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PETRUS
Icon: it’s a word that is much overused, in wine as elsewhere. But in the context of the world’s greatest wines, none could be more deserving of the descriptor than this sought-after and convention-defying estate on Bordeaux’s Right Bank. Jane Anson gets to the heart of the enigma that is Petrus
SWEET AND FORTIFIED WINES: how to serve and preserve
They’re among the best value, and most delicious, wines in the world. But there can still be uncertainty among wine lovers around how best to enjoy these classic and characterful styles. Anne Krebiehl MW asks the experts for their food-pairing tips
SWEET BORDEAUX: looking beyond the obvious
It’s not all about Sauternes, you know – there are other, lesser-known Bordeaux areas that produce top-notch dessert styles using botrytised grapes. Andy Howard MW explores these outlying and often great-value appellations, and recommends 12 top wines to try
AGEING GRACEFULLY
Matured for at least 10 years in oak casks, XO Cognac is one of life’s affordable luxuries. Laura Foster explains how it’s made and recommends top XOs to buy
BILLECART-SALMON, CUVEE NICOLAS FRANCOIS 1959 Champagne, France
DECANTER WINE LEGENDS
Andrew Jefford
‘The jolts of 2020 have been an education – the lesson is care’
2020: the year that was
2020: the year that was Celebrity wines, counterfeit SuperTuscans and paper bottles. We look back at Decanter news coverage from a year to remember – and not just for Covid-19. Compiled by Chris Mercer
MY SINGAPORE
This vibrant city-island-nation can be something of a sensory overload, with the humid climate, multiple languages spoken and a plethora of gastronomic options. Resident Ch’ng Poh Tiong is the ideal local guide
ROYAL TOKAJI, NYULASZO ASZU 6 PUTTONYOS 1993
Tokaj, Hungary
RIVER CRUISES: world's best for wine lovers
There’s something especially relaxing about gliding through a vine-covered landscape on the smooth waters of a river or canal. Lewis Nunn highlights five great options to combine your love of the grape with a superb boat-based escape
MY TOP 10: SINGLE QUINTAS
Visitors to the region are invariably stunned by the beauty of Portugal’s Douro Valley, with its deep but serene river and dramatically terraced slopes. Richard Mayson selects 10 great Port properties and explains what makes them and their wines so memorable
WOMEN OF CHAMPAGNE
A woman, in charge of production at a Champagne house? Not so long ago, the idea would have raised many an eyebrow in this traditional region. Happily the wine world has moved on and female chefs de cave and consultants are firmly in place at some of the most prestigious producers. Anne Krebiehl MW highlights the work and philosophies of eight of them
THE STANDISH WINE CO
Born with Barossa in his blood, the studious work of this publicity-shy winemaker has propelled his wines quietly to the top of the Australian ranks, with his powerful yet detailed Shiraz styles winning fans among wine lovers and collectors alike. Sarah Ahmed reports
A WORLD OF WHISKY: FIND YOUR STYLE
The whisky scene is more exciting than ever before. So where do you start if you want to find your perfect dram? Richard Woodard introduces the main production areas and eclectic styles on offer, with recommendations of bottles to try from Scotland, Ireland, Japan, the US and beyond
Marketwatch
All the important fine wine investment news
Andrew Jefford
'The fruit is the fulcrum through which all the other elements must pass’
A month in wine
All the important issues affecting you across the globe, compiled by Chris Mercer
THE FUTURE OF WINE CELLARING
No cobwebbed old brick cellar to fill with dusty bottles and boxes? Technology is putting a different spin on wine storage: not so much hiding it away as centrepiece of your home decor, says James Button
TEQUILA: A TASTE OF TERROIR
As spirits connoisseurs show an increasing appreciation of premium sipping tequilas, the concept of terroir is starting to be explored with single-site bottlings. Laura Foster heads to Mexico to find out more
SMITH-MADRONE
The antidote to California bling, this Napa Valley pioneer is known for its well-priced and ageworthy wines. Elin McCoy ventures up into the Spring Mountain District AVA to taste
FAMILIA TORRES: CELEBRATING 150 YEARS
Founded in 1870, today Familia Torres is Spanish wine royalty with a global reach that includes wineries in Chile and the US. Sarah Jane Evans MW looks at what the company has achieved, including its current projects to restore ancient grape varieties and combat climate change
A CHEF'S TOUR OF ANDALUCIA
Celebrated Spanish chef José Pizarro has been visiting Andalucía in southern Spain since he was a small boy. Julie Sheppard joins him in the region to discover his food and wine inspirations
Semillon Gris: South Africa's Old-Vine Oddity
Growers in the Cape are nurturing this red mutation of the green Semillon Blanc grape. Malu Lambert investigates the unusual phenomenon, first identified in vineyards here back in the 1800s
20 Great Buys: South American Red Blends
As research and vineyard development continue apace, winemakers in Chile, Argentina andUruguay are producing a diverse range of accomplished red blends. Marina Gayan MW offers a snapshot of their work and picks her top wines from a tasting of more than 200
SUSANA BALBO
The pioneering winemaker has forged an outstanding career in Argentina, helping to put its wines onto an international stage and even extending her influence into politics and female empowerment. Sorrel Moseley-Williams meets the Queen of Torrontés
STAG'S LEAP WINE CELLARS
In the 50th anniversary of its founding, Matthew Luczy recounts how one of Napa Valley’s brightest stars found early fame as one of California’s great Cabernet Sauvignon producers
SOUTH AMERICAN WHITES: A NEW ERA
Increasing experimentation and the exploration of new terroir means South America is now the source of an exciting and diverse array of white wines, across all price points. Dirceau Vianna Junior MW highlights the regions and producers to watch
RUM COCKTAILS TO MAKE AT HOME
Keen to make your own Mojitos, Daiquiris and more besides? Laura Foster shows you how to use this complex and versatile spirit in an array of delicious mixed drinks
WHAT'S HOT IN CHILE?
In a country marked by change, winemakers are pushing boundaries to uncover the potential of their wines. Peter Richards MW shines a light on the latest developments in both vineyard and winery, profiling some of the exciting projects driving current trends
URUGUAY'S GREAT ASCENT
Revisiting the country after two decades, Tim Atkin MW reflects on the remarkable progress made by Uruguay’s winemakers and profiles the regions, grapes and styles to look out for