The flavor of stone in wine

AXA Millésimes has expanded its footprint in California by purchasing Platt Vineyard on the western reaches of Sonoma Coast for an undisclosed sum. The French insurance giant’s wine division made its first foray into the Golden State when it bought Napa Valley winery Outpost back in 2018. Managing director Christian Seely has been on the hunt for a vineyard of similar quality to produce Pinot Noir and Chardonnay ever since. AXA Millésimes jumped at the opportunity to snap up the 111-hectare Plat ...

Celebrated Soave producer Pieropan is due to unveil its new winery in April 2022. Dubbed ‘Leonildo Pieropan‘ after the estate’s pioneering late owner, the winery is considered groundbreaking for its eco credentials and use of materials – and is largely hidden under a hill, with just the frontage visible. Pieropan’s project began in 2015, when the family realised they had outgrown the existing winery in the centre of Soave town, and subsequently acquired a site in th ...

Imagine you went to a restaurant and ordered what you thought was a modest Burgundy, but it tasted like a great Bordeaux. Would you be disappointed? Even if what I received was technically a better wine, I think I would be. After all, quality isn’t the overriding criteria when I select a bottle of wine to drink; most of all, I’m thirsting for a specific style. That’s why I’m sometimes wary when hearing about a change of direction in an appellation. Am I still going to find the wine I’m looking f ...