This tale isn't yet 1000 years old. But it has kings, crusades, the cult of the Virgin, poverty, drunk clerics, extinct grapes, the Devil and the world's biggest wine bottle. And the irony is, the winery it's about is one of the most forward-thinking in France. You might think the
Natalie MacLean is a well-known wine writer who self-publishes a subscription newsletter at NatalieMacLean.com, who proudly proclaims she was named the “World’s Best Wine Writer” at the World Food Media Awards. Unfortunately, Ms. MacLean appears to be building her reputation, and her business, on the work of others. Her website
General Overview As everywhere in France, 2012 was not the easiest growing season in Burgundy with the weather causing general havoc. Burgundy suffered a few spring frosts just before flower set resulting in irregular flowering, hailstorms in late spring and early summer and atrocious wet weather for the most of
If some consider Pinot Noir the thoroughbred of varietals, then the Willamette Valley may be the Kentucky Bluegrass of wine regions. There is something in the soil that sets the Willamette Valley apart from other wine regions. Many speak of the terroir in northern Oregon, comparing it to other world-renowned
Time is running out to finish up your Christmas shopping. For those looking to impress a wine enthusiast, these final days are daunting. Malls and department stores offer little that would please an oenophile, and the staff at Best Buy doesn't know a thing about wine. The internet, of course,
Sparkling wine is serious business, but it’s also serious science. The process of making methode champenoise sparklers sparkle, from secondary fermentation in the bottle to the time you take a sip, is governed by the physical laws of how gases behave. Scientists who care about fluid dynamics have written a
Stories of the Wine and Spirits Gadgets We Love and We Hate – plus a Confession With Recommendations
By the Editors of Palate Press. Gift-giving season is upon us, and the Editors and Publisher at Palate Press have been getting bombarded with the annual "what should I get for the wine lover on my list" questions. Here are a few of the wine gadgets we love and some
There will be no more Brunello di Montalcino Soldera until 2019. One of the most renowned producers in Tuscany suffered a serious act of vandalism in recent days. “But I’m not afraid,” said Gianfranco Soldera in an interview to an Italian website: “No intimidation can stop our work. We will go forward