Table of contents for Winter 2022/2023 in VertdeVin Wine Magazine

I'm very pleased to present you the new issue of VERTDEVIN Magazine, the 21stedition, 2022-23 Winter issue. This new issue of the magazine introduces an eclectic selection of wines from several countries. I am enthusiastic about this new magazine! To start we chose with my team, Joanie, Erika, Chloé, Yukiko, Valéria, Matthias and Valentina to tell you about different winemakers and wines from France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Austria, California, Hungary… and Canada. This magazine is the result of exhilarating trips, amazing tastings, great discoveries and fabulous meetings! So in the first part of the magazine, the interview session you will meet great winemakers from Jura, Italy, Canada… and Rhône. Also, a special focus on the Nizza DOCG appellation will allow you to discover all the potential and the beauty of…

I visit Château Lascombes on October 20th, 2022, a week before the breaking news that perturbs the world of fine wine arrives: one of the largest Grand Cru Classé is purchased by a US investor. On that day I am warmly welcomed at the estate by Karine Barbier, the Public Relations Manager, and Delphine Barboux, the Technical Director. With the two ladies, we are tasting the samples of the 2022 vintage Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The Merlot has already seen a barrel and has a “prise de bois” stage at the moment, while Cabernet is fresh from the tank and is vibrant, juicy, and aromatic, promising a bright future. Dominique Befve, the General Manager, calls by to greet me. He seems overwhelmed and quickly retreats, saying he is expecting an…

Les Sept Couleurs restaurant opened in May 2021 in Saint-Germé which counts 500 inhabitants only. The municipality invested in a renovation project and invited two young restaurateurs to run a restaurant. Mélanie and Ritish Ragadu accepted the challenge and took care of the decoration of the whole, including an indoor area that can seat more than 30 people, as well as a shaded terrace, which is very popular in this season. Bistro concept & fusion cuisine are the main ideas: foie gras & mango, duck breast & rum sauce, floating island & passion fruit. Ritish, a Mauritian native, skilfully combines Indian, Creole and Asian flavours with local Gers ingredients. VertdeVin: Which dish in your restaurant is a must-try and should be tasted by every customer? Mélanie Ragadu: Our menu changes…

Assyrtiko is the most famous white grape of Greece, an indigenous variety of Santorini, and the signature of the island, producing both dry and sweet wines. It accounts for around 70% of the total 1.100 hectares of plantings. It amounts to approximately 800 ha, from a total of 1.900 ha of Assyrtiko plantings throughout the country. Assyrtiko demonstrates a magnificent combination of vibrant acidity (pH can be as low as 2.80 and TA as high as 7.5 g/l) and high alcohol (up to 15.5% abv), combined with pronounced mineral character and salinity. As Yiannis Karakasis MW says, it has “a distinctive taste of rocks and salt”. Tight and firm in its youth, it shows solid ageing potential. 5-8 years seem a safe drinking window for these wines but with the…

VENTOUX WHITE WINES Vindemio - Ignis 2020 Ventoux (Organic) The wine shows a pale lemon colour with a golden tinge. The nose is intense and aromatic, revealing nuances of ripe yellow apples, nuances of yellow pears, hints of apples blossom and white flowers, a touch of quince and flower honey. The palate offers bright juiciness, elevated acidity, a certain creaminess and roundness. The palate mirrors the nose with nuances of yellow orchard fruits but complicated by nuances of dried herbs, gentian and camomile. An intense bitter note on the finish adds to the freshness. Score: 14.75+/20 (89/100) Domaine Vintur Blanc 2020 Ventoux (Organic) The wine shows a pale lemon straw colour with a platinum tinge. The nose is slightly reductive and smoky initially, later opening up with notes of white…

AOC MARGAUX Château Palmer 2012 Margaux 3ème Grand Cru Classé A lovely nose offering power, minerality, depth, intensity, complexity and a very fine grain of power. There are notes of zan, black tea and, more slightly, nutmeg, morello cherry combined with delicate touches of violet, tobacco as well as fine points of ripe violet plum, crunchy red currant and a subtle hint of almost lavender. The palate is nicely fresh and offers power in delicacy, a nice powdery texture, a certain intensity in control, a mineral frame, complexity as well as a nice fruit (a fine point of over-ripeness but all in freshness). On the palate this wine expresses morello cherry, crunchy/fresh blackberry, fairly ripe (but fresh) wild strawberry and, more slightly, violet combined with hints of cocoa, lavender, tobacco…

Château Marojallia 2019 Margaux The nose is fruity and offers a nice little richness/concentration, elegance and a certain delicacy in its racy power. There are notes of crushed blackcurrant, fleshy/chunky raspberry and, more slightly, blueberry combined with hints of camphor, racy minerality, fine hints of crunchy cherry as well as discreet hints of chocolate, sweet spices and a subtle hint of Bourbon vanilla. The palate is fruity, balanced, elegant, focused, precise and offers freshness, mineralminerality, delicacy in its power, a beautiful concentration, a certain subtlety in its richness, a nice substance as well as a fine airy side in the approach. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of crushed blackcurrant, crisp cherry and, more slightly, pulpy strawberry, combined with hints of tonka bean and fleshy/juicy black berries, as well…

