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The Soul of Piedmont: Understanding Barbera’s Diversity Barbera is often described as the “people’s wine” of Piedmont, a grape that for centuries has accompanied everyday meals while quietly shaping the region’s cultural identity. Yet beneath this modest reputation lies an extraordinary diversity that challenges simple definitions. From the structured elegance of Barbera d’Alba to the fresher, fruit-driven character of Barbera d’Asti, and the complex, age-worthy expressions emerging from Nizza and Monferrato, Barbera is a chameleon—absorbing the nuances of terroir and winemaker philosophy with remarkable fidelity. To understand Barbera is to understand Piedmont itself: a region of contrasts, rooted in tradition but alive with innovation.

The Soul of Piedmont: Understanding Barbera’s Diversity

Barbera is often described as the “people’s wine” of Piedmont, a grape that for centuries has accompanied everyday meals while quietly shaping the region’s cultural identity. Yet beneath this modest reputation lies an extraordinary diversity…

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The Sainte-Victoire Story: How a Provençal Gem Became a Cru Rising dramatically above the Provençal landscape, Mont Sainte-Victoire has inspired painters, poets, and travellers for centuries. Its pale limestone slopes, immortalised by Paul Cézanne, are more than an iconic vista—they are the cradle of a unique terroir that has earned its place among the most celebrated wine-growing zones in southern France. Sainte-Victoire’s journey from a geographic name to an officially recognised cru within the Côtes de Provence appellation is a story of passion, perseverance, and the power of place. Source Goodle Maps History of the AppellationThe recognition of Sainte-Victoire as a distinct cru is a relatively recent chapter in Provence’s long viticultural history, but its roots run deep.

The Sainte-Victoire Story: How a Provençal Gem Became a Cru

Rising dramatically above the Provençal landscape, Mont Sainte-Victoire has inspired painters, poets, and travellers for centuries. Its pale limestone slopes, immortalised by Paul Cézanne, are more than an iconic vista—they are the cradle…

Trump’s political hack nominee for the Bureau of Labor Statistics is already monkeying with the data. The Senate mustn’t confirm him

Trump’s political hack nominee for the Bureau of Labor Statistics is already monkeying with the data.
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What Patrick Piuze Teaches Us About Listening to the Vineyard

In the heart of Chablis, where Kimmeridgian limestone quietly whispers stories of ancient seas and fossilised dreams, a Canadian-born winemaker has mastered the art of listening. Not just hearing, but deeply listening—to the soil, the…

The Soul of Sardón: Exploring Abadía Retuerta’s Timeless Wines and Terroir Tucked into the golden folds of the Duero Valley, where history flows as deeply as the river itself, Abadía Retuerta stands as one of Spain’s most soulful and singular wine estates. Anchored by a Romanesque abbey built by Premonstratensian monks in the 12th century, the estate bridges past and present, monastic serenity and modern precision. Its vineyards sprawl across Sardón de Duero, just outside the boundaries of the Ribera del Duero DO, yet its wines often speak with a clarity and gravitas that rival anything within those lines. With a deep respect for terroir, a pioneering spirit in viticulture, and a commitment to refined, expressive wines, …

The Soul of Sardón: Exploring Abadía Retuerta’s Timeless Wines and Terroir

Tucked into the golden folds of the Duero Valley, where history flows as deeply as the river itself, Abadía Retuerta stands as one of Spain’s most soulful and singular wine estates. Anchored by a Romanesque abbey built by…

From 1882 to Today: Spottswoode’s Journey Through Napa’s Vines

A pillar of Napa Valley's past and a lighthouse for its future, Spottswoode Estate is tucked away in the western reaches of St. Helena, surrounded by the Mayacamas Mountains and shaded by the magnificent trees that border Madrona…

How Olga Raffault Became Chinon’s Quiet Powerhouse One of Chinon's most enduring and subtly appreciated domaines is Olga Raffault, which is nestled into the tranquil curves of the Loire Valley, where the Vienne River flows past chalky cliffs and mediaeval villages. Respected by both collectors and sommeliers, this vineyard is a shining example of authenticity, restraint, and continuity in the Cabernet Franc world. With roots dating back almost a century, Olga Raffault has established its reputation through quietly continuous excellence and a resolute commitment to the Chinon terroir, rather than via marketing blitzes or showy luxury cuvées.

