Carmenere, the iconic grape of Chile has a fascinating history. It was originally an important component grape in the wines of Bordeaux, utilized for the richness in colour and flavour it imparted. Grown under ideal conditions, it produces a wine with the attractive meaty plumpness of Merlot and the gently herbaceous cedary notes of Cabernet Sauvignon. Prior to the great phylloxera infestation (plant louse) in Europe in the late 19th century, Carmenere was widely planted and paired with Cabernet Franc as …

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Suvereto, one of the warmer micro-climates on the Tuscan coast just south of Bolgheri, is an area that is relatively new to many. Despite its long winemaking and farming history going back as far as 1000 AD, the Suvereto DOC was only officially recognized in 2000. Set in the fertile Val di Comia, clay soils and proximity to the sea give an intensity to the flavours, producing ripe and direct wines typically made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and the local …

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Many of the best wines of the world are blended wines.  Blending wine is both a culinary art and a scientific undertaking.  Blending wine improves the taste of the final product by bringing together varietals that complement one another, that provide balance and finesse and that help to define a particular style of wine.  Red Bordeaux wines for example are typically a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot.  Not all Bordeaux red wines contain all …

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Gaia Wines, founded in 1994 by Leon Karatsalos and Yiannis Paraskevopoulos began production with 9,800 bottles of Thalassitis white wine, which quickly became established in Greece and abroad as an example of unique Santorini wines.  Today, Gaia operates two wineries: one in Koutsi, Nemea, which is the heart of the company, and one in Exo Gonia, Santorini. Gaia’s goal has been and still remains today to expand and highlight the quality characteristics of the native Greek grape varieties and to …

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In Spain, Rioja is synonymous with wine.  The denomination of origin spreads along some 54,000 hectares around three different Communities (La Rioja, Basque Country and Navarre).  The wines of Rioja are the most famous of Spain and its long tradition supports their fame. Rioja wines are a blend of several grape varieties.  There are 4 red varieties and 3 white varieties allowed in the Rioja DOC.  Tempranillo clearly takes centre stage, followed by Garnacha (Grenache) which is sometimes added for …

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Vienna is the only city in the world with a significant level of wine production within its city limits. Zahel culitvates 25 acres of vineyards, which are located within each of the city’s 5 wine-growing zones. The wine that Vienna is most famous for is called Gemischter Satz. It is a wine produced from a single vineyard, where at least 3 or more grape varietals have been planted adjacent to one another. The grapes are harvested together on a single …

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The largest and most important appellation in the southern Rhone, with more than 3,200 hectares of vineyards and over 80 growers, Chateauneuf-du-Pape produces more wine than the whole of the northern Rhone combined. The gloriously rich red wines, redolent of the heat and herbs of the south, are enhanced by the complexity which comes from blending several of the 14 permitted grape varieties. Only two wines are permitted in the appellation – a red and a white wine both composed …

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Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean and has a rich vinous history dating back over 2500 years.  The classic Mediterranean climate and soil has resulted in an area not only ideal for winemaking but also olives and citrus fruit which are key exports.  Mount Etna dominates the landscape providing mineral-rich dark soil; vineyards are being planted ever higher up the slope. Historically, the island was more famous for the production of Marsala, however, a major transformation is underway. …

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