Château Haut-Marbuzet 2019 Saint-Estèphe The nose is aromatic and offers complexity, good definition, depth and a fine, relatively powerful grain. Fleshy wild blackcurrant, crunchy blackberry and slightly strawberry notes are combined with hints of liquorice, Sichuan pepper, nutmeg and fine graphite and liquorice. The palate is fresh, mineral, balanced, stretched, taut and offers a juicy/pulpy frame, good definition, a certain gourmandise as well as a good work on positive bitterness. On the palate this wine expresses notes of pulpy/ripe blackcurrant, spice, pulpy/ripe black berry and, more slightly, violet combined with hints of toasted almond and a subtle hint of fresh cocoa and flower pistils. Good length. Score: 16.5/20 (93/100) Château Haut Baron 2019 Saint-Estèphe The nose is fruity and offers a certain gourmandise. It reveals notes of pulpy blackberry, bright…

Château La Garricq 2019 Moulis-en-Méoc The nose is fruity, racy and offers a certain elegance. There are notes of Morello cherry, crushed blackberry and, to a lesser extent, violet, combined with hints of pulpy blackcurrant, as well as fine points of nutmeg and a discreet hint of vanilla. The palate is fruity, well-balanced, racy and well-structured, offering juiciness, freshness, minerality, precision and a certain tension. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of pulpy/juicy blackcurrant, boysenberry and slightly crushed morel lo cherry combined with hints of plum, plum blossom, chocolate as well as fine points of caramelisation, toastiness and a subtle hint of sweet spices. The tannins are mellow. A fine touch of graphite on the finish. Score: 15.5/20 (90-91/100) Château Lestage-Darquier Grand Poujeaux 2019 Moulis-en-Médoc The nose is fruity,…

Château La Cardonne 2019 Médoc The nose is fresh, fruity and relatively aromatic. There are notes of crushed blackberry, liquorice and, to a lesser extent, warm spices combined with subtle touches of crushed red fruit. The palate is fresh, mineral and offers fruit, tension, roundness and a certain gourmandise. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of raspberry, fresh/crushed red berries and, more slightly, of chocolate, combined with delicate touches of fresh violet, fresh lily, as well as fine notes of toastiness and a touch of toasted hazelnut. Very fine chewiness and a certain gourmandise on the finish. Score: 14.75/20 (88-89/100) Château Livran 2019 Médoc The nose offers a certain intensity, a nice finesse of grain as well as some power and a certain straightness in finesse. There are notes…

Utopie de Château Saincrit 2019 Bordeaux Supérieur The nose is fruity and offers some power. There are notes of warm blackcurrant, black berries and, more slightly, Cuben pepper, combined with hints of violet plum and a fine touch of violet, red berries and spices. The palate is fruity and offers juiciness, acidity, gourmandise, a very fine creaminess, precision and a certain purity of fruit. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of fairly ripe blackcurrant, morello cherry and, more slightly, ripe blueberry, combined with a touch of crushed/cooked strawberry, as well as fine hints of liquorice, vanilla and a subtle hint of cinnamon. The tannins are sapid. Good length. Score: 15.25+/20 (90-91/100) Work in Progress by Château Saincrit 2019 Bordeaux Supérieur The nose is fruity, fresh, racy and offers power…

Château Haut-Bergeron 2020 Sauternes (200-year-old collector bottle, 9th generation) Nice fresh, elegant, precise, gourmand and fine nose. It reveals notes of peach in syrup, mango, and, more slightly, - hints of dried apricot associated with slight touches of crunchy nectarine, fine hints of hibiscus flowers as well as discreet hints of spices and an imperceptible hint of fresh verbena (in the background). The palate is fruity and offers freshness, minerality, a juicy/fresh frame, a slight suavity, and good definition. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of peach in syrup, dried apricot, and, more slightly, - notes of candied kumquat combined with touches of lychee, crunchy apple and fine hints of honey. Nice persistence. A superb freshness. Crunchy in the finish. Score: 16.25/20 (92-93/100) Château Cantegril 2020 Barsac The nose…

Oak Farm Vineyards Albarino 2021 Lodi The nose is full of ripe fruits, some apricots, green and yellow apples, juicy pear, a touch of herbal and floral nuances. The palate reveals high, zesty, citrusy acidity, an absolutely dry profile, with a pleasant saline touch on the finish. Score: 14.75+/20 (89/100) Twomey Sauvignon 2020 North Coast (Napa County: 52% / Sonoma County: 48%) The nose is opulent and tropical, very aromatic, full of ripe fruits like pineapple, passion fruit, yellow apple and a hint of ripe yellow mango. The palate is round, creamy and weighty with elevated acidity which tries to balance well the massive structure and warming alcohol. Powerful, rich, a bit too showy, this wine slides into juicy finish with a refreshing bitter note in the echo. Score: 15.25/20…

