With its ample winter snows and an extended growing season, the 2021 vintage in Barolo proved to be exceptional for Nebbiolo, according to Andrew Jefford. A recent tasting of 50 wines by Jefford, along with Bruno Besa and Michael Palij MW, showcased the quality of this year as they delved into tasting notes and scoring.… Read More »
Daniele Arcangeli is a prominent judge at the 2026 Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA). With over 20 years of experience in the fine dining sector across Europe and the UK, Arcangeli has made his mark as an award-winning Italian sommelier and wine buyer. Currently, he serves as the head sommelier and wine buyer at Ekstedt… Read More »
Luis Lopes, known for his work with the acclaimed Dão winery Dominio de Açor, has embarked on a personal project since 2013, producing elegant wines from the regions of Dão and Bairrada in Portugal, along with one from Spain. The project’s name is inspired by a Portuguese phrase, "Beber e chorar por mais," meaning "drinking… Read More »
The 2025 vintage for Bordeaux dry whites has been hailed as a pleasant surprise, showcasing remarkable freshness and aromatic clarity, often better balanced than expected given the hot, dry conditions faced that year. Despite the challenges posed by significant summer heat and drought, many producers adeptly crafted wines that maintained adequate acidity and moderate alcohol… Read More »
Karol Nizio is crafting outstanding natural wines on his family estate in Poland, near the Ukrainian border. His parents transformed a dilapidated manor into a hotel and restaurant in 2010. Two years later, they expanded by acquiring adjacent land and planting vines. Karol became involved in 2016, shifting the winery’s focus from conventional methods to… Read More »
Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Echézeaux 2017 inspired a remarkable dessert crafted by Heston Blumenthal at his acclaimed restaurant, The Fat Duck. This fiendishly complex creation, a Pinot Noir dessert, was first showcased as part of a special meal commemorating the restaurant’s 30th anniversary and its 21 consecutive years of three Michelin stars. Around a decade… Read More »
Bordeaux is undergoing significant changes as it approaches the 2025 vintage, with numerous developments in infrastructure, winemaking, and ownership throughout the region. The annual En Primeur tastings provide a perfect opportunity to explore these transformations. New Cellars and Winemaking Facilities Several prominent wineries have recently opened or completed new facilities. Château Léoville Las Cases in… Read More »
I’m Emily, a 26-year-old living in London, where I enjoy exploring the world of wine with my boyfriend. My approach to wine is straightforward; I seek good flavors, preferably paired with food, and I prefer not overindulging without reason. My interest in wine developed during childhood, thanks to my father’s extensive knowledge, making summer trips… Read More »
Domaines Ott Château Romassan, a significant player in the Bandol wine scene, operates from an estate that has been in the Ott family since 1956. This 83-hectare estate is renowned for producing both red and rosé wines, each bottled in the traditional skittle-shaped bottle—an emblem of its heritage. The 2024 vintage of their Château Romassan… Read More »
The narrative of wine has predominantly leaned towards a Eurocentric view, sidelining the rich history of its origins in the Near East. Although this area is widely recognized as the birthplace of wine, its significance diminished over centuries as European viticulture gained prominence during the Greco-Roman era. The advent of Islamic rule in Western Asia… Read More »