they have started cultivating two resistant grape varieties that minimize the need for chemical spraying,… Read More »
The recent change in the naming convention for the oldest age-dated Tawny Port category has brought clarity to a formerly confusing area of the Port wine regulations. Only two years ago, the rules allowed for the production of 50-year-old Tawny Ports, and in January, the Port Wine Institute approved the creation of 80-year-old Tawny Ports,… Read More »
Dynamic Vines, a well-regarded importer of biodynamic, organic, and low-intervention wines located in Bermondsey, London, opened its doors to the public on a recent Saturday morning. While exploring the area during the Spa Terminus crawl, I had the opportunity to stop by and participate in a tasting featuring the wines of Emmanuel Giboulot, a producer… Read More »
Dr. Patrick McGovern, known as the ‘Indiana Jones of ancient wine’, passed away at the age of 80 on August 23, 2025. He was a prominent biomolecular archaeologist, recognized for his extensive research on ancient alcoholic beverages, particularly wines and beers. McGovern served as the Scientific Director of the Biomolecular Archaeology Project for Cuisine, Fermented… Read More »
A new literary work titled On Tuscany: From Brunello to Bolgheri, Wine Tales from the Heart of Italy, compiled by Susan Keevil, has captured the essence of Tuscany, touching on its wine, culture, history, art, and gastronomy. Marc Millon highlights that Tuscany, much like the Italian Renaissance that began there, has undergone a fascinating transition… Read More »
Champagne Billecart-Salmon Le Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru, released as a non-vintage wine, has garnered attention with its innovative ‘my origin’ feature on their official website. This allows consumers to delve into the details and technicalities behind their chosen bottle. The Le Blanc de Blancs is primarily composed of Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs,… Read More »
The 2025 grape harvest in California has begun, kicking off with early selections of sparkling and white wines, while red varietals are following closely behind. After an unusually cool and foggy July that caused some concern among growers, August brought a modest temperature increase, allowing for a steady ripening process, albeit a week or more… Read More »
The evening prior to the 67 Pall Mall Global Wine Communicator Awards saw the launch of the 67 Sessions, combining wine, words, and music in a vibrant atmosphere. The event featured a talented jazz trio, including Tom Hewson, who returned to his roots as a jazz pianist, alongside Nelson Pari on guitar and Tom Farmer… Read More »