Matt Walls revisits Domaine Beaurenard in Châteauneuf-du-Pape to explore its exceptional Cuvée Spéciale Boisrenard. This estate, where the camaraderie amongst winemakers is a cherished value, contrasts sharply with a recent experience Walls had with an Italian winery, where the winemaker’s unacceptable public comments led to a loss of enjoyment in one of their wines. The… Read More »
The French wine industry is currently experiencing its most severe crisis since the phylloxera epidemic, marked by plummeting wine consumption and dwindling profits, leading to the uprooting of approximately 25% of vineyards across the nation. This crisis can be attributed to ineffective management by authorities regarding public health budgets. Caught between the necessity for sound… Read More »
Veuve Clicquot has unveiled the 2018 vintage of its prestigious cuvée, La Grande Dame, at an elegant dinner held in the Gallery of Mineralogy and Geology in Paris. The event was a lavish display, featuring a vibrant table adorned with daffodils, buttercups, and gypsophila, evoking the beauty of spring in the streets of Paris. During… Read More »
This article presents the results of a blind tasting featuring ten assorted white wines, accompanied by detailed notes and scores recorded during the tasting, along with additional insights following the reveal. The tasting included a variety of wines, revealing much about not only the selections but also the differences in quality among them. The non-alcoholic… Read More »
When a winemaker from Swartland falls in love with a winemaker from Rioja, the outcome can be quite extraordinary. Bryan MacRobert, initially renowned for his small-production, minimal intervention wines in Swartland, has now established himself in Rioja, specifically in Logroño, where he focuses on terroir-driven wines. Bryan’s journey to Rioja began with his encounter with… Read More »
It was likely the grueling experience of Charles Dickens’ second reading tour in America between 1867 and 1868 that expedited his decline before his death at 58, two years later. The demanding schedule would challenge even the young, but for Dickens, who was plagued by health issues like inflamed sinuses and bilious attacks, this tour… Read More »
Nearly 8,000 bottles from the wine collection of billionaire William ‘Bill’ Koch are set to be auctioned by Christie’s in New York over three days, commencing on June 12. The collection has a low estimate of $15 million (£11.2 million) and includes renowned Burgundy and Bordeaux wines that reflect Koch’s decades-long passion for fine wine.… Read More »
Richard Mayson recently visited Raby Castle in County Durham, England, to taste a remarkable selection of vintage Ports that are set to be auctioned by Christie’s. This extraordinary discovery brings together wines that have been carefully cellared since the 10th Baron Barnard acquired them in the mid-20th century, likely untouched since his passing in 1964.… Read More »
Love this wine, which I picked up from a wine shop in Lisbon: Filipa Pato and William Wouters Post Quer..s Baga 2023 from Bairrada, Portugal. With an alcohol content of 11.5%, this Baga is crafted from biodynamically certified grapes and has been both fermented and aged in amphorae—a method that showcases the wine’s unique character.… Read More »
Frescobaldi, a renowned Tuscan producer with a portfolio of nine wineries, showcases a diverse range of wines intrinsic to the region. Here are five notable selections from their offerings: Frescobaldi Benficio Riserva Castello Pomino Bianca 2022 DOC Region: Pomino, Tuscany Alcohol: 13.5% This Chardonnay is sourced from the Benefizio vineyard at an elevation of 700… Read More »