After decades, even centuries of being considered vini da taglio - big, tannic, alcoholic, colour-laden wines to be blended into those from other regions in need of a boost - southern Italy’s wines are at last attracting positive critical attention.
The Germans may have invented it, but it was the Canadians who turned Icewine into the world's most expensive dessert wine. Tony Aspler takes a look at how Canada built its reputation on this one wine - and how it plans to keep the counterfeiters at bay.
Prosecco hails from the foothills of the Alps in the northeast Italy. Most consumers, however, have no idea whether Prosecco is a grape, a wine or a style. Michèle Shah discovers that the lines between DOC and IGT are equally difficult to understand.
The red grape Malbec, the variety most associated with Argentina, is rapidly gaining in both profile and popularity. But what’s the lure of this dark variety? And why does this varietal from Bordeaux do so well in Argentina?
Modern Italian Pinot Grigio is an export success, finding a lucrative place for itself in the international market. But this very success has led to its commodification, which may mean that Italy stands to lose market share to imitators, but there is life after Pinot Grigio.
For many, Australia’s best wines – equivalent, in their minds, to its finest Shiraz – come from the Barossa. Although Chardonnay is set to overtake it in total tonnage, Shiraz has established itself as Australia’s choice red varietal, writes James Halliday.
Sauvignon Blanc is to New Zealand what Riesling is to Germany and Shiraz is to Australia. The latest export figures available show that Sauvignon Blanc represented a massive 74% of all wine exports from New Zealand, observes Bob Campbell.
Although the finest châteaux have become brands rivalling Louis Vuitton or Hermès as luxury goods, Bordeaux brands have lost their consumer appeal in many markets. Hervé Lalau spoke with producers, importers and supermarkets about Bordeaux’s branded future.
Riesling Kabinett from Germany’s Mosel Valley is a category that – at its best – offers a unique blend of freshness, bright fruit, minerality and low alcohol. Although this style is still little understood other than by wine aficionados and professionals in certain...
When produced in its traditional style, the finest Rioja is easily recognised by its aroma, flavour and taste. Some believe that this style of Rioja is in danger of being eclipsed, if not forgotten, as an international, but less personal Rioja emerges.
