Magazine

Discovery

26 Jul 2022

Tuscany and its 'natural' aptitude for organic viticulture

Italy, along with Spain and France, dominates the ranking of organic winegrowing countries. Yet not all Italian regions can boast a 'natural' aptitude for organic winegrowing that requires particular soil and weather conditions.

Discovery

18 Jul 2022

Why Corsica is tippled pink

Corsican rosés are among France’s finest unknown treasures to discover. They boast the hallmark features of their outstanding vineyard location and signature aromatics stemming from native grape varieties that are occasionally blended with Syrah and Grenache. They have successfully withstood fierce competition from their Provencal neighbours due to their remarkable quality, which has also stood them in good stead in export markets.

Discovery

05 Jul 2022

“Ma Roumanie contée” – tales of Romanian wine

Romania is home to one of the oldest wine growing cultures in Europe, predating ancient Dacia, shaped by the Romans, the monasteries and subsequently influenced by the French. It now has a clear focus on quality and harmonisation with European standards.

Discovery

27 Jun 2022

A road trip through Navarre

For many years, Navarre remained in the shadow of its prestigious neighbour, Rioja, but in more recent times it has made huge strides. Although it initially garnered a reputation for the quality of its rosés, it is now also praised for its increasingly high profile red wines. The decision to host the world Grenache competition in Olite, Navarre, this year, is no accident.

Discovery

20 Jun 2022

TERRA VITIS: THE RISING STAR OF ENVIRONMENTAL ENDORSEMENTS

From vineyard to bottle, Terra Vitis guarantees that traceability, organisation and environmental man-agement run seamlessly on farms that apply sustainable techniques. The French certification scheme is increasingly gaining traction, primarily because it takes on board new social responsibility standards.

Grapes

13 Jun 2022

Soil-searching for fine Pinotage

Like all inspiring wine countries globally, indigenous grape varieties are part of a quintessential blend of things to see, taste and experience. For South Africans, Table Mountain is their beacon of ancient soils, its "tablecloth" of cloud the introduction to the Cape's whimsical weather. And while the smell of Boerewors and Karoo lamb chops on a traditional open fire "braai" sets the scene for local fare, it is not fulfilled until Pinotage anoints the occasion.

Wine Territories

08 Jun 2022

Sauternes and Barsac

Here, too, winter was wet but quite mild, leading to early budburst though the head start was lost due to a cold spring and start of April marked by frost. Flowering went well but June was particularly wet and caused shatter and disease pressure. Botrytis ultimately established itself well and harvesting went seamlessly, producing beautifully crafted noble-rot wines but in very, very small quantities!