The World of Fine Wine

Figures of eight: Australia’s auspicious return to China? // How are Australian fine wine producers faring in mainland China now that damaging tariffs, in force since 2020, have finally been lifted? In March of this year, after months of speculation, the 2020 tariffs applied to Australian wine were lifted by the Chinese government. In January, when we accompanied students on a tour of South Australia, wineries were undoubtedly preoccupied with the rumored tariff lift and rife with discussion as to what extent prospective orders were being placed, since some wineries were also jostling for new import and distributor representation. 🍷 Link to learn more⁠ https://bit.ly/3C9uawG #worldoffinewine #editorspick

Bordeaux’s mistakes coming home to roost //Michel Bettane reflects on what’s gone wrong in the region’s wine trade. The little world of the Bordeaux wine trade, setting aside the parlous state of France’s domestic economy, has yet to grasp just how much its wines have fallen out of favor—what’s known as “Bordeaux bashing.” 🍷 Link to learn more⁠ https://bit.ly/4hykH20 #worldoffinewine #editorspick

Moulin-à-Vent: The premier division // Sarah Marsh MW on the bid to make the Beaujolais cru’s vineyard hierarchy official. A century after it became one of France’s first AOCs, Moulin-à-Vent has applied to elevate its top sites to premier cru status. But how many of the lieux-dits in the proposal are worthy of promotion? 🍷 Link to learn more⁠ https://bit.ly/3C9sCT8 #worldoffinewine #editorspick

TOKARA Wine and Olive Farm Estate celebrates 25th Anniversary // A quarter-century of excellence in winemaking and family legacy. TOKARA Wine and Olive Farm Estate, situated on the slopes of the Simonsberg mountains, proudly celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. Since breaking ground in 1999, Tokara has become a beacon of excellence, renowned for its exceptional wines, premium olive oil, and a commitment to the local surroundings and environment. 🍷 Link to learn more⁠ https://bit.ly/3UD0BKl #WFWPartner #wine #finewine #southafricanwines #winemaking #anniversary

Susana Balbo: Life with a guardian angel // Margaret Rand meets one of the most significant figures in the recent history of Argentinian wine. Susana Balbo tells the story of her long and varied career as a winemaker, entrepreneur, and tenacious administrator. 🍷 Link to learn more⁠ https://bit.ly/3C8Wi2T #worldoffinewine #editorspick #wine #finewine #interview #winemaker

The commonalities of wine and music // “At the highest level, winemaking and music-making both aim for a kind of ecstatic communion, a shared experience that brings people closer to themselves and others." Harry Eyres explores the many connections and affinities between wine and music. 🍷 Link to learn more⁠ https://bit.ly/3UxHnFU #worldoffinewine #editorspick

Wine in history: Fountains of wine // Stuart Walton looks back on the days when wine flowed from London's public taps. Stuart Walton reflects on a sadly discontinued English tradition of marking coronations and other special occasions with fountains of free wine. 🍷 Link to learn more⁠ https://bit.ly/3YhHtT7 #worldoffinewine #editorspick

At the table: Ceviche // Joanna Simon on the history and preparation of the Hispanic American raw fish or seafood dish—and the best wines to pair with it. ⁠ 🍷 Link for full story https://bit.ly/4dXGZay #WFWatthetable #editorspick⁠

A Thirst for Wine and War: A horrifying story of manipulation // A fascinating new book tells the story of how wine was used as a means of controlling troops on the Western Front in World War I. Stuart Walton reviews A Thirst for Wine and War: The Intoxication of French Soldiers on the Western Front by Adam D Zientek. 🍷 Link to learn more⁠ https://bit.ly/4fIhHP5 #worldoffinewine #editorspick

Fit for an empress // How an 18th-century classification inspired a new generation of Slovenian and Italian winemakers—and a charity auction. With the 2024 Grandi Vini della Contea per la Pace auction in full swing this weekend, Jim Clarke tells the story of the 18th-century vineyard classification of the “princely county” or “Contea” of Gorizia-Gradisca, and its galvanizing relevance for vignerons on either side of the Italy-Slovenia border today. 🍷 Link to learn more⁠ https://bit.ly/3NGMqzM #worldoffinewine #editorspick