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Alice Tétienne and the Fight for Champagne’s Future

Feb

Wine FactsBlowers, Champagne, Climate, Father, Henriot

Alice Tétienne and the Fight for Champagne’s Future

Consider this your morning briefing: Climate change isn’t just a threat to Champagne—it’s rewriting the rules of the game. Cellar master Alice Tétienne, steering Champagne Henriot through this upheaval, isn’t just protecting a legacy; she’s redefining what it means to make wine in a world where frost, drought, and shifting weather patterns are the new normal. “Climate change is a reality,” she says bluntly. “Every year is worse.” For Henriot, the stakes are clear: the future of their iconic Cuvée des Enchanteleurs—and the region itself—depends on how quickly they adapt. The challenges are stark. Last year’s extreme dryness left grapes…

A Fortified Legacy: Tommaso Maggio Redefines Marsala’s Future

Feb

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Wine FactsAncient History of Wine, Father, Florio, Maggio, marsala

A Fortified Legacy: Tommaso Maggio Redefines Marsala’s Future

The 2026 Master Winemaker of the Year isn’t just a trophy—it’s a seismic shift in how the world sees fortified wines. Tommaso Maggio, the 28-year veteran of Cantine Florio, took home the title at Wine Paris, proving that Marsala’s reputation for complexity and depth deserves a second look. His win isn’t just about medals; it’s about redefining a category long dismissed as outdated. “This award is a starting point,” he said, “a responsibility to carry forward new projects.” That mindset, paired with decades of mastery, has turned Florio’s Marsala Dolce Superiore Riserva 1994 into a benchmark for fortified excellence. Maggio’s…

The Local Wine Dilemma: Why NYC Restaurants Still Prefer Imports

Feb

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Wine FactsErdmann, Father, Fjord, New, York

The Local Wine Dilemma: Why NYC Restaurants Still Prefer Imports

Real talk: New York City restaurants are missing a golden opportunity by overlooking local wines. Despite a thriving industry producing world-class vintages, many Manhattan establishments prioritize international labels over state-grown options. Casey Erdmann of Fjord Vineyards calls it a “disconnect”—restaurants tout “local” food but ignore New York wines, which are often food-friendly and regionally rooted. The irony? These wines, made from grapes like Riesling and Cabernet Franc, could elevate dishes as seamlessly as any Bordeaux or Barolo. Yet, they’re sidelined in favor of California staples or European imports, a trend Erdmann attributes to consumer demand. The problem runs deeper than…

Wine on a Diet: Carbs, Calories, and the Science Behind It

Feb

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Wine FactsAlcohol, Ancient History of Wine, California, Prosecco, Sparkling

Wine on a Diet: Carbs, Calories, and the Science Behind It

If you're sipping wine while dieting, you're not alone—but the science behind your glass might surprise you. Wine isn’t just a mood booster; it’s a complex mix of carbs, calories, and brain chemistry that can either support or sabotage your goals. Understanding how it interacts with your body is key to making smarter choices without sacrificing flavor. Wine’s carb content hinges on residual sugar—sugars left after fermentation. A fully dry wine has none, but most have traces, measured in grams per liter. Look for wines with 3g or less of residual sugar per liter; that translates to under 2.25 carbs…

The Tasting Challenge Unveils Austrian Zweigelt’s Bold Character

Feb

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Wine Factsacidity, Austrian, Father, This, Zweigelt

The Tasting Challenge Unveils Austrian Zweigelt’s Bold Character

Real talk: If you’ve ever wondered how red wine can defy expectations, Austrian Zweigelt is your answer. This week’s Tasting Challenge bottle defies the usual playbook—no velvety tannins, no heavy oak, just a punch of acidity and red fruit that feels like a revelation. Zweigelt isn’t just a grape; it’s a statement. Born in Austria’s Burgenland region, it thrives in a climate that balances warmth and coolness, crafting wines that are both vibrant and structured. The result? A drink that’s equal parts tart and tender, with a finish that lingers like a whisper of dark chocolate. The magic of Zweigelt…

The Vermouth Misconceptions That Need to Be Debunked

Feb

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Wine FactsBut, Father, laundry, Martinis, Vermouth

The Vermouth Misconceptions That Need to Be Debunked

Consider this your morning briefing: Vermouth isn’t just a cocktail ingredient—it’s a complex, misunderstood spirit with a history as rich as its botanicals. Most people think of it as a garnish for Martinis or a footnote in Manhattan recipes, but its story is far more layered. Vermouth is a fortified and aromatized wine, infused with herbs, spices, and botanicals, and it’s been used for centuries as both medicine and celebration. Yet, despite its storied past, many assumptions about it are flat-out wrong. At its core, vermouth is a hybrid of wine and spirit, with two primary categories: dry and sweet.…

