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# Word on the Grapevine

Bringing fine wine to life

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## Posts

- [2019 Barolo: a modern vintage, classic wines and changing tides](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/2019-barolo-vintage-report/) - 2019 beckons welcome acclaim and widespread success in Barolo. Amidst an undeniably modern vintage, two important insights define the vintage.
- [Regenerative Viticulture: the ‘new viticulture’ or a backward step?](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/regenerative-viticulture-agriculture/) - Enhancing biodiversity is a praiseworthy endeavour. However, whether Regenerative Viticulture constitutes the ‘new viticulture’ demands closer interrogation.
- [The Burgundification of Barolo and Barbaresco](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/burgundy-barolo-barbaresco/) - After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Italy inherited its physical and cultural remains, but authority fractured among city-states, bishoprics, Lombards, Byzantines, and later communes. This fragmentation endured for more than a millennium until unification in 1861, during which time, the country experienced repeated incursions and changing rule by Germanic, Byzantine, Islamic, Norman, imperial, papal, and dynastic
- [Distilling Krug's Clos du Mesnil with chef de cave Julie Cavil](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/krug-clos-du-mesnil-julie-cavil/) - From grower champagne to unfortified sherry, resurrected indigenous varieties from Corsica to the Canaries, and the many faces of new school Burgundy, contemporary wine culture has changed, forcefully redefined by irreverent outsiders and trailblazing pioneers. Whilst the preponderance of this change has been a great good—there has surely never been a better time to enjoy
- [Preserving identity at Château Montrose](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/climate-change-chateau-montrose/) - Etienne Théodore Dumoulin planted the first vines at Montrose in 1815 on an uncultivated patch of land covered in pink heather which gave this great estate its name. Encouraged by the estate’s classification as second growth only four decades after its founding, Etienne fervently expanded his landholdings, leaving his heirs a contiguous 95-hectare parcel largely situated
- [The stupefaction of sugar in champagne](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/dosage-champagne/) - For most of history, Champagne’s climate has been unambiguously marginal, characterised by low average temperatures, frequent frosts, and markedly variable vintage conditions. These conditions make ripening challenging, typically resulting in fruit with higher total acidity, lower pH, and modest potential alcohol. Challenging climatic conditions are further complicated by yields, which are commonly extremely high, making
- [The inevitability of falling wine sales](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/falling-wine-sales/) - This decade, wine commentators have incessantly bemoaned both wine’s ‘dwindling allure’ amongst younger drinkers, and the phenomenon of falling sales more broadly. Naysayers hypothesise all manner of causes, ranging from wine being stuffy and elitist, to sluggish innovation, failing to connect with the values of younger drinkers, and a lack of ‘inclusivity’—which has been a
- [Neo-prohibition and selective scrutiny](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/neoprohibition-wine-health-un/) - Four years ago, I published the first of two articles on biodynamics; unbeknownst to me, this diptych would springboard my nascent profile to much greater standing, significantly increase my blog traffic, and bring about my first entanglement with wine industry controversy. To date, the articles have amassed more than 30,000 views and still regularly rank among
- [The redundification of appellations](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/wine-appellations-redundant/) - Since Virgil praised Falernian in his epic poem, the Aeneid, certain regions in varying nations have been revered for producing fine wines. The reasons why those places have excelled are broad, ranging from geographic factors to cultural and political influences on trade and economic opportunity. Long before Virgil, winemakers and bureaucrats in ancient Mesopotamia had
- [The great scourge of supermarket wine](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/supermarket-wine-scourge/) - In 1962, changes to retail licensing laws allowed supermarkets to begin selling alcohol. Ten years later, supermarket wine sales had grown from 5% of off-trade wine, beer and spirits to 25%, this staggering expansion was largely attributable to Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Waitrose and the Co-Op, who were first to exploit an aspirational middle class increasingly preoccupied with continental luxuries.
- [The new benchmark non-vintage champagne: Billecart-Salmon Le Réserve](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/billecart-salmon-le-reserve/) - Founded in 1818, Maison Billecart-Salmon has a long, sustained history of entrepreneurism and innovation, successive generations have overcome varied challenges, and elevated the house to increasing heights. When seventh generation Mathieu Roland-Billecart returned home to Mareuil-sur-Aÿ in 2018 to take the helm at this family-owned and managed estate, he initiated a programme of agronomic, winemaking,
- [La Renaissance d'Anjou](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/renaissance-anjou-wine/) - In 582, historian Grégoire de Tours, who wrote frequently on the wines of France, recorded that the then sitting Count of Anjou and the local Catholic administration had planted and managed vineyards around Château de Chalonnes, less than 20 kilometres from Angers. Besides scattered vines planted by earlier Roman settlers in Nantes, this is generally considered
- [2018 Barolo: challenging conditions and gratifying wines](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/2018-barolo-vintage-report/) - Challenges notwithstanding, 2018 Barolo are an altogether more attractive picture than their contributory climatic components might suggest.
