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Decanter Magazine - October 2025

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In this issue

Balancing act With alcohol levels
rising, Andrew Jefford thinks it’s time we reasses how we think about the abv of the wine in our glass

New Zealand’s new faces Emma
Jenkins MW introduces six innovative Antipodeans driving the local scene

Panel tasting: Valpolicella Classico
Freshness and value were the bywords of this 75-wine tasting of lighter reds

The age of age: Hyper-aged
whiskies make their mark Joel Harrison explores the new trend for releasing very old whiskies

Château Lafleur to leave Pomerol appellation

Top Bordeaux producer Château Lafleur has made the seismic decision to leave the Pomerol appellation, in order to give it more freedom to attempt to tackle climate change in its vineyards.

1 mins

UK vineyard trials feathered defenders

England's Rathfinny Wine Estate has deployed birds of prey via a specialist falconry team to trial a new way of protecting grapes before harvest.

1 mins

Early indications promising for 2025 European harvest

France will produce 37.4m hectolitres of wine in the 2025 harvest, it is predicted, which is down 13% on the five-year average but up slightly on 2024.

1 mins

DREAM DESTINATION

Cape of Senses Lake Garda, Italy

1 mins

A drink with: Graham Norton

Broadca comedian nam N ton is a passionate wine enthusiast-and producer. His collaboration with New Zealand's Invivo Wines is celebrating its 12th vintage and he was recently named Grape Ambassador to Marlborough

2 mins

'The set of possibilities grouped under "Chenin" can dazzle'

Familiar friends, landmarks in the wine world, gateways to pleasure: that’s how we think of grape varieties. Varietal thinking is treacherous... but it seems to be conceptually necessary for us.How else can we keep the worrisome chaos of the wine world at bay?

2 mins

If their wine-growing is an act of resistance, I want to join the revolution

'Ive always been drawn to wines from fiercely independent regions fuelled by regional pride, from Spain's Basque Country, Catalonia and Canary Islands to Italy's South Tyrol, Sicily and Sardinia. This past summer, as the US edged toward authoritarian populism, I travelled to a French semi-autonomous wine region with the thought that a five-decades-past story of resistance might offer solace.

2 mins

BALANCING ACT

With climate change causing alcohol levels to climb, it's time to reasses how we think about the abv of our bottle – wine lovers and winemakers alike

8 mins

Tales from Lake Garda: The reds and rosés of Bardolino

The versatile styles produced in this lakeside corner of Veneto are the perfect answer to a lunchtime tipple or a weekend with friends

2 mins

Nicolas Joly

A tireless proselytiser for biodynamic farming and wines that speak of their origins, the 2025 Hall of Fame recipient has spent decades encouraging winemakers to embrace sustainability and authenticity, while also putting one of France's most iconic vineyards back on the map

8 mins

Wu Xiuyong

To complement the annual Decanter Hall of Fame award, a Rising Star is selected each year as a recognition of up-and-coming talent. This year's award goes to a winemaker in one of the wine world's lesser-known corners who has built her career through grit and determination. A champion of innovation, she's also committed to rural education and to inspiring the young, especially women, to forge a career in wine

6 mins

NEW ZEALAND’S NEW FACES

Although it's best known around the world for established brands of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, New Zealand's wine scene is being driven by the creativity and innovation of a diverse new wave of winemaking. We introduce six names to know

10+ mins

Ribera del Duero latest releases

A tasting of more than 300 wines, covering vintages of marked and contrasting identities, revealed an array of different profiles united by their approachability and ageworthiness

10+ mins

The different shades of Cahors

If the name of this picturesque corner of southwest France conjures up the rustic 'black wines' of tradition, then look again: times have been changing, and wine styles with them, in the homeland of Malbec

10+ mins

How to navigate a restaurant wine list

Intimidated by the wine list when dining out? Here are some tips from a pro

2 mins

The age of age Hyper-aged whiskies make their mark

With record-breaking releases and remarkable stories, whiskies matured for 40 years and beyond are rewriting expectations

2 mins

Wine lover's guide to Basque Country

Thanks to its abundance of Michelin-starred restaurants, appetite-stirring pintxos and dynamic Txakoli-based wine scene, there has never been a better time to visit this scenic coastal destination

8 mins

Books etc

Our regular reviewer finds Assouline's latest coffee-table offering heavy on style but light on substance

2 mins

The ethical drinker Read to make a difference

We meet the authors of a new book on sustainability in wine

3 mins

Switzerland

Difficult to get hold of they may be, but Swiss reds and whites are distinctive, delicious, diverse and definitely worth tracking down

2 mins

La Place new campaign: muted reception

Early releases of international fine wines via La Place de Bordeaux in September saw a relatively muted buyer reaction, several merchants have said.

