December 2023

Producer – Vilafonte Seriously Old Dirt

Producer Profile Vilafonte – South Africa – Seriously Old Dirt There is substance in the name, which references Vilafontes, one of the world’s oldest recorded soil types (650 million years and counting) and the natural occurring outcrop which gives its name to the estate itself. Whether this gives an intrinsic advantage over younger soil types […]

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The Art of Vertical Wine Tasting

A vertical wine tasting compares the same wine from several vintages, providing insight into the wine’s evolution due to factors such as soil composition, sunlight exposure, and topography. Various ways exist to conduct tastings, with the choice of order impacting the tasting experience. As wines age, their fruit characteristics and other notes change, offering a rich history in a bottle. Understanding these changes promote a thorough understanding of the wine’s region, producer, and personal palate preferences.

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Australia’s Golden Period

Once dominated by overbearing and unsubtle wines, the Australian wine industry is undergoing a significant shift. With innovative winemaking techniques and a focus on diverse cool climate regions, Australian wines are becoming more refined and nuanced. The country’s wine trade faces challenges like a Chinese trade war, yet also finds opportunities in new markets. Reclamation of its identity along with a variety of wine styles signals Australia’s wine industry’s potential golden age.

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Tuscany : Of Roosters and Mavericks

Igor Ryjenkov MW discusses the history of wine in Tuscany, Italy, tracing its roots to 13th-century fables and highlighting the 1698 official recognition of Chianti as a wine. He outlines the evolution and significance of Sangiovese, the emergence of non-traditional grapes, and the story of ‘Super Tuscans’, which defy convention and continue to develop in the region.

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