- [2020 Barolo: quarantine, balance, and a growing contrast](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/2020-barolo-vintage-report/) - 2020 Barolo marks the second successful vintage in an ongoing trifecta of releases, defined by rising quality, evolving sensibilities, and a growing contrast.
- [The wine industry advocates](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/wine-industry-advocate/) - In 1975, a young, studious Baltimorean who had fallen in love with wine after visiting France with his childhood sweetheart began writing his own wine guide. Inspired by American lawyer and consumer advocate, Ralph Nader, Robert Parker set about writing on wine without the conflicts of interest that he believed might taint the reviews of
- [Irrigation at Paolo Scavino: confronting drought in Barolo](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/irrigation-drought-barolo/) - 2022 was Italy’s driest recorded year since 1800, 2023 has been equally dry. In Barolo, irrigation trials are firmly underway at Paolo Scavino.
- [The Vinfluencers we deserve](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/vinfluencers-wine-influencers/) - This article was reproduced from a mailshot previously shared with Word on the Grapevine email subscribers. Join my free mailing list here for articles like these directly to your email before publication online. I’ve been around long enough to remember the fiery and vitriolic Vinfluencer affair of late 2020, including the notorious ‘Wine Bit*h’ lampoons published
- [In defence of wine scores](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/wine-scores-defence/) - This article was reproduced from a mailshot previously shared with Word on the Grapevine email subscribers. Join my free mailing list here for articles like these directly to your email before publication online. Between 1935 and 1978, various authors, professors and critics proposed scorecards and scales for grading wine. These scales varied in composition, ranging
- [Billecart-Salmon: enduring history, evolving savoir faire, and six decades of Nicolas François](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/billecart-salmon-nicolas-francois/) - Since 1818, successive generations at Billecart-Salmon have maintained an ancestral obligation to quality. The 2008 Nicolas François marks the latest triumph in a series of robust releases.
- [Carema: heroic viticulture, sudden demise, and a fervent revival](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/carema-piedmont-nebbiolo/) - Against all odds, an octet of intrepid, artisanal growers is reclaiming overgrown land, replanting local varieties and reviving Carema's reputation internationally.
- [Chiara Condello: classicism, daring and reviving Predappio](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/chiara-condello-predappio-sangiovese/) - Italy's economic woes took their toll on Predappio. Today, Chiara Condello has enthused collectors and critics, and is helping revive regional winegrowing.
- [Langhe Chardonnay: origin, viticulture, winemaking, and more](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/langhe-chardonnay/) - Dramatic change characterised the late twentieth century in Piedmont. By 1980, Altare et al. had thrown tradition to the wind in Barolo, so too had Angelo Gaja in neighbouring Barbaresco. Angelo, a recalcitrant, audacious young man, began working at the family winery in 1961, aged 21. Following several trips to France, Angelo set about revolutionising
- [Freisa: origin, viticulture, winemaking, and more](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/freisa-langhe-piedmont/) - Resistant to FD and requiring fewer treatments than contemporary varieties, Freisa’s revival may be necessary as well as deserving.
- [Oddero: historical foundations, substantial contributions and greater heights](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/oddero-barolo/) - Since Giovanni Battista Oddero, six generations of Odderos have made wine in La Morra. Today, Cristina, Isabella and Pietro are hoisting the estate to new heights.
- [Petrol aroma in riesling: what the TDN?!](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/petrol-in-riesling/) - Exactly what it is which forms the final flavour profile of a wine is complex, multi-faceted and in the most part unknown. Despite this particular dominating aroma or flavour have come to define particular varieties. The petrol aroma in Riesling is one of them. I don’t know why, but I just can’t get enough of it, I’m a petrolhead. But what exactly is it? A fault? A varietal characteristic? Whatever it is, it‘s aroma that divides wine lovers and mystifies the casual wine drinker. This post will explore its origins and discuss in more detail viticultural and climatic factors affecting its presence and concentration.
