UNDERSTANDING IGP PAYS D'OC

Home of the cheap and cheerful? On the one hand, yes – but the can-do mentality of the producers and flexible regulations throughout this huge swathe of France’s Mediterranean lands are enabling a groundswell of fascinating, great-quality wine styles to rise up. Andy Howard MW reports

ROUSSILLON

In this proudly independent region, the individuality of its winemakers and the wide array of styles they produce are the perfect window into the character of France’s southwest. Rosemary George MW gives the lie of the land, and picks 12 fascinating wines to try

ROBERT M PARKER JR

The most influential wine critic of all time? He can’t be described as anything less than a towering presence over the last four decades. Prolific, informed, at times divisive, always unflinchingly honest, Parker’s writings have made fortunes and redefined wine styles in some of the most famous regions – and become the go-to reference for wine collectors, investors and trade alike. Having set down his wine critic’s pen for good, the time is right for Robert Parker to enter the Decanter Hall of Fame. Andrew Jefford explains why

OKANAGAN: CANADA'S GLOBAL WINE REGION

International wine experts are bringing their skills and knowledge to this part of British Columbia, Canada’s westernmost province, joining with local talent young and old. In this fast-developing region, the progress being made is clear to see, says Daniel Honan

HAMILTON RUSSELL VINEYARDS

With this pioneering South African estate’s 40th vintage now safely in tank or cask, Andy Howard MW looks at how it has become one of the New World’s most influential producers of Burgundian-style wines

LUBERON & VENTOUX

Captivating mountain views, welcoming châteaux and wines that match perfectly with the classic local cuisine. Look ahead to future holidays by planning a road trip through the beautiful countryside that straddles the regions of the Rhône Valley and Provence in southeast France, says Carolyn Boyd

ROBERT MARK KAMEN

His early move into Hollywood screenwriting seemed almost effortless, and it enabled him to buy his eponymous Sonoma estate on impulse in the 1980s. Elin McCoy meets the man behind The Karate Kid and Taken, to reveal why he believes making wine is his real destiny

ERIC BOISSENOT

He may be happy to maintain a low profile, yet consultant oenologist Eric Boissenot is as highly regarded as they come, appreciated by his many clients for his precision, skill and ability to bring vitality to a wine. James Lawther MW finds out more

CHATEAU LAFLEUR

With a history stretching back several centuries and an understated yet focused approach to maintaining the highest standards in both vineyard and winery, Pomerol estate Château Lafleur is a producer to seek out. Jane Anson reports

TOP 10 SPANISH WHITES FOR YOUR CELLAR

Best known for its fresh young whites, Spain also produces more serious styles that need time in bottle to reveal their full potential. Sarah Jane Evans MW picks her top 10 styles from across the country that deserve a place in your cellar and will reward ageing

THYMIOPOULOS

Committed to organic and biodynamic farming, and working with indigenous grapes, Apostolos Thymiopoulous is one of the winemakers steering Greek wines towards an innovative future and global recognition. Sarah Jane Evans MW meets the charismatic master of Xinomavro at his home in northern Greece

OFF-PISTE BURGUNDY: VALUE ALTERNATIVES

The two regional appellations of Coteaux Bourguignons and Bourgogne Passe-tout-grains and the white wine-only St-Bris take Burgundy beyond the pure Pinot Noir and Chardonnay classics for which it is famed. Michael Apstein explains what lies behind these under-theradar styles – and why they could become the more reasonably priced face of Burgundy

AMBER CHAMPIONS: TOP 30 ORANGE WINES

Though divisive, orange wine is a style that’s finally gaining real popularity among winemakers and drinkers alike. Simon J Woolf endeavours to put any remaining scepticism to rest, explaining the traditions behind the technique and recommending 30 of his favourite skin-contact discoveries

BAROLO 2016 & BARBARESCO 2017

Standards are high in these latest-release Piedmont vintages, if you know where to look. Take the guidance of our expert Stephen Brook, who tasted many of the wines soon after release, in Italy and London, along with riservas from Barolo 2014 and Barbaresco 2015

