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.
Originally from Bordeaux, Sauvignon, or Sauvignon Blanc, is reputed to be one of the best French grape varieties for white wine. It is a white grape variety, not to be confused with Sauvignon Gris and its pale yellow color, or with Cabernet Sauvignon which produces red wines. Particularly famous thanks to Sancerre, Sauvignon Blanc is cultivated as far as New Zealand, where it produces great wines whose reputation is well established.
Starting with the 2021 vintage, non-late harvest Alsace Riesling must be ‘dry’, as defined by EU regulations, according to a proposed decree agreed by a two-thirds majority of the Alsace Winegrowers’ Association (AVA). Winemakers backed the plan at a vote in Colmar last week, although it requires approval from France’s appellation body, INAO. The move comes in addition to the introduction of a standardised way of communicating sweetness levels on Alsace AOC still wines. As per EU rul ...
The deal includes 390ha of land in the Haut-Médoc appellation, of which 80ha is currently planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot, along with the winery. It will allow TWE’s flagship brand, Penfolds, to increase its focus on creating blends featuring grapes from Bordeaux and Barossa. Earlier this year, chief winemaker Peter Gago unveiled Penfolds II, a Cabernet-Shiraz-Merlot blend created in partnership with Dourthe Bordeaux. The wine featured 71% grapes grown in Bordeaux and 29 ...
With the festive season upon us, the countdown to all things merry has begun. The daily surprise from behind each door on an Advent calendar is one the most exciting rituals in the build up to Christmas day. No longer the remit of chocolate and children only, spirits and wine Advent calendars are increasing in popularity and are now much-anticipated Christmas staples in their own right (for adults, that is!). Below, you will find our selection of the best wine and spirits Advent calendars. They ...