The VDP (Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter) is the oldest association of wineries in the world. Founded in 1910. it now groups together 200 of the best German wine producers and represents the creme de la crème of German viticulture. The Grosses Gewächs, also called GG for simplicity, are the top of the VDP quality pyramid equivalent to the Grand Cru in other well-known European wine regions. Unique vineyards, almost always with vertiginous slopes, are managed with what is called ‘heroic viticulture’ because of the enormous amount of manual labour it requires that make great wines, each with its own distinct personality. VDP wineries may only represent 3% of the German market by volume, but their 10% of value makes them very significant. The 2021 Rieslings released in September 2022 differ significantly…

H. Dönnhoff Hermannshöhle Riesling GG 2021 The nose is floral and perfumed with a nice, dense, spiciness and pungency. The palate is completely dry, showing high acidity, moderate weight, intense and profound minerality, notes of yellow fruits and citrus nuances, good length and potential. Still a bit yeasty on the finish. Score: 17/20 (94/100) Gut Hermannsberg Steinberg Riesling GG 2021 Intense and powdery nose of vanilla and pollen, floral, very flattering. The palate reveals zesty acidity, weighty structure, powerful and round texture with notes of tropical fruits, mango, pineapple. A very ripe style. Score: 16.25+/20 (93/100) Gut Hermannsberg Hermannsberg Riesling GG 2017 A pleasant nose, revealing notes of kerosene, very ripe tropical fruits as well as peaches and a hint of jasmine. The palate is packed with crisp, juicy acidity.…

Bercher Feuerberg Haslen Weisser Burgunder GG 2021 The nose is creamy, revealing nuances of brioche, vanilla and sweet spices. The palate reveals elevated, zesty acidity, a lot of salinity and minerality, nice tension, citrus and yellow orchard fruits in the background. The finish is saline and precise, very long and refreshing. Score: 17/20 (94/100) Salwey Kirchberg Weisser Burgunder GG 2019 The nose is intensely smoky and reductive. The palate is dry, with a lot of creaminess, nuances of umami, very seductive aromas of brioche and sweet spices, nice salinity, zesty acidity, moderate weight and balanced alcohol, with yellow fruits in the background. Smoky and saline finish. Classic! Score: 17.5/20 (95/100) Salwey Steingrubenberg Weisser Burgunder GG 2019 The nose is discreet, slightly smoky, needs air to open up. The palate is…

Situated in the Jura, Domainede Lahaye is a family estate, attached to the local traditions. Several generations of winemakers are still producing wines with a defined style and identity on the precious terroir of ChâteauChalon. Guillaume Tissot is the 8th generation of Domaine de Lahaye, who honors its terroir and traditions of the Jura and produces wines, reflecting the uniqueness of soils and traditional techniques of winemaking. He aims to transmit this heritage to future generations, working in the vineyard with attention and respect for the environment. VertdeVin: Could you introduce yourself? Guillaume Tissot: I am a winemaker in the Jura, settled in 2003 with my father, with about 7 ha of vines, which my father planted in the 1970s. We are a family vineyard for several generations, producing wines…

Domaine de l'Amauve, located in the southern Rhône Valley, appeared from the union of two Provençal families and has belonged to them for several generations. Its vineyard is certified Organic and HVE3 and is worked with respect for its soil and biodiversity. The Domaine produces wines in AO P Côtes du Rhône Villages Séguret in three colors, but its particularity is to be the largest producer of white wine in this appellation. Thanks to its aspiration for sustainable agriculture and a perfect mastery of winemaking methods, the Domaine de l'Amauve offers rich red wines, with great aging potential, and white wines from a warm terroir, surprisingly lively and fresh. VertdeVin: What is the signature of your wines,which helps to recognise them in a blind tasting? Domaine de I'Amauve: Freshness is…

This small family estate is born from an ambition to value an exceptional terroir of a tiny village of 10 permanent habitants - Cupi di Visso. This land, where once animal farming had priority over viticulture, nowadays produces rare wines with an identity and character. Thanks to the determination of the family, this vineyard, characterised by extreme viticulture, but valuable terroir, gives still white and red wines in IGT Marche, as well as sparkling wines from Pinot Nero and local grape varieties of Central Italy. In each wine we can find a harmony of mountain influence, marine soils, and various herbs, covering the vineyard. VertdeVin: Why did you make the choice to produce wine? Ginevra Coppaccioli: The real meaning of my job is a deep love for my family, the…

Winemakers and officials have long discussed the classification of Chianti Classico Gran Selezione. Now the matter seems to be moving. The new rules will give the wines more profile and a better expression of terroir. However, they are not likely to please everyone. Chianti Classico wants to exclude international grape varieties from the Gran Selezione category from the 2023 harvest. The minimum content of Sangiovese is to be raised from 80 to 90 percent. International grapes, such as Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon or Cabernet Franc may no longer be used. Instead, only Tuscan grape varieties, such as Colorino, Ciliegiolo or Prugnolo, will be allowed as part of the blend. Also, the grapes must come from estate-owned vineyards which the wineries can name (e.g. Castellina or Gaiole) on the label. What…