ALL CHANGE

It’s the global benchmark region and known for its long-established traditions, but that doesn’t mean Bordeaux is at a standstill. Jane Anson highlights 10 estates determinedly treading their own paths, and potentially signalling ways for others to follow

Marketwatch: Hold Your Nerve And Be Selective

All the important fine wine investment news, compiled

A WINE LOVER'S GUIDE TO GEORGIA

After decades of conflict that obscured much of its rich cultural heritage, this country is rediscovering itself. Celebrate its rebirth with a winding adventure from the bars and restaurants of the capital to the family-run wineries of rural villages, says Carla Capalbo

SILVER OAK

This family-owned California winery is dedicated to Cabernet Sauvignon, and has developed a steadfast commitment to sustainability. Elin McCoy pays a visit, discovering the estate’s history and tasting verticals of its Napa Valley and Alexander Valley wines.

LUJAN DE CUYO

Producers in this heartland of Argentinian Malbec credit the identity and diversity of their wines to the old vines they nurture. It’s a region where tradition is preserved and protected, even as tastes evolve and new styles emerge, discovers Amanda Barnes.

VALDARNO: TUSCANY OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

Diverting from the usual wine routes in Tuscany, Stephen Brook finds a warm welcome in a low-key region that is home to some high-profile names. He introduces an area that may be unfamiliar to many Chianti lovers, and recommends wines from four of its top producers

BURGUNDY: MEET 10 EXCEPTIONAL TALENTS

The complexities of Burgundy, its appellations, walled slopes and dynastic stories are a source of fascination for many wine lovers. Inspired by research for her latest book, Jeannie Cho Lee MW highlights 10 personalities leading dynamic change in the region

MARTINELLI, JACKASS HILL ZINFANDEL 1994

Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA

Puccini's Tuscany: A Wine Lover's Guide

Perhaps the greatest of the operatic composer’s many love affairs was the one he had with his home region of Tuscany – and its wine and cuisine. Follow in his footsteps for a charming long-weekend getaway among vines and history, says Adrian Mourby

THE PROMISE OF PIGNOLETTO

It is fast emerging as a fizz vying for a slice of Prosecco’s success, but this is a variety that deserves recognition in its own right. The grape is producing individual styles, both still and sparkling, that reflect the region’s varied rural landscape, as Carla Capalbo reports

YOU SAY ROSE, I SAY ROSATO...

It’s never too soon in the year to drink pink – increasingly a year-round choice for many. Richard Baudains reveals Italy’s top rosato regions and selects his 16 top wines to try

YOUNG GUNS OF ITALY

The next generation of Italian winemakers are taking up the mantle of their predecessors, but also want to carve new paths. Michaela Morris highlights a dozen young individualists whose innovation, energy and commitment are leading their country’s wines into the future

SOUTHERN ITALY FOR WINE LOVERS

Italy’s southern regions have varied cultures but are united by their passion for wine and hospitality. From seaside villas with vineyards to winery-owned hotels amid ancient caves, Carla Capalbo shares her top wine destinations in the south

GAJA: A FAMILY PORTRAIT

Through undeniably audacious viticultural decisions, this fifth-generation winemaking dynasty elevated Barbaresco to fine-wine status. Now, the patriarch of Piedmont and his family are ushering in a new era for their business, with ambitious projects – and a healthy dose of compromise, as Tiziano Gaia discovers

SULCIS, SARDINIA

In recent years, the producers of this island DOC have upended their focus on quantity to create wines that communicate an incredible sense of place. The unexpected star of this shift, explains Susan Hulme MW, is the sensitive and intense Carignano grape

BOLGHERI AT 25

As this tiny but powerful DOC toasts its first quarter-century, the region’s winemakers are fully embracing the adventurous legacy of the SuperTuscan and continuing to build upon it. Richard Baudains reflects on this Tuscan crown jewel and what lies ahead for its producers