Burgundy’s En Primeur Wines: Navigating the Uncertain 2023 Vintage

Feb

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Wine FactsBurgundy, Father, However

Burgundy’s En Primeur Wines: Navigating the Uncertain 2023 Vintage

The 2023 Burgundy vintage has emerged as a complex and unpredictable chapter in the region’s storied history, with en primeur reports highlighting both triumphs and challenges. Winemakers and critics alike grappled with a season marked by erratic weather patterns, from early spring frost to late summer droughts, which tested the resilience of vineyards across the Côte d’Or. Despite these hurdles, the vintage delivered a range of wines that showcase Burgundy’s signature elegance and depth, though with varying degrees of balance and concentration. En primeur tastings revealed a spectrum of results, with some premier crus and grand crus proving remarkably vibrant,…

Feb

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Wine FactsAgroforestry, Swiss, Syrah, Syrahs, These

Swiss Syrah: A Rhône Lover’s Hidden Gem

For those who think they’ve tasted every Syrah the Rhône Valley has to offer, Swiss Syrah is a revelation. These wines defy expectations, offering a fresh perspective on the varietal that’s both rooted in tradition and steeped in unique terroir. While Rhône Syrahs are often bold and structured, their Swiss counterparts reveal a different story—one of elegance, restraint, and a distinct alpine character. The Swiss vineyards, spread across the Jura Mountains and the Aargau region, provide a stark contrast to the sun-drenched slopes of France’s Rhône Valley. Cooler climates, varied soil types, and a slower ripening process yield wines that…

Romagna’s Sangiovese: A Deep Dive into the Region’s Wines The story of Sangiovese in Romagna is one of adaptation and resilience, shaped by the region’s unique terroir and centuries of winemaking tradition. While the grape is most famously associated with Tuscany, its presence in Romagna offers a distinct expression—more structured, often with a touch of wildness, and deeply rooted in the land’s history. These 13 wines provide a window into this lesser-known yet fascinating side of the variety, each reflecting the local soil, climate, and the winemaker’s vision. From the rolling hills of the Adriatic coast to the inland plains, Romagna’s Sangiovese tells a story of place and patience. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or new to the region, these wines

Feb

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Wine FactsRomagna, Sangiovese

Romagna’s Sangiovese: A Deep Dive into the Region’s Wines The story of Sangiovese in Romagna is one of adaptation and resilience, shaped by the region’s unique terroir and centuries of winemaking tradition. While the grape is most famously associated with Tuscany, its presence in Romagna offers a distinct expression—more structured, often with a touch of wildness, and deeply rooted in the land’s history. These 13 wines provide a window into this lesser-known yet fascinating side of the variety, each reflecting the local soil, climate, and the winemaker’s vision. From the rolling hills of the Adriatic coast to the inland plains, Romagna’s Sangiovese tells a story of place and patience. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or new to the region, these wines

TITLE: Romagna's Sangiovese: A Deep Dive into the Region's Wines The story of Sangiovese in Romagna is one of adaptation and resilience, shaped by the region’s unique terroir and centuries of winemaking tradition. While the grape is most famously associated with Tuscany, its presence in Romagna offers a distinct expression—more structured, often with a touch of wildness, and deeply rooted in the land’s history. These 13 wines provide a window into this lesser-known yet fascinating side of the variety, each reflecting the local soil, climate, and the winemaker’s vision. From the rolling hills of the Adriatic coast to the inland…

The Enduring Legacy of Rhône Winemaking: A Testament to Tradition and Innovation

Feb

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Wine FactsAoarashi, Father, Grenache, Pape, Rayas

The Enduring Legacy of Rhône Winemaking: A Testament to Tradition and Innovation

The world of Rhône wines is a tapestry woven from centuries of tradition, innovation, and the indelible mark of visionaries like Reynaud. As the industry grapples with the legacy of pioneers, the region’s wines continue to captivate with their complexity, terroir-driven character, and the stories etched into every bottle. From the sun-drenched vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape to the mineral-rich soils of Hermitage, the Rhône’s ability to produce wines that age gracefully and express their origins is a testament to its enduring allure. Recent vintages, such as the 2024 en primeur release, have sparked renewed conversations about the balance between tradition and…