- [Yeast in winemaking: the unsung heroes of aroma](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/wine-yeast-fermentation/) - As a 16 year old I remember working in the cold, damp warehouse of a recycled clothing store. Frequently I would find myself muttering frustratedly under my breath that I was certain the store's customers would never give me any credit for my work and that the more glamorous store assistants would be the recipients of their gratitude. I think that if our beloved yeast could speak they would vent similar frustrations. So often we wax poetic about the beauty of soil, terroir, vineyard management and climate but less often do we give yeast their fare share of our appreciation. This article will explore in a little more detail the role of yeast in winemaking.
- [Growing wine at altitude: what’s the deal?](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/whats-the-deal-with-high-altitude-argentinian-malbec/) - It is commonplace to flaunt a vineyards altitude in plain sight on a bottle of Argentinian Malbec with producers competing to show that they work with the highest-altitude vineyards. So why exactly is Argentinian Malbec grown at such high-altitude?
- [What makes a wine dry?](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/what-makes-a-wine-dry/) - There is a somewhat small range of primary descriptors used by those in the industry which subsequently become the go to guidelines for a broad range of consumers. Whether a wine is dry or not is amongst the most popular characteristic used to judge whether one does or does not favour a wine. But what does it really mean? What makes a dry wine?
- [Visiting Champagne Paul Launois: the beginnings of a friendship](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/visit-and-tasting-at-champagne-paul-launois/) - The most fantastic of experiences often occur out of chance encounters. After being impressed by the several great reviews I had read about Champagne Paul Launois, his philosophy and his wines I decided to try my luck and request a last-minute visit with him.
- [Rotundone: putting the pepper in shiraz](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/peppery-shiraz-blame-it-on-the-rotundone/) - The aromas and flavours associated with particular grape varieties and regional specific wines are more often than not a result of large numbers of compounds, of varying origin, interacting with one another and forming various olfactory and gustatory qualities. There are however a number of compounds (in this case sesquiterpenes) which have an individual aromatic quality associated to them. The distinct aroma of pepper so often associated with cool climate Shiraz/Syrah is the result of one of these sesquiterpenes ...
- [Bodies of water and their effect on viticulture](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/influence-of-bodies-of-water-on-viticulture-and-wine/) - Where beautiful wine is produced it is often remarked that one will also find beautiful places. Rivers, lake, oceans and seas feature almost synonymously amongst many of the worlds best wine regions. The river Moselle, the Saône, the Rhône, the Douro, the Gironde, Margaret River, the Loire, Lake Garda and the North Pacific to name a few. These bodies of water are located at the very heart of the worlds most illustrious wine regions. However, they offer much more to our favourite wine than just a picturesque backdrop, they play a fundamental, and oft-overlooked role.
- [Wines glasses matter, science says so.](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/the-glass-matters-science-says-so/) - We've all experienced it, the inevitable barrage of questioning, jovial taunting and understandable confusion upon the expression of revulsion, frustration and dismay toward the choice, or offering, of wine glassware. It's easy to see how to many this seemingly strange aversion may appear pomp, confusing and unnecessary; however, there's more to it, stay with me. Anecdotally the majority of us have experienced the enhanced olfactory experience that the 'right' glassware can make, but there's more to this than anecdote. Let's talk about the science ...
- [English wine: discussing the challenges of a growing supply](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/english-wine-discussing-the-challenges-of-a-growing-supply/) - UK volume sales of both still and sparkling wine are in decline. Analysts predict still wine sales will fall by almost 11% over the next five years. However, consumption, production and planting of English wine are all increasing. 2018 production bottle equivalent is up by circa 180% with hectarage under vine increasing by 83% since 2015. It is predicted there are roughly 7-8 years of U.K. sales currently in stock with around 55% of plantings having no wine currently for sale. Considering market decline, assuming the market is one of monopolistic competition, and noting only 8% of English wine is exported, supply is grossly outstripping demand. How will this excess supply impact the market and how should it react?
- [Grape ripeness: pursuing the optimum with Ruinart's Frédéric Panaïotis](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/grape-ripeness-optimum-ruinart/) - Picking date and optimum grape ripeness, two hot topics in the world of wine. Find out how Ruinart are advancing understanding in Champagne.
- [Bruno Paillard: from Champagne broker to established Maison](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/champagne-bruno-paillard/) - Champagne Bruno Paillard has a rich and exciting history. I spoke with Alice Paillard about beginnings, viticulture, the farmers and the future.
