Discovery

Stellenbosch is the heartbeat of South African Cabernet Sauvignon, whose legacy has been nurtured here for over a century, rooted in soils as old as 600 million years. This storied region boasts a landscape sculpted by towering mountains and nuanced valleys where Cabernet Sauvignon has become inseparable from its identity. Furthering its international footprint, Stellenbosch Cabernet was founded as a collective, underscoring a decade-long journey of refining Cabernet Sauvignon and beckoning the curious Cabernet Sauvignon drinker to delve deeper.

One of its flagship lines may well be called ‘crazy bottle’ – aka Bocciamatta in Italian – but StraItalian Winemakers and its managing director Gaetano Peragine have their feet firmly on, and in, the ground.

Although some Spanish wine regions have traditionally produced rosés, there is no denying that the reputation of pink wines has never equalled that of the country’s reds or whites. But the winds of change are blowing, lifting the outlook for rosés. Increasingly, bodegas are embracing the huge potential for this style of wine, when it is crafted with care.

Change is afoot in the vineyards of Bulgaria, after many years of soul-searching. As the country re-emerges on the international wine scene, we take a closer look at the potential of its native grapes, which thrive alongside its well-established collection of international varietals.

A global consumer lauds Sauvignon Blanc, and South Africa excels without regional constraints. The myriad styles produced here attest to its potential and exceptional ageability as passionate producers embrace the contrasting landscapes to make mystifying to boastfully aromatic wines with a burgeoning following from both ends. Hence, Sauvignon Blanc remains the country's top-selling and most exported cultivar.

Over the past few years, the number of newly-established craft breweries in France has grown exponentially. These boutique companies have joined a market cornered by the international behemoths and a clutch of long-standing breweries. The trend dovetails with new consumer patterns and has introduced products running the gamut in terms of colours and brewing techniques. We take a closer look.