3 mins

Welcome to our 2025 Italy guide

This annual guide is one of the highlights of my year as Italy Regional Editor, and it's a great feeling to see the fruition of all our hard work in print.

1 mins

Wines on the edge: how Etna is redefining Italian elegance

In a nation with a longstanding reputation for warmth, generosity and, at times, opulence in its wines, Etna emerges as a distinctive entity, offering a wine style that is more incisive, cooler and more structured. But is DOC Etna in Sicily genuinely leading the way in the shift towards elegance in Italian fine wines? Or is it merely the most appealing manifestation of a more extensive transformation that is already in progress?

2 mins

FRONTIER SPIRIT

The four northernmost regions of Italy share more than just a mountainous border with neighbouring countries. Meet some of the key winemakers in each region – some of whom own vines on both sides of the border - and discover the results of an ongoing exchange of ideas and wine heritage

10+ mins

Lake Garda Where to eat and drink

A shimmering jewel set in the glacial landscapes of the Alpine ranges, Italy's largest freshwater lake is a paradise for those in search of watery adventure, as well as a gastronome's delight-on-shore there are local wines to discover and lake-fish specialities to savour

8 mins

Memorable matches

Sommeliers, winery owners, writers and importers share their favourite Italian food and wine pairings – some classic, others more surprising – and the stories that lie behind them...

4 mins

TUSCANY The insiders' guide

From grabbing a lampredotto panino to enjoying a drink at the winemakers' favourite hangout, let our experts help you get around Tuscany like a local, avoid the tourist traps and enjoy the best the region has to offer

10+ mins

ANOTHER CAMPANIA

In a region shaped by its volcanic heritage, a few big names dominate the wine scene, but Campania has so much more to offer in terms of grapes and wine styles that can only be found here

8 mins

Lesser-known Campania in 12 wines

Cantine Olivella, Hèbon Metodo Classico Extra Brut, Vesuvio 2021 90

3 mins

Modern MARSALA

From solera-aged classics to savoury new still wines, Marsala is finding fresh momentum. Emerging new expressions span cocktails, cuisine and culture, bursting with freshness, finesse and plenty of attitude

10+ mins

A drink with... Augusto & Alberto Gherardi

Born in a village near Perugia in Umbria, twin brothers Augusto and Alberto Gherardi head up the prestigious education program at the Gordon Ramsay Restaurants group, and run their own wine communication business, The Wine Jokers, studying for the Master of Wine qualification in their spare time. Winners of the 2025 Sommelier Edit Excellence in Education award, the unstoppable pair took time out to speak to Decanter about their own journey and what's hot on the Umbrian wine scene.

3 mins

Read all Stories from Decanter

Decanter Magazine Description:

Publisher: Future

Category: Food-&-Beverage

Language: English

Frequency: Monthly

Indulge in a world of fine wines and epicurean delights with Decanter Magazine. your ultimate guide to the intricate world of wines, from grape to glass. Uncover the stories behind the labels, explore tasting notes, and gain insights from experts.

Decanter Magazine, by Future, is a prestigious publication that has been the voice of the wine industry for wine lovers, enthusiasts, and experts alike. With a history spanning decades, it continues to be the go-to source for those who appreciate the art and science of wine.

Within the pages of Decanter, you'll embark on a sensorial journey through the world of wine:

* Wine Reviews: Explore in-depth wine reviews and tasting notes from around the globe, uncovering the nuances of different varietals, regions, and vintages. 

* Wine and Food Pairing: Learn the art of pairing wines with exquisite culinary creations, enhancing your dining experiences. 

* Winemaking Insights: Gain a deeper understanding of the winemaking process, from vineyard to cellar, and discover the stories behind renowned wineries. 

* Expert Advice: Benefit from expert tips and advice on wine selection, storage, and serving, ensuring you enjoy every bottle to the fullest. 

* Wine Travel: Embark on virtual wine journeys through articles on wine regions, vineyard tours, and wine-related travel experiences. 

Whether you're an experienced oenophile or just beginning your wine journey, Decanter Magazine is your companion for exploring the world of fine wines. Subscribe now and unlock the beauty, culture, and science of wine. Sip, savor, and appreciate the world of fine wines like never before. Cheers to your wine adventures!