- [Canned wine is far from wrong, it’s everything we need and more](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/canned-wine/) - The beverage industry is evolving, wine sales are declining and the sector is stagnant. Find out why canned wine is everything we need and more.
- [Charlie Herring Wine: Tim Phillips does English wine differently in Clos du Paradis](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/charlie-herring-wine/) - I had originally intended to speak to Tim Phillips, one-man-band at Charlie Herring wine, about his experience planting Riesling in England. Anybody who knows me knows all too well that I'm a Riesling junkie, so this prospect alone was sufficient cause for excitement. What I got from Tim was so much more. Previously I have discussed the challenge of oversupply in the English wine industry. If it is to maintain long-term viability and achieve truly global appeal, more of the norm simply won't do. We must push boundaries, we must exploit the opportunity afforded to us as a new world producer not bound by the complexities of intricate regulation. In a tiny 1 acre walled garden in the south of England, aptly named Clos du Paradis, Tim Phillips tends to a petri dish of exciting, exploratory winemaking.
- [Revolutionising wine tasting at home: behind the scenes with 67 Pall Mall](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/67-pall-mall/) - In the face of crisis, the worlds only members club for wine lovers has revolutionised virtual wine tasting. Ronan Sayburn of 67 Pall Mall tells me how.
- [The Mapman goes digital: bringing the Barolo MGA to life with Alessandro Masnaghetti](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/barolo-mga-digital/) - Learning about wine or simply love exploring? Alessandro Masnaghetti has brought the Barolo MGA to life with his new project Barolo MGA 360.
- [Visiting Piedmont: a brief guide for intrepid wine lovers](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/visiting-piedmont/) - Bordering the Alps, Piedmont is a picturesque region in the Northwest of Italy. This guide will help those visiting Piedmont make the most of their travels.
- [Masterclass with Cornelius Dönnhoff: exploring the estate through six distinct wines](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/masterclass-cornelius-donnhoff/) - Lead by Cornelius and accompanied by six wines, discover Dönnhoff's history and explore the challenges of producing superb wine vintage after vintage.
- [Good Clean Wine just doesn't seem to get it](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/good-clean-wine/) - Unscrupulous charlatans wilfully trash hardworking folk, capitalising on health anxieties. In this piece I discuss everything wrong with Good Clean Wine.
- [Demystifying additives in winemaking and viticulture](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/additives-in-winemaking-viticulture/) - Unscrupulous marketers are quick to prey on concerned wine drinkers. In this article I demystify additives in winemaking.
- [In pursuit of excellence: 130 years of La Rioja Alta](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/la-rioja-alta/) - Celebrating 130 years of La Rioja Alta, I spoke with winemaker, Julio Sáenz, about the estate's most influential changes in recent decades.
- [Le Clos Saint-Hilaire: a single hectare at the forefront of winegrowing](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/clos-saint-hilaire/) - Walking the vineyard together, Mathieu Roland-Billecart and I discuss the importance of the families single-hectare site, Clos Saint-Hilaire.
- [Chasing 3MH thiols with Daniel Sorrell of Cloudy Bay](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/cloudy-bay-thiols-daniel-sorrell/) - Cloudy Bay's concentrated, fruit-forward style is iconic. I spoke with winemaker Daniel Sorrell about the contribution of 3MH thiols.
- [Returning to Champagne Paul Launois: crafting a vision](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/champagne-paul-launois-single-barrel/) - I returned to Champagne Paul Launois, where Julien and Sarah are carving out their vision in the chalky soils of Les Mesnil.
- [Viticulture in Piedmont: optimism and adaptation in the face of a changing climate](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/piedmont-viticulture-climate-change/) - With the help of some of the regions greatest producers, I explore viticulture in Piedmont in the face of a changing climate.
- [Minerality in wine: exploring the topic from the ground up](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/minerality-in-wine/) - Want to get a better understanding of exactly what is meant by minerality in wine? Its tricky, but this article will help you do just that.
- [Oak in winemaking; dissecting the origin, selection and science of barrels](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/oak-in-winemaking/) - This complete guide to oak in winemaking explores the oldest and most common winemaking tool from the forest to the cellar.
- [Produttori del Barbaresco: the worlds best wine cooperative?](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/produttori-del-barbaresco/) - Though commonplace across Europe, few cooperatives have achieved quite as much recognition as the Produttori del Barbaresco.
- [Potassium in viticulture and winemaking: an exploration from soil to bottle](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/potassium-viticulture-winemaking/) - Potassium is a key macronutrient required for vine growth. Where does it come from and what does it do?