Just a few steps from Porta Susa train station, this restaurant offers French-style cuisine besides menus on vegetables; Stefano Sforza chef has been leading the team for two years after several experiences in France and Italy. His cuisine is looking for balance, where brown grounds, spices and different cooking methods become the pivot to enhance the pure taste of the ingredients. Well-done plates are the rice with celery water, beef heart and red currants, the spaghetti with citrus oil and the pigeon with banana and curry. The selection of wines embraces all of Italy and rides hard on the French wine-growing regions; the young sommelier Carlo Salino's selection is rigorous, and its attention to small producers juxtaposed with the greatest interpreters of terroirs is well appreciated. To underline, the rich…

From 22 to 24 October the beautiful city of Taormina saw an exceptional concentration of international and Italian chefs, wine critics, journalists. Masters of Wine and sommeliers. The 3-day event was slightly disrupted by the national strike of Italian airport employees but as soon as the guests arrived to the classical Hotel Villa Diodoro, all the troubles were immediately forgotten. The event organised by the newspaper Cronache di Gusto, Fizz Comunicazione and the Bica Association was packed with author's dinners, masterclasses on great wines, cooking shows by Italian and foreign chefs, and some of the most important Sicilian pizza makers. Moreover, due to the collaboration with the Consortium D.O.C. Sicilia, this edition of Taormina Gourmet hosted a sommelier competition which celebrated the best US sommelier in Sicilian wines. The walk-around…

We make the wine to be aged, but also enjoyed in its youth. Burgundy winemakers have evolved over the last 10 or 15 years, they are looking less and less for ultra-tannic and austere wines that have the potential to age for 50 years in the bottle. This tasting proves that we no longer need to leave the Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru to our descendants, we can open it before we go to heaven! However, to fully benefit from its extremely complex terroir, it is still preferable to let it rest quietly in the cellar for a decade. What inspires the curiosity of wine lovers is that Clos de Vougeot is shared with more than 80 owners on 50 ha, the largest Grand Cru in Burgundy. The composition of…

AOC MARGAUX Château Cantenac Brown 2019 Margaux 3ème Grand Cru Classé The nose is fresh, racy, elegant, subtly tight and offers a nice finesse and power of grain. There are notes of pulpy/fresh boysenberry, fresh/crunchy raspberry and, more slightly, fresh violet combined with hints of red berries, fresh blueberry as well as a fine hint of lily, cocoa/tonka bean, fine hints of bergamot, star anise, discreet hints of toast and a subtle hint of Bourbon vanilla. The palate is fresh, mineral, fruity and offers a nice definition, a nice substance/roundness, delicacy, airiness, a fine straightness, fleshiness, freshness as well as a fresh/ acidic backbone. All in finesse and elegance. On the palate this wine expresses notes of pulpy/juicy raspberry, blueberry and, more slightly, fleshy blackcurrant combined with hints of fleshy…

AOC HAUT-MEDOC Château La Lagune 2011 Haut-Médoc, Grand Cru Classé (Organic) The nose offers a certain power, a beautiful and fine grain, an aerial side, elegance as well as a certain delicacy. It reveals notes of wild cassis, pepper and small notes of ripe red fruits associated with small hints of pepper as well as slight hints of star anise, menthol and a discreet hint of fresh vanilla pod. The mouth is beautifully fresh, mineral, elegant, well-balanced and offers purity, a beautiful definition of the fruit, delicacy, a small tension as well as an acidulous frame. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of ripe/acidulous wild cassis, tangy/ripe raspberry and small notes of crunchy strawberry combined with touches of flowers, hints of undergrowth, mocha and a subtle hint of tobacco…

Connétable de Talbot 2019 Saint-Julien The nose is fruity and offers power, precision, complexity and depth. There are notes of Morello cherry, blackberry and, more slightly, violet combined with hints of red berries, fine floral notes and a subtle hint of almost cola, spice and cocoa. The palate is nicely juicy, fresh and offers gourmandise, pulpy/crunchy fruit, tension and a fine acidic backbone. Nice control and power work. A beautiful freshness and a coating/charming side. On the palate this wine expresses crunchy cherry, pulpy/crunchy blueberry and slightly Quetsche plum notes combined with hints of red berries, racy minerality as well as fine hints of chocolate, toast/caramel and vanilla. Nice grain of tannins. Score: 16+/20 (92-93/100) Amiral de Beychevelle 2019 Saint-Julien The nose is fruity and offers elegance and good definition.…