How Olga Raffault Became Chinon’s Quiet Powerhouse

One of Chinon's most enduring and subtly appreciated domaines is Olga Raffault, which is nestled into the tranquil curves of the Loire Valley, where the Vienne River flows past chalky cliffs and mediaeval villages. Respected by both collectors and…

Randall Grahm and the Bonny Doon Revolution: A Winemaking Saga

Nestled along California’s central coast, Bonny Doon Vineyard stands as one of the most iconoclastic and influential wineries in American history. Born out of iconoclasm, curiosity, and a passion for Old World wines, Bonny Doon has…

Biodynamic Bliss: Larmandier-Bernier and Sustainable Champagne

History of the WineryThe story of Champagne Larmandier-Bernier is one of heritage, vision, and quiet revolution. Though the domaine was officially founded in 1971, its roots extend back to 1765, with generations of the Larmandier…

Urban Roots, Rural Vines: The Bold Identity of Vinos de Madrid

The Comunidad de Madrid is often celebrated for its grand boulevards, Baroque palaces, and bustling tapas bars—but beyond the reach of its vibrant city life, a parallel world of vineyards stretches across rolling hills, riverbanks, and…

Pieropan Poetry: The story behind Veneto’s finest wines There is something about the hills of Soave that stimulates the senses long before the first sip. Perhaps it is the way the early morning mist clings to the vines or how the warm afternoon light reflects off the ancient castle walls above the town. It could be the tranquil rhythm of the land—volcanic ridges in the north, gentler limestone slopes in the south—or the fact that wine in this part of Veneto doesn't feel like a product. It feels like a story. And no one tells that story better than the Pieropan family.

Pieropan Poetry: The story behind Veneto’s finest wines

There is something about the hills of Soave that stimulates the senses long before the first sip. Perhaps it is the way the early morning mist clings to the vines or how the warm afternoon light reflects off the ancient castle walls above the…

Opinion: English wine needs a smarter classification system A quiet battle is brewing in the English wine world—one that is not about grapes or weather, but about the words on the label. As more and more bottles from Kent to Cornwall find their way onto wine lists around the world, the question arises: How do we define what makes English wine English wine? Currently, producers rely on a classification system known as “protected designation of origin” (PDO) and “protected geographical indication” (PGI). These systems, originally introduced by the European Union, were intended to provide quality assurance and awareness of origin—think Champagne or Rioja.

Opinion: English wine needs a smarter classification system

A quiet battle is brewing in the English wine world—one that is not about grapes or weather, but about the words on the label. As more and more bottles from Kent to Cornwall find their way onto wine lists around the world, the question…

Chateau Pavie’s Gerard Perse dies aged 75

Chateau Pavie’s Gerard Perse dies aged 75

Palacio dos Távoras: Crafting Wines in the Heart of Portugal Nestled in the undulating hills of northern Portugal, Palacio dos Távoras stands as both a historical landmark and a beacon of contemporary winemaking excellence. This estate, rooted deeply in Portugal's noble history, is a testament to the convergence of tradition and innovation. Tracing its origins back to the 17th century, Palacio dos Távoras was once the ancestral seat of the illustrious Távoras family, whose influence extended across the region. Over centuries, the estate evolved from a noble residence into a thriving agricultural hub, and eventually, in the early 2000s, transformed into a modern winery committed to expressing the unique terroir of the…

Palacio dos Távoras: Crafting Wines in the Heart of Portugal

Nestled in the undulating hills of northern Portugal, Palacio dos Távoras stands as both a historical landmark and a beacon of contemporary winemaking excellence. This estate, rooted deeply in Portugal's noble history, is a testament to…

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How Albert Jané’s Acústic Celler Captures the Essence of Montsant In the rugged hills of Catalonia’s Montsant DO, Acústic Celler stands as a paragon of authenticity and terroir expression. This region, characterized by its Mediterranean climate, steep slopes, and ancient viticultural history, provides an ideal setting for producing wines of distinction. Montsant, surrounding the prestigious Priorat, shares similar llicorella soils but often offers more affordable, yet equally expressive, wines. Its diverse microclimates and varied topography create a mosaic of terroirs that Albert Jané skillfully harnesses in his winemaking. History of the Winery Albert Jané established Acústic Celler in 2003 after moving from his family’s established winery, Jané Ventura, in Penedès.

