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Part 2: Bordeaux (again) In the last part of this series, I broke down how the Grand Cru classification in the Médoc region of Bordeaux came about. However, on the other side of the Dordogne, things work quite differently. After all, why would two subregions in the same 50km radius agree on the same wine laws...?! So we’re in Saint-Émilion - the home of Merlot dominant blends on diverse soils of cool clay, limestone and gravel. Unlike the Left Bank (Médoc) 1855 classification

Par t 1: Bordeaux ‘Grand Cru Classé.’ We’ve all seen it on bottles (whether we’ve tasted them or not) and the phrase sounds incredibly impressive. But what does it actually mean? I wish I could give an easy answer for this… but the reality is, it depends where the wine is from! Château Ferrière, situated in Margaux, is one of 14 Third Growth c hâteaux Take Bordeaux, specifically the Médoc on the Left Bank. In 1855, Bordeaux wine brokers were asked to rank the region’s top est

This was the topic in question for the panel debate on 6th October, hosted by Pink.Wine and the Libération Tardive Foundation, and led by Richard Bampfield MW, Elizabeth Gabay MW, Pauline Vicard and Siobhan Turner MW, chaired by Rebecca Palmer. Spoiler alert: it can… and it is. So what exactly makes a wine 'fine'? The panel discussed the key pillars that are considered before declaring a wine ‘fine’. Pauline, co-founder of ARENI Global, a research and action institute dedicat

Last year, Ramón Bilbao celebrated its centenary year and Rodolfo Bastida’s 25th anniversary at the winemaking helm.  Over that time, their wines have been at the forefront of innovation in Spanish production. Since its birth in Haro (La Rioja), their production has expanded to include vineyards in both Rueda and Rioja. With fellow winemakers Rosana Lisa in Rioja and Sara Bañuelos in Rueda, Rodolfo has been championing experimentation and expansion, all whilst respecting trad

Château Clos Systey. Demeter is the certifying body for Biodynamic farming. On a recent weekend trip to Bordeaux, I visited four châteaux...

Almost exactly a year ago, I sent my mum on a very specific mission to Big Tesco: track down a bottle of Mar de Frades Albariño. “Mum!...

The Balearic Islands have become synonymous with Mediterranean summer holidays. From beach club-hopping in the balmy Ibiza sun to...