Andalusia, located in the southwest of Spain, is the southernmost administrative region of the Spanish mainland. It is home to the world-famous fortified wine, sherry. This dynamic region is the most populous in Spain and has a colourful history. Its strategic position at the gateway to the Mediterranean and its proximity to Africa have made it the target of many settlements and invasions throughout history.
Muslims, Romans, Iberians, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Greeks, Romans, Vandals, Visigoths, Byzantines, Christians and Castilians have all made Andalusia their home at one time or another, and each culture has left its mark. The name Andalucia is actually derived from the Arabic name for the region, Al-Andalus, which is thought to be a corruption of Vandalusia, meaning "land of the Vandals", referring to the brief period in the 5th century when the Vandals ruled the area. Because of this multicultural past, Andalusia has a strong and unique cultural identity. Bullfighting and flamenco, two quintessential traditions associated with Spain, were in fact born in Andalusia.
The agreement formed part of a bilateral trade agreement between the European Union and the Kiwi government. It affords sparkling winemakers in Veneto trademark protection, ensuring that fizz produced in other countries cannot be labelled ‘Prosecco’ in New Zealand. This represents another symbolic victory for Prosecco producers in Italy. In December 2021, the Consorzio di Tutela Prosecco DOC celebrated a similar agreement in China. The Consorzio launched the application for GI protection in Chin ...
Old vines from Western Australia’s Swan Valley will be protected in the soon-to-be launched Swan Valley Old Vine Charter (OVC). More than 20 wineries from this historic region, a 30-minute drive from the state capital of Perth, are participating. The programme will see grapevines from 35 to 125 years of age registered and preserved. Participating wineries include Talijancich Wines, Nikola Estate, John Kosovich Wines, Mandoon Estate and Sandalford Wines. While the vines are predominantly Shiraz, ...
Tina Gellie, Content Manager and Regional Editor (Australia, South Africa, New Zealand & Canada) It was a big year of Decanter travel for me, heading to Napa and New York in June, South Africa in October and most recently a week each in Margaret River and South Australia. These trips have formed the basis of my festive selections. Christmas lunch on North Stradbroke Island (reunited with my family after four years, no thanks to Covid) always starts with oysters, followed by a bucket of prawn ...