How Albert Jané’s Acústic Celler Captures the Essence of Montsant

In the rugged hills of Catalonia’s Montsant DO, Acústic Celler stands as a paragon of authenticity and terroir expression. This region, characterized by its Mediterranean climate, steep slopes, and ancient viticultural history,…

Essence of Elegance: Exploring the Cellars of Diznókő In one of the most illustrious winemaking regions in the world, Diznókő is a shining example of both history and innovation, nestled among the undulating hills of Hungary's Tokaj wine region. This four-century-old estate blends historical heritage with modern knowledge to produce wines that perfectly capture Tokaj's distinct personality. History of the Winery The origins of Diznókő trace back to 1413, making it one of the oldest established vineyards in Tokaj. Named after the wild boars (“diznók” in Hungarian) that once roamed the surrounding forests, the estate’s lands were prized early on for their volcanic soils and ideal microclimate.

Essence of Elegance: Exploring the Cellars of Diznókő

In one of the most illustrious winemaking regions in the world, Diznókő is a shining example of both history and innovation, nestled among the undulating hills of Hungary's Tokaj wine region. This four-century-old estate blends historical…

Bodegas Chacra: Patagonia’s Pioneering Winemaking Experience Bodegas Chacra, one of Argentina's most unique and innovative wineries, was founded in 2004 by Piero Incisa della Rocchetta, a descendant of the family that produced Italy's famous Sassicaia. Inspired by the untamed beauty and unrealised potential of Patagonia, Incisa della Rocchetta found abandoned vineyards planted in 1932 and 1955 and saw in them the potential for authenticity and terroir expression. Over the years, the winery has transformed into a symbol of accuracy, sustainability, and reverence for the environment, garnering international acclaim for its elegant, site-driven wines that capture Patagonia's distinct character.

Bodegas Chacra: Patagonia’s Pioneering Winemaking Experience

Bodegas Chacra, one of Argentina's most unique and innovative wineries, was founded in 2004 by Piero Incisa della Rocchetta, a descendant of the family that produced Italy's famous Sassicaia. Inspired by the untamed beauty and unrealised…

Tunnel Vision: A Journey Through the Terroir of Domaine du Tunnel Domaine du Tunnel is a contemporary classic in the world of excellent wine, situated in the centre of France's Northern Rhône Valley. This boutique farm, which was established in 1994 by winemaker Stéphane Robert, has gradually established a reputation for producing accurate, expressive wines that perfectly embody the distinct personalities of Saint-Joseph, Cornas, and Saint-Peray. Since then, what started as a modest side project has grown into one of the appellation's most prestigious wineries, winning praise from people all over the world for its dedication to terroir and expression purity.

Tunnel Vision: A Journey Through the Terroir of Domaine du Tunnel

Domaine du Tunnel is a contemporary classic in the world of excellent wine, situated in the centre of France's Northern Rhône Valley. This boutique farm, which was established in 1994 by winemaker Stéphane Robert, has gradually…

The Desert Wines of Catamarca: Exploring Tinogasta and Fiambalá’s Unique Terroirs In the sun-scorched altiplano of northwestern Argentina, the wine regions of Tinogasta and Fiambalá stand as testament to the resilience of viticulture in the face of extreme geography. Located within Catamarca province, these desert vineyards thrive at elevations ranging from 1,200 to over 1,900 meters above sea level, nestled in valleys carved by Andean winds and hemmed by rugged mountain ridges. Here, vines grow amid rocky outcrops, sandy terraces, and dry riverbeds, capturing the essence of a terroir shaped by altitude, aridity, and stark temperature swings. Viticulture in Catamarca traces its origins back to the Spanish missionaries of the 16th century.

The Desert Wines of Catamarca: Exploring Tinogasta and Fiambalá’s Unique Terroirs

In the sun-scorched altiplano of northwestern Argentina, the wine regions of Tinogasta and Fiambalá stand as testament to the resilience of viticulture in the face of extreme geography. Located within Catamarca…

The Renaissance of Greek Assyrtiko: A Santorini Story In the sun-scorched vineyards of Santorini, where volcanic soils meet the cobalt blue of the Aegean Sea, a quiet revolution is underway. Assyrtiko, Greece’s flagship white grape, is experiencing a renaissance led by three wineries whose names have become synonymous with quality, authenticity, and innovation: Gaia Wines, Santo Wines, and Domaine Sigalas. Each of these estates plays a distinct role in restoring Assyrtiko’s ancient legacy and positioning it as a serious contender on the world wine stage. Santorini’s viticultural history dates back thousands of years, yet the modern chapter of Assyrtiko’s story began only in the late 20th century.