- [Nitrogen in viticulture and winemaking: an exploration from soil to bottle](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/nitrogen-viticulture-winemaking/) - Nitrogen is a key macronutrient required for vine growth. Where does it come from and what does it do?
- [Cap management in winemaking: punching, pumping and considerations](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/cap-management-winemaking/) - Interested in learning more about cap management? From the science to first-hand examples, this detailed overview is all you need.
- [Wine competitions: quality signals or fruitless endeavours?](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/wine-competitions/) - Wine competitions aren't all they're cracked up to be. In this article I examine the reliability of judging, consumer perception, and more.
- [Cork in winemaking: history, production, taint and Diam](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/cork-winemaking-taint-diam/) - The history of cork in winemaking is colorful, intriguing and broad. In this article I explore corks history, cork taint,production and the future.
- [Soil and root microbiome: discovering the grapevines greatest weapon](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/soil-microbiome-viticulture/) - Soil microbiome could well be the grapevines greatest weapon. In this article, I explore the evidence-based options for concerned farmers.
- [Phosphorus in viticulture and winemaking: an exploration from soil to bottle](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/phosphorus-in-viticulture-and-winemaking/) - Phosphorus in viticulture is a key macronutrient required for vine growth. Where does it come and what is its role?
- [Biodynamic farming: myths, quacks and pseudoscience](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/biodynamic-viticulture-pseudoscience/) - Opportunist quacks still profiteer despise failing to establish biodynamics' efficacy. In this piece I tackle myths, quacks and pseudoscience.
- [Delayed malolactic fermentation: exploring the stylistic and practical impacts](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/delayed-malolactic-fermentation/) - Delayed malolactic fermentation can result in enhanced mouthfeel, colour, and aroma. In this article, I explore delaying malo in detail.
- [Cantina D’Arcy: promise, practicality and dogged grit](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/cantina-darcy-tom-myers/) - In the picturesque, rolling hills of the Langhe, Tom Myers is finding his feet, tending to his vines and looking to the future of Cantina D'Arcy
- [Biodynamics' dirty secret: ecofascism, karmic racism and the Nazis](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/biodynamics-ecofascism-populism-nazis/) - Albeit shrouded in mystical romantic notions, biodynamics is a trojan horse. Here I make a plea for science, progress, and rationality.
- [Overstating terroir: the effacing of the vigneron](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/overstating-terroir/) - Amplification of terroir as the source of wine quality may be romantic and expedient; to what extent, though, does this narrow the landscape of possibility?
- [Beyond the borders: a modern take on Piedmont wine pairing](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/piedmont-wine-pairing/) - Some of the UK's most vibrant and talented sommeliers and wine lovers offer a fresh, diverse and global take on Piedmont wine pairing.
- [Piero Busso: in the vineyard we trust](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/piero-busso-barbaresco/) - Pierguido Busso is fastidious and exacting, his philosophy is one of precision. Together we discussed the Piero Busso estate in more detail.
- [Cascina delle Rose: big ideas and incremental change](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/cascina-delle-rose-piedmont-barbaresco/) - Cascina delle Rose produce wines boasting finesse and elegance in abundance. I discussed the estate in more detail with Riccardo Sobrino.
- [Azienda Agricola Lalù: serendipity, friendship and strength of will](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/azienda-agricola-lalu-barolo-piedmont/) - Turin natives Lara and Luisa established Lalù in 2019. Having overcome adversity and earned respect, their future in Barolo is bright.
- [Paitin: standing the test of time in Barbaresco](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/paitin-barbaresco-piedmont/) - For several hundred years Paitin has cultivated vines in Barbaresco. Today, the family pursues elegance and finesse above all else.
- [21st Century Barolo: transcending the modern vs. traditional binary](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/modern-traditional-barolo-piedmont/) - This now-defunct binary is reified by commentators and drinkers alike. Now, more than ever, we should consider Barolo more comprehensively.
- [Philine Isabelle Dienger: the spirit of a shokunin from Heidelberg to Barolo](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/philine-isabelle-barolo-piedmont/) - I spoke with German-native, Philine Dienger, as she embarks on a life’s work, crafting a masterpiece at Philine Isabelle in Barolo.
- [Trediberri: good fortune, introspection, and decisive strategy](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/trediberri-barolo/) - Trediberri embodies the very best of modern Piedmont. I spoke to Nicola about the pursuit of happiness, balance and freedom.
