General

Observations from the annual GuildSomm survey

by  |  26-06-2017

If you’ve not seen it, GuildSomm has posted its 2016 salary survey which anyone, even non-subscribers to the site can view. They create this by putting out a poll that people answer anonymously on the... more »
Pictured with the Georgia book

In The Glass: Alaverdi Monastery – Saperavi 2011

by  |  23-06-2017

There are few winery slogans that can match that of the Alaverdi Monastery in Kakheti, Georgia. To state, “Since 1011” on the label leaves little up for debate that these monks have been making wine... more »

Alta Alella’s Parvus

by  |  13-06-2017

I’ve been a fan of what Alta Alella has been doing for some time. In case you don’t believe me, have a look. To a large extent, they’ve been striving a great deal to drive... more »

The first “Tastets de Gratallops” village wine tasting

by  |  05-06-2017

When it comes to the wine-producing villages of DOQ Priorat, Gratallops is by far the most dominant. With about 22 cellars located within the village boundaries, they have have over 25% of the registered cellars... more »

Álvaro Palacios en primeur 2016

by  |  29-05-2017

Due to research for another another article with Meininger’s, I paid a visit to Álvaro Palacios last month for a chat and, being the consummate showman that he is (the classy booklet above was for... more »

New wine protest in le Boulou at the French-Spanish border

by  |  24-05-2017

Heading north from Barcelona Airport, I was greeted to the signs as seen above warning that there was going to be a “manifestation” or protest by the Southern French winemakers on the 23rd of May.... more »

Bodega Otazu’s Vitral, the 2,000€ ruse

by  |  24-02-2017

A few days ago, word came down that there is a new, ultra-premium-priced wine from Spain, the Bodega Otazu – Vitral 2013. Undeterred by the idea of a mere 1,000€ for Pingus or l’Ermita, they’ve... more »
Photo via winery press release

Abadal 3.9 is the newest Vi de Finca

by  |  19-12-2016 ~ 2 Comments

It has just been announced that Abadal's 3.9 is be the newest Vi de Finca in Catalonia as certified by INCAVI, the Catalan wine authority. This now brings the total to nine of these certified... more »
Picapoll Negre in DO Montsant

The new-old wine grapes for Catalonia

by  |  14-11-2016

The Catalan wine institute, Incavi recently announced the approval of a batch of new grapes for use in Catalan wines. Now it's up the various DO bodies to approve them as well, but this is... more »

Winexpo to kvevri, the state of Georgian wine

by  |  13-06-2016

This past June 3rd-5th marked the 9th annual Winexpo held in Tbilisi, Georgia. This wine fair, open to both professionals and the general public, provides a great opportunity for any and all interested in the... more »