Château Tronquoy Lalande 2012 Saint-Estèphe The nose is fruity and offers concentration. There are notes of crunchy redcurrant, crunchy strawberry and, more slightly, violet combined with hints of blackberry, Cuben pepper, fine camphor, tobacco, a subtle hint of sense of place and a discreet hint of saffron and clove. The palate is fruity and offers juiciness, freshness, minerality, fatness, roundness, good definition, nice acidity, tension and straightness. On the palate this wine expresses crunchy sour cherry and wild strawberry notes with a touch of red currant, racy minerality, juicy/fresh blackberry, fine salinity, a discreet hint of tonka bean, cardamom and a subtle touch of nutmeg and pepper (in the background). The tannins are precise and offer smoothness. A subtle hint of mocha on the finish. The finish is finely powdered.…

Château Rose Sainte-Croix 2019 Listrac-Médoc The nose is fresh, fruity and offers a fine floral side. There are notes of fresh strawberry, violet and, more slightly, fresh red berries/raspberry combined with a hint of blackcurrant, pepper and a discreet touch of clove. The palate is fresh, fruity and offers minerality, freshness, good definition, tension and acidity. On the palate this wine expresses notes of fresh raspberry, fresh/juicy red berries and, more slightly, blueberry combined with hints of racy minerality, fresh violet and a fine touch of fresh violet plum, liquorice and a subtle hint of camphor. Good length. A very discreet hint of rose in the background. Nice salinity and pleasant bitterness on the finish. Score: 15/20 (89-90/100) Château Clarke 2019 Listrac-Médoc The nose is elegant, nicely racy and offers…

Pavilion Blanc du Château Margaux 2019 Bordeaux The nose offers a nice crunchy fruit, a very nice elegance, depth and subtlety despite a certain power. There are notes of quenette, fresh vine peach and, more slightly, of crunchy white berries combined with fine nuances of lychee, discrete/ delicate floral touches, fresh citrus {lemon and a discrete hint of fresh kumquat), subtle racy minerality, vanilla blossom and a subtle almost toasty edge. A lovely coating of fruit. The palate is fruity, fresh and offers a nice crunch, a stretch, a very nice fresh ness/mineral ity and richness. Nice delicacy and aromatic palette. On the palate this wine expresses notes of fleshy/pulpy vine peach, fresh lychee and, more slightly, juicy citrus (grapefruit, kumquat) combined with hints of juicy/ pulpy nectarine, fine points…

SAINT NICOLAS DE BOURGUEIL Estelle et Rodolphe Cognard - Cuvée Les Malgagnes 2019 Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil The wine shows an intense ruby purple colour, slightly opaque. The nose is restrained, needs air to open up, later revealing nuances of dark cherries, blackberries, a touch of pungent spices, black pepper, cloves and a hint of balsamic. The palate is fresh and juicy with elevated acidity, grippy, slightly chalky tannins and nice fruit concentration. It offers notes of crisp black cherries, a touch of thorn, a certain darkness and a grippy, drying character. Astringent finish. Score: 14+/20 (87/100) Estelle et Rodolphe Cognard — Cuvée Les Malgagnes 2018 Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil The wine shows a medium ruby colour with a brightening rim. The nose is intensely earthy, revealing nuances of roots,…

Domaine La Bonnelière — La Gourmandine 2021 Saumur The wine shows a medium ruby purple colour with a brightening rim. The nose is dense and perfumed, revealing notes of ripe black raspberries, forest blackberries and bramble, complicated by nuances of sweet spices, liquorice and tobacco. The palate is juicy and gourmet, offering moderate acidity, a lot of fruitiness and gourmandise, slightly grippy but ripe tannins. The wine opens up with sweet and sour black fruit flavours, kirsch and crème de cassis, as well as a hint of green pepper and tomato leaf. The finish is fruity and pleasant. Score: 14+/20 (87/100) Domaine Filliatreau - Château Fouquet — Le Clos 2019 Saumur (Biodynamic) The wine shows a bright ruby purple colour. The nose is intense and spicy, revealing nuances of cloves,…

Van Volxem Schonfels Riesling GG 2021 The nose is open, flattering, citrusy, revealing some floral notes and nuances of ripe apricots and yellow peaches. The palate is quite light and elegant, completely dry, showing zesty acidity, intense fruity flavours, yellow apples and pears, a touch of jasmine, strong mineral backbone and persistent fruity finish. Score: 16.25+/20 (93/100) Peter Lauer Schonfels Riesling GG 2021 The nose is dense, a bit smoky and yeasty, with delicate floral and linden honey notes. The palate is juicy, citrusy, completely dry, revealing crispy acidity, elegant body, high intensity of yellow orchard fruits, ripe lemons and a touch of honeysuckle. Long, vibrant finish. Score: 16/20 (92/100) Peter Lauer Lambertkirch Riesling GG 2021 The nose is vivid and bright, intensely floral, with some pollen and honeyed notes.…

