Magazine

Portraits

03 Feb 2022

AMKA GROUP : Looking to the long-term

What started off in 1978 as a hobby for Anna-Marie and Karsten Søndergaard, who sold wines to friends and family from their garage in a small village in Denmark, has evolved into a multi-million-bottle business spanning 9 North European countries. Their son and current AMKA CEO Frank Søndergaard outlines the company’s ethos and growth prospects across the region.

Wine Territories

03 Feb 2022

Crémant de Bourgogne: When fizz is the bizz

World renowned grape varieties, fruit grown over a mosaic of vineyard sites and particularly high standards are some of the defining features of Crémant de Bourgogne, recognised as an appellation since 1975. They have helped establish a reputation for the Burgundy sparkler in wine markets at home and abroad. We dissect the reasons for the wines’ success.

Grapes

02 Feb 2022

Are Bordeaux Cabernets under threat?

In around 2050, the Bordeaux wine region is likely to experience weather patterns similar to today’s climate in central Spain. Merlot is already in the hot spot, which obviously begs the question – will global warming affect other varieties such as the Cabernets (Franc and Sauvignon)? Their growing cycle at least could undergo profound changes, leading to transformations in style and structure. Gilbert & Gaillard travelled to the vineyards to find out more.

People

02 Feb 2022

Courteney Cox: “Just like in other areas, women bring a fresh perspective to wine”

She was in her early twenties when she appeared on camera for the first time in 1984, swaying her hips in front of Bruce Springsteen in the memorable video clip of ‘Dancing in the Dark’ by Brian de Palma.While waiting for her big comeback in 2022 in a new opus of ‘Scream’, the beautiful Alabama native speaks to us about wine emphatically and with conviction...

Portraits

02 Feb 2022

Romain Roux, born to be an entrepreneur!

You can’t help but like Romain Roux. Possibly a little gruff, by his own admission, but this immediately disappears behind his loquaciousness, his joviality and his ability to listen to others. After dreaming of a career in finance, he ultimately chose a job that brings him down to earth every day. And he certainly is not complaining.

Wine Territories

02 Feb 2022

The fascinating success story of red wines from the southern Rhone

For several decades, red wines from Drôme and Vaucluse have been well-received by the public. Restructuring work began in the vineyards and is already reaping rewards with fresher, less oaky, palatable reds that consumers are embracing.

Portraits

02 Feb 2022

Casa Santos Lima: Portugal's standard-bearer abroad

Founded in the late 19th century, Casa Santos Lima is a winery that predominantly exports Portuguese wines. So much so that it is one of Portugal’s largest exporters. After being passed down through five generations, it is now in the capable hands of José Luis Santos Oliveira da Silva, the current CEO, a man who puts his heart and soul into advancing this family-run project.