Mountain ranges play a pivotal role in vineyard locations and wine production. Surprisingly, they are frequently given less prominence on winegrowers’ priority lists in comparison to factors such as terroir, weather, and rainfall. However, due to the influence of global warming, winemakers are now placing importance on hillsides and mountains when evaluating potential vineyard sites […]
Spain’s Successful Wine Journey
The journey of grapes to Spain can be traced back to 1100 BC when the Phoenicians, renowned seafarers, and explorers were actively navigating the Mediterranean. Grapes Arrive It was during this period that they established the city of Gadir (modern-day Cadiz) on the picturesque southwest coast of the Iberian Peninsula. As they ventured further into […]
Santorini. When a Volcano is a Blessing
Greek wines offer a captivating journey, and their unique characteristics make them a valuable addition to any wine collection. Introduction: Discovering Greek Wines – A Palate Adventure In this 4-part series, “Greek Wines. Small-Scale + Large Impact,” we look at why Greek wines should be on your radar. Indigenous Grape Varieties: Greece boasts over 300 indigenous […]
Italian wines triumph in the US, UK and Germany
Governance and Associations of Bordeaux Wineries: By Law and By Choice
The French wine industry is founded on rules: the cepages (varieties of grapes used to make wine), the geography, the yields, the aging plus other “must do” details determined within every appellation. Because of the challenges facing French wine makers, in an attempt to either address the rules, bend them or avoid them, marketing conscious […]
Occitanie Formed: Dynamic Wine with an Interesting History
Languedoc-Roussillon Wines Today, Languedoc wines are considered to be among the most interesting and dynamic wines in the world and are noted for subtlety and complexity. The area produces lots of wine, exceeding production of Bordeaux, Australia, South Africa and Chile combined, representing about one-third of the French volume output that equals approximately three billion […]
From Farmers to Protesters to Winemakers
Bordeaux and Its Wines Change… Slowly
Tradition, tradition, tradition… For decades, Bordeaux winemakers have dug in their heels, hanging steadfastly onto customs and habits that date back centuries. In France, the reputation for a wine has been based on custom (i.e., know-how, terroir, appellation d’origine controlee/AOC – protected designation of origin). It was “believed” that consumers purchased French wine based on […]
Bordeaux Wines: Started with Slavery
When I visited Bordeaux, I wondered about the magnificent 18th century architecture complete with mansions and public buildings that make this a very beautiful and architectural city. What was the source of the money that built this city – certainly it did not come from the early stages of the wine industry. Lurking behind these […]
Chianti Classico or Chianti: Does it Really Matter?
The Difference(s) Whether your glass holds Chianti Classico or Chianti, the wines are made from Sangiovese grapes; however, the source of the grapes will vary. The black rooster (gallo nero) is the logo for Chianti Classico and harkens back to a legend about the use of roosters to settle a border dispute between the provinces […]