gatherings

French Bloom Pioneers the Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Wine Market with Exclusive Vineyard Acquisition

French Bloom Pioneers the Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Wine Market with Exclusive Vineyard Acquisition

The thirst for non-alcoholic sparkling wines is growing, and French Bloom is leading the charge. This pioneering Maison has become the first in the world to focus exclusively on producing premium alcohol-free fizz by acquiring its own estate in Limoux, France. The acquisition spans 25 hectares of vineyard and winery land, set to be operational by September 2026. Maggie Frerejean-Taittinger, co-founder and CMO, said the move marks an important moment for the Maison. "We want to anchor our vision in a deeper connection with terroir and in a sustainable approach to alcohol-free sparkling wines," she explained. Founded in 2019 by…
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Etna’s Volcanic Wine Country: A Guide to Sicily’s Active Volcano

Etna’s Volcanic Wine Country: A Guide to Sicily’s Active Volcano

Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano, erupted on June 2, 2025, sending plumes of ash and lava into the sky. But for those visiting the region's wineries, it was just another day in Sicily's volcanic wine country. Mount Etna's volatile history dates back to 1500 BC, with eruptions happening almost annually. However, the recent display was more intense due to a partial collapse of one side of the South East Crater. Despite this, no major deposits of lava were left on the surrounding slopes, and vineyards remained unaffected. Patricia Tóth, winemaker at Planeta, explains that while Etna's activity can be…
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Demystifying Wine Scores: Why Two Wines with the Same Score Can Have Different Prices

Demystifying Wine Scores: Why Two Wines with the Same Score Can Have Different Prices

You've probably stumbled upon two wines with identical scores but vastly different price tags. It's baffling, right? But fear not! Let's unravel this wine-tasting mystery together. At Wine Spectator, all wines undergo blind tastings where the producer and price are concealed. Wines are grouped according to their grape varieties, vintages, and appellations. For instance, 2021 Napa Valley Cabernets and 2024 Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs are tasted separately. This setup ensures that the wines are judged based on their quality irrespective of the producer or price tag. 1. Wine tastings are blind, meaning the producer and price aren't disclosed during the evaluation…
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Krug’s Symphony of Flavors: A Musical Homage to the Legendary 2008 Vintage

Krug’s Symphony of Flavors: A Musical Homage to the Legendary 2008 Vintage

Famed composer Max Richter has collaborated with Champagne house, Krug, to create a unique ensemble where each note mirrors the essence of their exceptional 2008 vintage. This musical tribute is another chapter in Krug's legacy of interpreting the character of Champagne through music, alongside renowned artists. Richter, known for his blend of traditional orchestrations with modern electronic elements, has composed three pieces inspired by three Krug Champagnes from the celebrated 2008 vintage. Each composition is intended to accompany its corresponding cuvée and reflect its character. 'Clarity', a soloist piece, was created around Krug Clos d’Ambonnay 2008, a Pinot Noir from…
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Can mountain ageing take Valtellina’s wines to new heights?

Can mountain ageing take Valtellina’s wines to new heights?

Title: Exploring the Heights of Valtellina Wines: The Impact of Mountain Ageing Content: Nestled within the picturesque Alps, the region of Valtellina in Italy is renowned for its unique winemaking practices and exceptional wines. One such practice that sets Valtellina apart is mountain ageing, a traditional method where wine matures at high altitudes in the region's mountainside cellars. This process has been an integral part of Valtellina's viticulture for centuries, but its significance in shaping the region's wines has often been overlooked. The distinct terroir and climate of Valtellina offer a perfect environment for mountain ageing. The cooler temperatures, lower…
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Exclusive Wine Tour at Decanter Fine Wine Encounter London: A Deep Dive into Iconic Vintages

Exclusive Wine Tour at Decanter Fine Wine Encounter London: A Deep Dive into Iconic Vintages

The Decanter Fine Wine Encounter (DFWE) in London recently hosted the Cellar Collection 2025, a unique event that offered wine enthusiasts an exclusive tasting journey through iconic wines. This year's edition, the fourth, featured 21 estates pouring three back vintages of their flagship cuvée to demonstrate the evolution of each wine. The morning and afternoon sessions were sold out, showcasing the caliber of producers that attended. Each guest received a Cellar Collection passport, which they used to collect stamps as they tasted wines from around the world. The event was not just a tasting but an opportunity to meet the…
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Fresh off the wine press: The ‘other’ nouveau wines bringing joyous revelry in November

Fresh off the wine press: The ‘other’ nouveau wines bringing joyous revelry in November

Title: Unraveling the 'Salinity' in Wine: A Hidden Dimension Content: In the complex world of wine, a fifth dimension is gaining attention - 'salinity'. This elusive attribute, while not as immediately recognizable as sweetness or acidity, contributes significantly to a wine's character and balance. Salinity in wine can be traced back to its terroir, specifically the soil composition and climate of the vineyard. Salty soils, such as those found in parts of Greece, Sicily, and Portugal, can impart a mineral-rich flavor profile to the grapes grown there. However, it's not just saltiness from the earth that contributes to salinity in…
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Germany: The Emerging ‘Pinot Paradise’ for Wine Connoisseurs?

Germany: The Emerging ‘Pinot Paradise’ for Wine Connoisseurs?

The world of wine is facing a harsh reality with the looming effects of climate change. Droughts, heat spikes, hailstorms, wildfires - the list goes on. As Andrew Jefford points out, hundreds of billions of tonnes of fossil carbon now linger in our atmosphere, a remnant of an era long before phylloxera. This excess carbon is causing extreme climate change, which may render our greatest vineyards unusable within two human lifetimes. Germany, however, might just be bucking this trend. With its unique terroir and climate, the country is emerging as a potential 'Pinot Paradise'. The Kaiserstuhl area of Baden-Württemberg, in…
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Mastering Washed Process Beans Roasting on Freshroast

Mastering Washed Process Beans Roasting on Freshroast

You've been nailing naturals, but now you're ready to explore washed process beans. As a Freshroast user, you're in for an exciting journey! Let's dive into the specifics of roasting Ethiopian washed process beans. First off, understand that washed process beans undergo a different fermentation and washing method compared to naturals. This affects their flavor profile, acidity, and body. The lack of fruitiness found in naturals means you'll need to adjust your roasting profile accordingly. For washed Ethiopians, aim for a slightly longer roast. Start with a low temperature (F9) and low power level (P1) for the first 2 minutes.…
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Mastering Live Data Display for Artisan Roasting: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering Live Data Display for Artisan Roasting: A Comprehensive Guide

If you're a small roaster in the UK, like our friend at /u/concerning_noises, you might find yourself wondering how to display live data during artisan roasting. We've got your back. Let's dive into this pressing issue and share some valuable insights. First things first, let's clarify what we mean by 'live data.' In the context of artisan roasting, it refers to real-time monitoring of key parameters like development time and percentage moisture. The good news is that with your Giesen W15, Mac, and Artisan setup, you can indeed display these figures live—but you'll need a bit of tweaking. To achieve…
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