Magazine

Wine Terroirs

09 Jan 2023

How the Breede River Valley tells its story through wine tourism

South Africa's burgeoning wine tourism sector sprouts from Cape wineries willing to embrace change, and constantly exploring innovative ways to adapt. Its picturesque landscape spurs visitors to discover its wine routes, and the Breede River Valley is close enough to Cape Town for city dwellers to immerse themselves in its countryside hospitality for a day.

Wine Terroirs

19 Dec 2022

Castillon, a left-field view of the right bank

Castillon is home to over 200 winegrowers who farm an average of 10 hectares each. Evidence of winegrowing here dates back to Gallo-Roman times and yet, awareness of the region both in France and around the world is still very haphazard. We take a stab at righting this wrong.

Wine Terroirs

12 Dec 2022

Vermouth makes a major comeback in Spain

“Fem un vermut?” In Catalonia, an invitation to “have a vermouth” has a much broader meaning than simply the drink itself. That’s because vermouth time is an almost sacred ritual where friends gather around a glass of vermouth (or other drinks depending on everyone’s tastes), before lunch, with crisps and a few olives. The atmosphere is one of casual engagement, shared by everyone, young and old.

Wine Terroirs

05 Dec 2022

Reconciling wine production with conservation

Sustainability is the buzzword of the century. Yet, acting on its pivotal role in economic viability, environmental protection, and social equity is the invisible tread keeping the world alive as we know it. Globally, the wine industry is making its conservation efforts visible, and South Africa intends to remain a vital part of the conversation.

Discovery

28 Nov 2022

From HVE to Organic, Burgundy makes the pledge to the environment

When a legendary wine region makes a firm commitment to the environment, its status is enhanced even further. In Burgundy, the number of wineries certified High Environmental Value has doubled since 2020, a trend which mirrors the region’s long-standing quality-driven focus. Gilbert & Gaillard went to the heart of the region to find out more about the phenomenon.

Discovery

21 Nov 2022

Be prepared to fall in love with Crus Bourgeois wines

Are you really familiar with Bordeaux wines sporting the intriguing ‘Cru Bourgeois’ moniker on their labels? In an era of constant one-upmanship and an ocean of endorsements and superlatives, is this just one more marketing gimmick to catch the consumer’s eye, or is it genuinely meaningful? We went through the required specifications with a fine-tooth comb and quizzed the chairman of the Alliance along with various member chateaux. And here is our verdict!

Wine Terroirs

15 Nov 2022

Franciacorta, the symbol of Italian traditional method sparkling wine

After becoming a DOC in 1967, then securing the highly coveted DOCG endorsement in 1997, Franciacorta has gone from strength to strength. We drill down on what makes it so unique, and the producers behind this highly sought-after traditional method sparkling wine.