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Argentina used to have the most southern vineyards in the world until Central Otago surpassed them. However today, the cultivation of vine at latitude 45 in Chubut province adds to the Argentina’s viticultural map, representing a new challenge for winemakers working in the mountainous regions and also in the Patagonian plains. Here, Alejandro Iglesias breaks down the new southernmost border of Argentine wine.
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Perched on the eastern end of the Mediterranean, yet with vineyards at altitudes of 1,000m and above, Lebanon offers a promising mix of conditions for the production of great wines. Of course, the first wave of Lebanese wines to make their mark internationally were largely blends based on Bordeaux varieties, with some notable successes, gaining a niche but loyal following. However, in tune with the country’s location and viticultural history, a second wave of indigenous and Mediterranean varieties are now emerging as winemakers realise the potential for varieties that carry more of an indigenous signature.
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A broadening interest in Italy means the country’s indigenous grape varieties are now packing a punch at the top, writes Jo Gilbert
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At first glance, it seems inconceivable that a tradition-bound region such as Bordeaux could willingly embrace change. The strict hierarchy of Bordeaux’s classed growths, cemented in 1855, is as intransigent as it was in the 19th century. Bordeaux’s winemakers remain defined by the vines and the soil they inherit.
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The 90 Sicilian producers belonging to trade association Assovini are seeking to build upon the ground laid out by the broad Sicilia DOC with greater focus on the 24 DOC that make up the vinous mosaic of Italy’s most extensively planted wine region.
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A recent California Wines tasting convinced many that the Golden State is back on track. Andrew Catchpole reports on its refreshed identity
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Published: 08 April, 2019
Northern California’s wine industry continues to recover after the record-breaking wildfires of 2017.
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Published: 13 March, 2019
Thanks to two key trade deals, Japan has increased its reach to a billion people so far in 2019. Jo Gilbert looks at the knock-on effect for the country’s drinkable exports
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Published: 12 March, 2019
Quality Riesling appears to be on a roll, with the average price paid for exported German wine breaking records in 2018, while UK consumer thirst drove the biggest value increase of any export territory, according to German Wine Institute (DWI) figures.
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Published: 25 February, 2019
Food compatibility and top-quality wines have made Austria a secret weapon for sommeliers wanting to impress their guests. Jo Gilbert looks at which varieties, regions and styles head their lists.
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Published: 18 February, 2019
Turkey’s indigenous varieties offer a wealth of options to explore. Peter McCombie MW takes the country’s temperature
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Published: 17 January, 2019
It’s well reported that Australian wine sales into mainland China have been booming, driven by a compelling mix of favourable trade deals, attractiveness of style to Chinese consumers and a firm commitment by the Australian industry to push into that market. Moreover, as with many other territories around the world, the US included, such buyers are prepared to pay a good price for the pleasure of listing the wines.
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Published: 17 January, 2019
The annual New Zealand trade tasting pushed a new focus on regionality at this year’s London event on 16 January, with the aim of furthering understanding of the country’s diversity of wine styles with restaurants and independent merchants.
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Published: 10 January, 2019
New Zealand’s wine scene has come a long way since its inception in the 1970s. Jamie Goode meets the personalities driving change in leading region Marlborough
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Published: 13 December, 2018
Rioja’s Viñedos Singulares classification is a major step towards elevating the region’s status, writes Tim Atkin MW.
Rioja’s Consejo Regulador is the oldest in Spain, a body that owes its existence to a Royal Decree, no less, of October 22, 1926. From the start, the Consejo’s mandate included the right to take legal measures against “usurpers and counterfeiters of the Rioja brand”, as well as to issue production seals, demarcate the region and decide on its future direction.
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Published: 28 November, 2018
It’s been just over a decade since North Dakota, the final state to host a winery, joined the party, adding to the substantial growth of many states’ wine tourism and consequent direct consumer sales. California’s primacy remains constant, though its share of US production continues to slide from what
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Published: 15 November, 2018
Travelling with fellow MWs in the Golden State, Natasha Hughes MW delves far beyond the usual suspects.
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Published: 06 November, 2018
US wines have been generating an unprecedented buzz in the UK. Andrew Catchpole discovers why
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Published: 20 September, 2018
Small, but perfectly formed, Austria’s winemaking fraternity continues to innovate, looking increasingly towards natural methods, as Darrel Joseph reports.
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Published: 28 August, 2018
Celebrated by critics but crippled by drought and low returns, South Africa rarely has an easy ride.
Few in the trade could have missed the ongoing challenges facing South Africa’s wine producers as the worst drought in 100 years continues to afflict the Cape. With the 2018 crop predicted to be down by 15% after two years of water shortage that almost saw Cape Town meet “day zero” and turn off its domestic supply, the harvest has been described by Bibendum’s South Africa buyer, Paul Meihuizen, as “the most challenging I have ever known”.
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