Burggarten Sonnenberg Frühburgunder GG 2020 The nose is attractive, offering nuances of red cherries, a touch of cinnamon, a bit of green and stemmy. On the palate the wine is slightly lactic with elevated, fresh acidity, fine-grained tannins, moderate weight, lean structure, needs some more time to integrate oak better. Mineral and saline finish. Score: 14.75+/20 (89/100) Deutzerhof Herrenberg Frühburgunder GG 2020 The nose is a bit dusty, offering notes of cinnamon and cloves, a touch of menthol and eucalyptus, complemented by hints of crunchy red and black cherries. Nice acidity on the palate, fresh and juicy structure, velvety, soft tannins, moderate weight, a touch of greenness in the echo. Good persistence. Score: 15.5+/20 (91/100) Deutzerhof Mönchberg Frühburgunder GG 2020 The nose is slightly oaky, with aeration revealing notes of…

Chianti Classico is counted among the oldest wine appellations in the world. It was first demarcated in 1716 by the decree of Grand Duke Cosimo III de Medici. Being more than 300 years old, the region has developed a lot of legends and stories around its name, including the one about the black rooster that helped the Florentines to win over the Sienese. Being criticised a lot recently for the absence of the more precise terroir division within its 4083 ha of vineyards, the Consortium came up in 2021 with new regulations introducing 11 sub-zones called UGAs (Unità Geografiche Aggiuntive) Castellina, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Gaiole, Greve, Lamole, Montefioralle, Panzano, Radda, San Casciano, San Donato in Poggio and Vagliagi. These new toponyms might appear as early as 2022 vintage on the labels…

The history of this family estate begins after the Second World War, with a small plot of vines. By 1997 it grows from a few ares to 6 hectares and nowadays produces a wide range of wines. The philosophy of the estate is attention to its vines, responsible viticulture, and respecting the traditions of Jura. Work in the vineyard is adapted to each plot, in order to preserve its ecosystem. In the cellar, traditions are also important: Domaine Claude et Cédric Joly produce wines from local varieties Poulsard and Trousseau and specialties of the region - unique vin jaune du Jura, local Crémant du Jura, and Macvin du Jura. With the knowledge and experience of Cédric Joly in oenology and viticulture, the estate can manage all the work on its…

Article nirra “Nizza wines are only made with grappes come from the hest exposures and territories of 18 municipalities around Nizza Monferrato.” Barbara, despite being the most widespread grape of Piemonte, always stays in the shadow of its more famous neighbour, the mighty Nebbiolo. Until recently, Barbera was considered an everyday drinking wine and did not receive much attention from international critics and wine connoisseurs. Though today the situation is changing, and we see more and more great Barberas on the market. One of the bestterroirs for Barbera lies just south of the town of Asti. Until 2014, the wines from this area were released under the denomination of Barbera d'Asti Superiore Nizza. The separate DOCG was created in 2014 and since then Nizza DOCG can be found on the…

Due to the shutdown imposed by the pandemic, producers in the Casale Monferrato region skipped the year of previews but returned in style organizing the “Monferace en Primeur” event at Ponzano Castle, home of the Monferace Association since 2015. The purpose was to present the latest vintage of Monferace wine, also known as Grignolino (a native Piedmont red grape) aged in wood. The independent Monferace Association has several production rules wineries must follow: Monferace must be produced only in the best vintages from Grignolino grapes and can only be marketed after a minimum aging period of 40 months, calculated from November 1 of the year of harvest, including at least 24 months in wooden barrels. Registered vineyards must be planted on calcareous-silt-clay soils, in various combinations, including those with natural…

Under the Christmas tree, this year, we want some nice Japanese sakés and we decided to share some festive ideas to entertain your taste buds… As a Saké Sommelier, I really have fun when I play with nihonshu. Everything that doesn't go well with wine, is great with saké, but not only. Its diversity and versatility make it a great companion for food and good memories. Sometimes dry, sometimes sweet, with bubbles or without, authentic with forest floor flavours or modern with a fruity bouquet, served cool in a wine glass or warm in a traditional ochoko, nihonshu has multiple dimensions I wanted to highlight in this article. Though, remember to always drink with moderation. Bubbles or not bubbles, there is no question! Yes, Japanese saké can be bubbly, and…

Domaine Jean Fery Les Combottes 2020 Pernand-Vergelesses (Bourgogne) The nose is fruity, elegant, delicate, harmonious and reveals a nice finesse of grain. There are notes of juicy quince, ripe, juicy peach and, more slightly, ripe lemon, hints of kumquat, ripe, fresh yellow berries combined with delicate hints of beeswax, nutty butter and a discreet note of sense of place (local biotop), nutmeg and an imperceptible hint of almost fresh pepper (in the background). The palate is fruity, balanced and offers juiciness, acidity, good definition, energy, harmony, lovely vibrant acidity, melodiousness, accuracy and elegance. On the palate this wine expresses notes of juicy, sour lemon, quince and more lightly citrus mesocarp combined with hints of crunchy peach, tangy medlar, fine hints of quenette, lemon blossom, sweet spice, muscade and a very…

