Magazine

Médoc Crus Artisans in the limelight
Navigating amongst the shadows cast on them by the Grands Crus Classés and the Crus Bourgeois, it could seem that Médoc Crus Artisans suffer from a lack awareness. But these often long-standing, boutique estates spread across all the Médoc appellations in the world’s most famous wine region focus on site-expressiveness and most certainly deserve a visit.
Heading off for Portugal and its native red grape varieties
With 250 native grape varieties, Portugal is enough to make other producer countries go green with envy. Comparing them with international standards is like comparing apples and oranges and just-burgeoning awareness means that they remain largely under the public’s radar. Heading off to explore Portugal’s vine heritage is like stepping into the shoes of a treasure hunter, away from the well-trodden vinous paths.
Cahors, fully committed to the 21st century
In 1971, Cahors was awarded appellation status with 500 hectares under vine. Half a century later, this benchmark appellation in South-West France now boasts nearly 4,500 hectares of bearing vineyards spread across 45 localities. This quantum leap in acreage is a genuine symbol of success…
Nebbiolo, the prince of grape varieties in north-west Italy
Nebbiolo is widely considered to be the prince of Northern Italian grape varieties due to its elegance and undisputed longevity. This historic variety is widespread across North-West Italy, in Piedmont, Lombardy and Valle d'Aosta. We drill down on one of Italy’s most iconic grapes.
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.
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.
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.