The Renaissance of Greek Assyrtiko: A Santorini Story

In the sun-scorched vineyards of Santorini, where volcanic soils meet the cobalt blue of the Aegean Sea, a quiet revolution is underway. Assyrtiko, Greece’s flagship white grape, is experiencing a renaissance led by three wineries whose names…

Francois Cotat’s Timeless Sancerre – A Wine Geek’s Essential In the world of fine Sauvignon Blanc, few names command as much quiet reverence as Domaine Francois Cotat. Nestled in the village of Chavignol, at the heart of the Sancerre appellation in France’s Loire Valley, this family-run domaine has built a cult following among sommeliers, collectors, and devoted wine lovers. Known for its highly individual wines that defy mainstream expectations, Domaine Francois Cotat stands as a testament to artisanal, site-driven winemaking—a must-know for anyone serious about Sancerre. Domaine Francois CotatLe Bourg | 18300 Chavignol | Sancerre, France | +33 2 48 54 21 27…

Francois Cotat’s Timeless Sancerre – A Wine Geek’s Essential

In the world of fine Sauvignon Blanc, few names command as much quiet reverence as Domaine Francois Cotat. Nestled in the village of Chavignol, at the heart of the Sancerre appellation in France’s Loire Valley, this family-run domaine…

Appellation Marlborough Wine’s reveals interactive wine map Link to the map

Appellation Marlborough Wine’s reveals interactive wine map

Link to the map

Elegant, Minimalist, Burgundian: Guillaume Boigey’s Winemaking Philosophy A domaine that exemplifies a subdued yet potent winemaking philosophy—one that values grace, moderation, and a deep regard for the natural world—is tucked away in the legendary hills of Burgundy's Côte de Nuits. As a storyteller who communicates via the vines, Guillaume Boigey creates wines that entice you to take your time, pay attention, and enjoy the nuanced poetry of Burgundian terroir. Domaine Boigey Frères Owner Guillaume & Olivier BoigeyPhone Number: +33 6 63 60 68 47 Website: www.domaineboigey.fr Address: 8 Rue de la Grand Velle | 21700 Vosne‑Romanée, France 

Elegant, Minimalist, Burgundian: Guillaume Boigey’s Winemaking Philosophy

A domaine that exemplifies a subdued yet potent winemaking philosophy—one that values grace, moderation, and a deep regard for the natural world—is tucked away in the legendary hills of Burgundy's Côte de Nuits. As a…

Unveiling Chablis Grand Cru: How Soil Shapes Some of the World’s Finest Chardonnays Chablis Grand Cru holds a revered position among wine enthusiasts and professionals worldwide. Nestled on the right bank of the Serein River in northern Burgundy, this small collection of vineyards produces Chardonnay wines that stand apart for their piercing acidity, flinty minerality, and exceptional ability to age. Yet the true source of their identity lies beneath the vines themselves. In Chablis, soil is not just the ground upon which vines grow—it is the foundation of the wines’ character, complexity, and refinement. The soils of Chablis Grand Cru are a fascinating mosaic of limestone, clay, and marl.

Unveiling Chablis Grand Cru: How Soil Shapes Some of the World’s Finest Chardonnays

Chablis Grand Cru holds a revered position among wine enthusiasts and professionals worldwide. Nestled on the right bank of the Serein River in northern Burgundy, this small collection of vineyards produces…

From Negociant to Burgundy Star: The Remoissenet Story Tucked away behind unassuming stone walls in Beaune’s historic center, Domaine Remoissenet Pere et Fils is quietly rewriting its story. Once just another name in Burgundy’s crowded field of negociants, Remoissenet has transformed into something far more exciting: a producer crafting wines that Burgundy lovers, sommeliers, and collectors are starting to whisper about.This isn’t a flashy, headline-grabbing winery. But that’s exactly what makes its story worth telling. Domaine Remoissenet Père & Fils Phone Number: +33 3 80 22 93 57 | contact@remoissenet.com | www.remoissenet.com20 Rue Eugene Spuller21200 Beaune, France…

From Negociant to Burgundy Star: The Remoissenet Story

Tucked away behind unassuming stone walls in Beaune’s historic center, Domaine Remoissenet Pere et Fils is quietly rewriting its story. Once just another name in Burgundy’s crowded field of negociants, Remoissenet has transformed into…