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

Mags Janjo

Importer, educator and consultant

The man who sold the New World

Oz Clarke’s arrival on the UK’s wine writing and TV presenting scene in the mid-1980s coincided perfectly with New World wines exploding into the awareness of the British consumer – something he could well take quite a bit of the credit for. He explains why the wines of the New World made such an impact, on him and us

Peter Gago

For the self-deprecating orchestrator of the world’s most famous range of Australian reds, Penfolds, entry into the Decanter Hall of Fame underlines his status as one of the New World’s foremost winemakers

Crush it

A handful of tequileros are revisiting traditional production methods in an effort to create more characterful spirits. Meet the volcanic stone wheel making all the difference

‘Now is a good time to be a wine drinker in the UK'

Bobby’s of Bournemouth is back! This fine institution first opened its doors in 1915 and now, after nigh-on 50 years of being a Debenhams, it returns with a modern twist.

Roasted radicchio with beans

This rich yet light dish combines smoky radicchio with garlic-infused beans and sweet toasted hazelnuts, pairing perfectly with structured whites and earthy reds

The 2021 winners

‘It’s clear that Covid-19 has changed wine retailing forever,’ reflects competition chairman Peter Richards MW. ‘All those companies named here have risen to what was a game-changing challenge and overcome it in style. Categories such as Online, Newcomer, Subscription and Virtual Wine Experience were all fiercely competitive this year – and indicative of a healthy, vibrant, innovative wine retail sector that’s looking to the future. Wine is one of life’s great joys and these retailers excel in the business of pleasure. Now more than ever this is something that deserves recognising – and celebrating.’

Dr Axel Marchal

For the first time, we’re complementing our Hall of Fame award with a brand new category recognising an up-and-coming talent who will make a real difference to the future of wine