Madiran bottle shot cover

2019 Château Montus and Bouscassé: A Premiere Glance

France, featured

Nicolas Greinacher, Apr 2024

For decades, the secluded Madiran AOC in Southwest France has quietly cultivated its reputation. Now, the spotlight turns to the 2019 releases from Château Montus and Bouscassé, unveiling wines shaped by evolving viticultural and winemaking practices. Antoine Veiry, the 30-year-old stepson of Alain Brumont, is driving this transformation as he leads both estates into a promising new era.

Exploring the ancient cellars of domaine auguste clape amidst the heart of cornas copycover

Northern Rhône: Where Diversity Ignites the Senses

France: Rhône & Beaujolais, featured

Nicolas Greinacher, Mar 2024

Diversity reigns supreme in the Northern Rhône Valley, with each appellation offering unique expressions. Despite climatic challenges, local vintners exhibit remarkable adaptability, ensuring the sustainability of their vineyards and the quality of their wines. This report unearths the distinct characteristics of the 2021 and 2022 vintages, from a high degree of variability of the former to the promising potential of the latter.

Gigondas vineyards underneath the dentelles de montmirail. copycover

Gigondas: The Southern Rhône Jewel Shines and Adapts

France: Rhône & Beaujolais, featured

Nicolas Greinacher, Jan 2024

Gigondas, the Southern Rhône gem, finally moves ahead with the official Gigondas Blanc category as part of the inaugural 2023 vintage. This report unravels the time-consuming AOC adaptation process, delves into the region’s unique terroir and offers a thorough review of the promising 2022 and more mixed 2021 vintages.

A touch of hollywood in vacqueyras. cover option

Vacqueyras New Releases: Walking the Underdog

France: Rhône & Beaujolais, featured

Nicolas Greinacher, Nov 2023

In the sun-drenched vineyards of the Southern Rhône Valley, a captivating underdog story has been unfolding for years. Overshadowed by its prestigious neighbor, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the unassuming Vacqueyras appellation has been gaining attention for its affordable, high-quality wines. This report dives deep into the world of Vacqueyras, explores its characteristics, winemaking techniques and the latest four vintages, uncovering why this hidden gem deserves your attention.

Ch%c3%a2teauneuf du pape is famous for its old vines planted on  galets roul%c3%a9s   which are essentially rounded pebble stones over sandy  iron rich clay. copycover2

Châteauneuf-du-Pape New Releases: Welcome to the Pleasuredome

France: Rhône & Beaujolais, featured

Nicolas Greinacher, Jun 2023

Embracing their sun-kissed terroir, the historic vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape continue to produce bold and complex wines. But winemakers face unprecedented challenges as climate change looms and a global shift away from overly alcoholic wines persists. This report takes a deep dive into these present-day challenges and a first-hand look at how winemakers are conquering adversity and shaping their own futures.