Italy has more than 2000 indigenous grapes, of which around 300 are in commercial production. They create an enormous richness and diversity of the country's viticulture. This phenomenon is closely connected to the history of the country that for the most part of the 20th century was impoverished, and peasants simply could not afford replanting modern, fashionable varieties as it happened in France. Most experts agree that old vines do not necessarily give better wine but the fact that they reached this age means that they were considered giving the yield of high quality and thus were preserved and cherished. Today, when the climate is changing, old vines have the benefit to adapt better to drought and unpredictable weather patterns. During the masterclass the participants had the chance to taste…

Domaine de La Pinte — Chardonnay Fonteneille 2019 Arbois Pupillin (Organic) The nose is chiselled, guided/stretched and direct. There are notes of fresh/pulpy yellow fruits, racy minerality and, more slightly, a touch of fresh citrus/quince combined with a discreet hint of gunflint and ripe exotic fruits. The palate is fruity, sustained and offers a certain elegant fatness resulting from the baton nage, juiciness, gourmandise and a certain unctuous ness. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of lychee, quenette and, to a lesser extent, pulpy yellow fruits, combined with fine touches of gunflint. Score: 15/20 (89-90/100) Domaine de La Pinte — Savagnin 2018 Arbois (Organic) The nose is fruity and offers a crunchy fruit. There are bright notes of crunchy mirabelle plum, peach and, more slightly, kumquat combined with a…

Grand Vin de Château Latour 2015 Pauillac ler Grand Cru Classé The nose is elegant, mineral and offers delicacy, purity, depth, grain and a fine airiness in the approach. There are notes of wild blackcurrant, star anise and, more slightly, ripe black berry fruit, combined with hints of pulpy cherry, graphite, racy minerality and discreet, almost toasted almond notes. The palate is nicely fruity, racy and offers a very nice minerality, purity, acidity, energy, tension, a very nice delicacy and a nice mineral/crystal line side. An enveloping and delicate side. On the palate this wine expresses juicy/fresh blackcurrant, juicy/fresh boysenberry and, more slightly, wild berry notes combined with hints of blond tobacco/cigar, theirs as well as fine almost tonka bean/chocolate, a subtle saline character, a discrete liquorice note and an…

AOC MARGAUX Château Mongravey 2019 Margaux Cru Bourgeois Supérieur The nose is liquorice and fresh. There are notes of star anise, crushed blackcurrant and, to a lesser extent, pulpy raspberry, combined with hints of crushed berries, fine hints of fresh blond tobacco, as well as a hint of fresh nutmeg and a discreet touch of pepper. The palate is fresh, mineral, balanced and offers good definition, a fresh/mineral structure, a certain juiciness and a little crunch. On the palate this wine expresses notes of crisp/fresh raspberry, juicy/pulpy blackcurrant and, mo re slightly, blackberry combined with hints of red fruit, vanilla, chocolate, toasted hazelnut as well as hints of fresh nutmeg and a very discreet hint of dark chocolate. The tannins are very finely marked. A wine marked by red fruits.…

Château Tour Sieujean 2019 Pauillac The nose is fruity, with lovely fruit, purity and concentration. There are notes of crushed cherry, pulpy wild strawberry and, more slightly, crushed berries, combined with hints of blueberry, lilac and fine toasted hazelnut and liquorice stick. The palate is nicely fresh, juicy and offers crunchiness, gourmandise, good definition, concentration in rightness/mastery as well as a fine airiness in its creaminess/ richness. On the palate this wine expresses notes of creamy/pulpy blackberry, fleshy/juicy red currant and, more slightly, crunchy cherry combined with hints of chocolate, toasted almond and a subtle hint of toasted hazelnut. Good length. A subtle hint of positive bitterness in the background. Score: 16/20 (92/100) Château La Fon du Berger 2019 Pauillac The nose is mineral, racy and offers some power and…

Château Tronquoy Lalande 2011 Saint-Estèphe The nose is fruity, fresh and offers crunchiness, a nice fineness of grain (very discreetly tight by the way) as well as gourmandise. There are notes of black cherry, boysenberry and, to a lesser extent, violet, combined with hints of pepper, clove, a hint of Ceylon tea and a very discreet hint of undergrowth. The palate is fresh, fruity and offers a nice ripe/acidic fruit, tension, a fine straightness, sapidity and a discreetly tight side. On the palate this wine expresses juicy/acidic black cherry, fairly ripe wild blackberry and slightly ripe red berry fruit with hints of clove, fresh leather, purple plum and a subtle hint of racy minerality, salinity, a very discreet hint of undergrowth and a discreet hint of spice. The tannins are…

