Wine of the Day

Third-generation Paolo Saracco continues where his father Giovanni and grandfather Luigi began when they sold their production as bulk wine starting in 1900. The brand Azienda Paolo Saracco was created 31 years ago in 1988. This Piedmont pinot nero or pinot noir was fermented in stainless steel vats and then …

This Chinese sparkling is part of the Moet Hennessy Group, itself part of LVMH, the French luxury giant. Methode Traditionnelle refers to the bubbles being created inside the bottle during the secondary fermentation, the same way champagne is made. My last visit to the winery in Ningxia was three years …

Christian Moueix, proprietor of this great Pomerol, told me many years ago that Trotanoy is the only wine he could mistake in a blind tasting for Petrus. Incidentally, he was also in charge of that estate for his elder brother Jean-Francois Moueix at the time. Both wines were made by …

My favourite Chardonnay is a Chablis. Anyone truly interested in learning about terroir must get to know this pristine white wine. There are great chardonnays produced outside Burgundy but no one in the rest of the Old and New World has succeeded in anything that reminds of this unique region of France …

Wines of the Day Last Saturday, 8 June 2019, I hosted dinner for two friends who were visiting Singapore. I have known Pascal Jolivet for some 30 years and who first visited Singapore around that time. Although he started in wine as a merchant, Pascal created his own brand and …

A simple wine opened at the right time will always be more rewarding than a greater wine served too young. In the latter scenario, you may be able to detect potential, but potential before it is fully evolved is merely a mental exercise, not a realised moment. Time – like …

Gascogne is, of course, famous for its Armagnac. Such though are the declining fortunes of this great spirit – we will always love it! – that winegrowers have to rely on producing table wine in order that the vineyards survive and, hopefully, thrive. Five generations of the Fezas family have …

2018 is one of the best vintages in Chile. Apart from the grapes being fully ripened and concentrated, the corresponding coolness also preserved, even enhanced, freshness. This Sauvignon is delicious proof of that. The new silk screen bottle – and on screw cap – announces that all that pent-up fruitiness …

One of the regrets I have to live with is not having driven up into Montalcino. I passed the picturesque hilly town rushing to an appointment. This was more than a decade ago and I am blushing in embarrassment and shame. In spite of my gross neglect, I have, fortunately, not …

This red Bordeaux is the personal property – and home – of famed French winemaker Pierre Lurton, CEO of Chateau Cheval Blanc and Chateau d’Yquem. Marjosse is situated in Tizac-de-Curton (population about 350), a commune in Entre-deux-Mers. Whether white or red, Marjosse over-delivers in quality. And, 2016 is one of …