by Sean Ludford | Jun 10, 2019 | Wine
SARAH ZHANG – The Atlantic It’s been genetically unchanged for at least 900 years. In a medieval cesspit in central France, archaeologists dug up a small, hard grape seed. They believed it to be 900 years old, based on the artifacts found nearby. When geneticists crushed up the grape seed, extracted its DNA, and compared with modern grapes, they found a perfect genetic match...
by Sean Ludford | Jan 30, 2019 | Wine
If many wine publications are to be believed, Sagrantino is “probably Italy’s most tannic red wine.” This is a heavy burden for any varietal to bear. We find Sagrantino to be one of Italy’s most nuanced, while undeniably intense, wine grapes with chewy but well-polished tannins and gorgeous red and black fruit flavors. Sagrantino, like many native Italian grapes has an uncertain history. It’s...
by Sean Ludford | May 16, 2018 | Wine
The majority of the great old Port houses of the Douro have spoken and 2016 is indeed a vintage. The declaration of a vintage year in the world of Port is still a marking of an achievement and by extension cause for celebration. Rightly so the collective Port producers have been judicious with their declarations naming it a vintage year three to four times...
by Sean Ludford | Dec 13, 2017 | Random, Wine
Where do we start with wine recommendations and just as important – where does it end? Wine, like food, is a matter of taste. Luckily we have so many wines to choose from made in a wide array of styles and offered at prices from modest to absurd. Do yourself a favor and take on pass on the absurdly prices wines. This year I...
by Sean Ludford | Nov 27, 2017 | News Feed, Wine
Source: TTB November 24, 2017 We recently granted administrative approval for the use of six new grape variety names on American wine labels. The variety names are as follows: Sauvignon Kretos, Merlot Kanthus, Fleurtai, Sauvignon Rytos, Cabernet Volos, and Soreli. Wine bottlers may use these names, as well as others granted administrative approval, to label American wines pending the results of our next rulemaking...
by Sean Ludford | Nov 21, 2017 | News Feed, Wine
Source: the drinks business by Rupert Millar 20th November, 2017 This year’s Hospices de Beaune auction raised the highest total in its history, while the ‘Pièce des Présidents’ charity barrel was the second most expensive ever sold. In total, the sale held over the weekend realised ?13,529,301 (£12,041,078/US$15,964,575) and was 100% sold by lot and well exceeded the pre-sale estimate. With 787 barrels in...