Château Lanessan 2019 Haut-Médoc The nose offers fruit, a little depth and a controlled power. There are notes of fresh roasted berries, pulpy blackberry and, more slightly, fleshy/ripe cherry combined with subtle touches of violet, vanilla and a discreet hint of iodine, lily and an imperceptible hint of sweet blond tobacco {in the background). The palate is fruity and offers freshness, minerality, good definition, fine tension, acidity, suavity, fine sapidity and a fine straightness. On the palate this wine expresses juicy/pulpy blackberry, ripe/acidic red berry and slightly cherry notes combined with hints of violet, racy minerality and fine toasted and almond notes. The tannins are racy. Some salinity on the finish. Score: 15.25+/20 (90-91/100) Château Picourneau-Malvezin 2019 Haut-Médoc The nose is fruity, floral and offers energy, freshness and concentration. There…

Le Retout Blanc 2019 Vin de France The nose is mineral and offers freshness and a fine richness. The wine benefits from being decanted. There are notes of juicy/fresh nectarine, crunchy pear and, more slightly, exotic fruits combined with a touch of lychee and a discreet hint of lemon and a very discreet hint of kumquat. The palate is fruity and offers gourmand ise, fatness, a fine unctuousness as well as a fine straightness. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of pulpy lychee, crushed peach and, more slightly, tart/juicy apple, combined with fine touches of exotic fruit and a discreet hint of sweet lemon, pink grapefruit, honeysuckle, saltiness and an imperceptible hint of verbena. Good length. Subtle tannic finish, both in structure and aroma. Score: 15.5/20 (90-91/100)…

Serge et Bruno Sourdais - Le Logis de la Bouchardière - Les Clos 2020 Chinon The wine shows a bright ruby colour, translucent and vivid. The nose is rather discreet and muted, with aeration offering nuances of sour red cherries, cranberries, a touch of forest raspberries and an earthy hint. The palate is juicy and spicy, with crisp acidity, light structure and delicate tannins. The notes of red fruits on the palate mirror the nose, backed up by nuances of tomato leaf and bell pepper The wine is very delicate and aerial. Very savoury finish, good length. Score: 15.5+/20 (91/100) Serge et Bruno Sourdais — Les Cornuelles Vieille Vigne 2020 Chinon The wine shows a bright ruby purple colour. The nose is restrained, needs air to open up, later revealing…

Domaine de la Paleine 2019 Saumur-Puy-Notre-Dame (Biodynamic) The wine shows a deep ruby colour with a purple hint. The nose is a bit restrained, needs some aeration. It opens up with nuances of ripe black cherries and blackberries, a touch of black raspberries, chocolate and cocoa notes. The palate is dense and concentrated, offering a lot of ripeness and density, refreshing, crunchy acidity and bold, grippy, well-managed tannins. On the palate the notes of black fruits interlace gracefully with nuances of pungent spices, cloves and balsamic notes. Long, juicy, slightly drying finish. Score: 15+/20 (89-90/100)…

ÖTW HISTORICAL TASTING “ÖTW (Österreichische Traditionsweingiiter) association was founded in 1992. It started with ten producers from Kamptal and Kremstal discussing the process of vineyard classification mid potential of their single vineyard sites. Over the years, the number of members was growing as well the regional representation. Today the association includes 68 wine estates from 6 wine regions along the Danube. To celebrate the 20th anniversary, the ÖTW organised a unique tasting of its members’ mature vintages up to 1991.” Fritsch Ried Mordthal 1ÖTW Riesling Magnum 2010 Wagram The nose is intensely floral, revealing notes or ripe Amalfi lemons, apricots, jasmine and pollen. The palate is juicy and succulent, with still very fresh acidity, very elegant, ethereal texture, light and aerial, offering notes of citrus fruits, lemons and grapefruits, zesty,…

Philipp Kuhn Saumagen Riesling GG 2021 The nose is floral, flattering, revealing notes of pollen and honeysuckle. The palate demonstrates searing acidity, lean and athletic body, some spiciness and tightness with delicate notes of lemons and green orchard fruits. A very elegant, ethereal style that needs time to open. A citrusy, pungent finish. Score: 16.25+/20 (93/100) Rings Saumagen Riesling GG 2021 The nose is initially very reductive and tight, dominated by notes of smoke and sesame seeds. On the palate the wine shows crisp, citrusy acidity, moderate weight combined with slate minerality and nice creaminess. Pungent and spicy on the finish. Good length. Score: 16.5/20 (93/100) Rings Annaberg Riesling GG 2021 The nose is slightly muted, needs air to open up and deliver. The palate reveals zesty acidity, round and…

Aldinger Gips Marienglas® Weisser Burgunder GG 2022 The nose is finely reductive, very delicately smoky. The palate is dry, saline, mineral, with white and yellow orchard fruits in the background, very savoury, makes you salivate. A very beautiful, quite of a Burgundian style with elevated, zesty acidity and moderate weight. Delicious! Score: 17/20 (94/100) Graf Neipperg Schlossberg Weisser Burgunder GG 2021 The nose is rich and smoky, with ripe yellow fruit notes, nuances of ripe lemon and a touch of honeysuckle. The palate is dry, slightly oxidative with citrusy, zesty acidity, savoury notes all through, a bit bitter of the finish. Score: 15.25/20 (90/100)…