We’re marching through an unusual harvest, weather patterns I’ve never experienced during September in the 18 vintages I’ve had here on the Central Coast. I’m confident we’re making great passes and the cellar work has been spot on, but odd ripening patterns for sure. Ryan Deovlet Deovlet Wines, California September 29, 2022 * * *…
There have been severe hailstorms in Bordeaux, the Southwest, Savoie, and Burgundy recently. Château Marie Plaisance in Bergerac had this to say about the storm that hit there (pictured is the hail storm in their vineyard): What a crazy weather… A way back to normal is now almost out of touch if humans do nothing….
Domaine l’Aumonier in Touraine has moved from over a decade of organic to biodynamic farming. Here’s the update from the domaine’s Sophie Chardon: Biodynamics is going well, we have completed the passage of 500 P (horn dung) for the structuring of our soils, the development of the root system, and the activation of microbial life….
Spring is now well established here, so the work in the vineyards keeps us 100% busy. We had almost forgotten what a normal year is! As I say to the children, in graphic terms of video games (as it speaks to them), we have passed Level 1: the frost has not done any damage this…
Château Coupe-Roses recently won the “Innovation Prize” of the Agroecology Trophies 2021-2022 for Occitane in Languedoc. The prize rewards particularly innovative farmers in their agro-ecological practices. The domaine’s approach to implementing resilient viticulture is to promote biodiversity in and around the parcels. Located in a territory of strong environmental and heritage interest and in a…
Wow! Giuseppe Nada’s 2017 Barbaresco is #15 on the Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list for 2021! Well-deserved praise for Enrico Nada, who has made great strides since taking over his family’s property in 2008. Read the article here.
Le Figaro Vins has a great article about Laure Jambon taking over the reins from her father at Pavillon de Chavannes. You can read it here.
Frost, drought and cool weather is not the summary of a perfect growing season, then throw in a few wildfires and other natural surprises and this completes a challenging year. The latter were not at Unang but close enough to be atmospheric. And yet, the resulting wines are full of promise, I shall try to…
Mélanie Pfister has made significant changes to her family wine estate in Alsace. Forbes Magazine highlighted Mélanie in a recent article. Read it online or here as a pdf.
The Magic of Alsace’s Grand Crus When it comes to French wines, the term Grand Cru has a magical connotation. But just how magical the name of a particular Grand Cru vineyard and the wines named after it really are depends enormously on the region. Both in terms of reputation and to your pocketbook, it…
