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My top 20 South American Bordeaux blends
Argentina, Chile and Uruguay have a shared formula for fine wines, taking inspiration from the Bordeaux tradition. These wines are excelling today, thanks to increasingly refined winemaking methods and exceptional vintages
2019 revisited Bordeaux in bottle
After tasting more than 800 newly bottled 2019 wines, Decanter’s Bordeaux correspondent is full of praise for the vintage’s consistent and expressive wines, with successes on both Left and Right Bank
Southern Rhône 2020
Following on from the northern Rhône 2020 report in our last issue, we delve into the year’s southern Rhône releases, based on a tasting of more than 1,200 wines. This vintage’s wines should be quite accessible when young, and there are some particularly noteworthy whites
South African Sauvignon Blanc 10 top producers
Sit up and take notice: South Africa is blazing a trail in the New World, making site-expressive Sauvignon Blanc. The local winemakers’ respect for their terroir has seen a growing number turning out Sauvignons that speak confidently of their origins. Here are 10 names to watch
FIVE OF THE BEST IRISH WHISKEYS
Popular with drinkers around the world, Irish whiskey has experienced mixed fortunes in the past and the category nearly died out altogether a few decades ago.
The Algarve
Its year-round sun and dramatic coastline mean it’s already a much-loved beach holiday destination. But this southern Portuguese hotspot is upping its game, providing plenty to tempt wine lovers inland for a taste of something different
THE JUNIPER HUNTERS
A small number of British distillers are choosing native juniper rather than popular imported European options to make their gins
Judy Joo's Ultimate KFC
This spicy Korean Fried Chicken dish features in a new book celebrating female chefs on the British food scene. We’ve matched it with wine styles that can take the heat
My life as a personal wine consultant
It isn’t a job you’ll see advertised, so what does it take to become one? Right place, right time? Experience, qualifications, hard work, connections? All of those and more, it turns out
A heavy price
Making glass bottles lighter is an easy way to reduce wine's carbon emissions - yet it remains a weighty issue for the industry, with many producers yet to make changes
Spotlight: Spain Waiting in the wings
There’s good action among collectors, but the investment focus remains on the two Ribera del Duero big-hitters
Southwest France a buyer's guide
The wide range of obscure grapes and unusual styles from France’s rural southwest makes it fascinating yet mysterious – and there are great wines to be found at bargain prices too. Here are the key appellations and producers, plus 10 top bottles to try
Why I make wine in Spain
One roaming winemaker, with a passion for small-batch, low-intervention wines, explains why Spain is among the most exciting places in the world to be making wine at the moment
What's in a SCORE?
Scores rule. Or do they? Nothing in the wine world fuels debate and controversy quite like the subject of scoring
NEW SPANISH WHITES
The last two decades have witnessed a creative revolution in Spain’s white wine production. The 10 wines chosen here shine a light on the producers, grapes and styles that are making waves today
José Vouillamoz
Grape geneticist, author and lecturer
Island whiskies
Set apart from the mainland and the mainstream, islanders have a distinct way of life – which is reflected in the character of the whiskies they produce. We take a tour of island distilleries around the world to find out more
Francisco Barona
The classic case of working for decades to become an overnight success, this rising star winemaker’s impressive CV lists some of the world’s most prestigious wineries, and his name now joins those of the best in Ribera del Duero
Discovering Cádiz
A frequent movie stand-in for Cuba and well known for its annual winter Carnaval, the city of Cádiz is also a perfect base for exploring Andalucía’s fascinating wineries and tasting the region’s fine food
PRESERVING OLD VINE HERITAGE
New legislation in Rioja is aimed at protecting the region’s old vines. But how effective will the new measures be? And does vine age make a real difference to quality in Rioja?
Whisky Christmas buying guide
The world of whiskies has exploded in recent years. Here’s our pick of the latest and best, with recommendations for those who want to give gifts (or drop hints) that go beyond the mainstream
Château Angélus
With high-profile associations including a high-grossing film franchise and various Michelin-starred restaurants, Château Angélus clearly enjoys being in the limelight. But what’s the story behind this acclaimed St-Emilion estate and its distinctive label?
Rhône's sleeping beauties
Beyond the big-name appellations in the Rhône are a number of smaller, previously dormant areas that are starting to make a name for themselves once more. In the north, Brézème and Seyssuel are shining examples to look out for
WINDS OF CHANGE
Rioja is in a state of transition – from debates around ageing and blending, to a new focus on single-vineyard sites and an increasing diversity of wines and styles. What does this mean for Rioja lovers, and how will the changes shape the future of the region?
Scandinavia A food and wine lover's guide
Stockholm, Oslo and Copenhagen are all major players in the gastronomy world, home to restaurants and bars offering inventive cuisine and eclectic wine menus. Our expert local guide takes you to some of their most exciting culinary treasures
Start it right APERITIFS
Nothing wrong with kicking off your meal with a simple glass of fizz – but there are many more creative options to consider. We explore the art of the aperitif with inspired ideas for your next gathering, whether a low-key lunch or an indulgent celebration
Chablis 2020
Favourable conditions meant the pressure was off for grateful producers, with an abundance of good to excellent wines. The many Chablis admirers of the world should make hay while the sun shines…
CHRISTMAS TURKEY 10 perfect pairings
The beauty of our favourite festive fowl is that it pairs well with a wide variety of wines. So do you opt for your usual choice this year, or try something different? Here’s some advice from our pairing expert, plus 10 great wine matches
A vintage celebration
Bordeaux and Burgundy are so often the instinctive first choice for the festive season main event. But which are the prime vintages (and appellations) you should be pulling from the rack this year to maximise your enjoyment on the big day?
Hong Kong For Wine Lovers
Home to a wide array of restaurants and shops with seriously impressive wine lists, it’s easy to see why Hong Kong is a favourite destination for fine wine enthusiasts in Asia