- [Grapevine pruning in Barolo: pursuing vitality and longevity in Nebbiolo](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/grapevine-pruning-barolo-nebbiolo-sapflow/) - Discussing a renewed consideration of pruning as a prerequisite to vine health, resilience and longevity with Tom Myers and Philine Dienger.
- [Cavallotto: from Bricco Boschis stars are born](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/cavallotto-barolo-bricco-boschis/) - Among the very best Barolo producers, Cavallotto produces vibrant expansive wines. I discussed the estate at length with Alfio Cavallotto.
- [Langhe Riesling: origin, viticulture, winemaking, and more](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/langhe-riesling/) - In this article I discuss Langhe Riesling in more detail, examining origin, plantings, viticulture, winemaking and more.
- [Nada Fiorenzo: hidden in plain sight crafting elegance in Treiso](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/nada-fiorenzo-barbaresco/) - Nada Fiorenzo remains one of Langhe's most under-celebrated estates. I spoke to Danilo Nada about the estate, viticulture and the future.
- [Biodynamic wine can never be vegan, here's why](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/biodynamic-wine-vegan/) - Scientific progress notwithstanding, biodynamics occupies a growing niche. In this piece, I outline why biodynamic wine can never be vegan.
- [Fletcher Wines: serendipity and sleepless nights, from Adelaide to Langhe](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/fletcher-wines-langhe/) - Dave Fletcher is a worldly fellow, well-travelled, sedulous, and daring. From Adelaide to Langhe, this is the story of Fletcher Wines.
- [Flavescence dorée: incurable phytoplasma meets Piedmontese grit](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/flavescence-doree-langhe/) - Flavescence dorée represents a significant economic risk to Langhe winegrowers. This article calls for cooperation, regulation and more.
- [Mauro Veglio: a whole greater than the sum of its parts](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/mauro-veglio-barolo/) - In 2016, Mauro invited Alessandro to merge their eponymous estates, marking a notable shift in tempo. Herein is the story of Mauro Veglio.
- [Giulia Negri: pragmatism, vivacity and familial flair](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/giulia-negri-barolo/) - Giulia Negri is the latest in a long line of entrepreneurs and grapegrowers. Here follows the story of the proud Barologirl.
- [Beyond mysticism: embracing wine’s practical allure](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/wine-myth-mysticism/) - Mysticism permeates the popular wine press. Wine need not be magical, though. Here, I implore communicators to embrace its practical allure.
- [Alberto Burzi: continuation, substance and promising beginnings](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/burzi-barolo-langhe/) - Alberto and Caterina are the first of their family to make wine. Producing polished, expansive wines, Burzi is cause for excitement and deserving of attention.
- [The tasting at Clerico’s: a defining moment in contemporary Langhe history](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/domenico-clerico-langhe/) - In 1986, Domenico Clerico brought together like-minded growers and sympathetic activists at his home in Monforte d’Alba. After this moment, everything changed.
- [Timorasso: origin, viticulture, winemaking, and more](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/timorasso-derthona/) - Saved from extinction, Timorasso is reaching critical mass as a serious fine wine. This article charts its origins, decline and revival, winegrowing and more.
- [Burlotto: Arctic expeditions, Monvigliero and the 'jewel of Verduno'](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/burlotto-barolo-verduno/) - In 1850, Giovan Battista Burlotto bravely reorientated his family business. Today, Fabio Burlotto continues this legacy, commanding global praise and fandom.
- [2019 Barbaresco: unhurried vines make classic wines](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/2019-barbaresco-vintage-report/) - 2019 marks a welcome return to normality, a ‘classical’ Barbaresco vintage yielding charming, structured, and age-worthy wines.
- [Wine's paradox of polarity](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/wines-paradox-of-polarity/) - Today, ‘conventional’ and ‘natural’ wine are more alike than any urbanite millennial or snooty boomer would dare admit, each woefully depriving. Natural wine—atavistic and pure—laments intervention, believing wine to be born, not made, chastising an increasingly exhaustive list of allegedly sinful practices. Meanwhile, traditional oenological training, well-suited to making ‘clean’ and consistent wine, has distanced

## Pages

- [Home](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/) - The Burgundification of Barolo and Barbaresco Uncategorized The stupefaction of sugar in champagne Uncategorized The redundification of appellations Thoughts Passionate about fine wine? Join my mailing list for articles, insights and more. Email Subscribe The inevitability of falling wine sales Thoughts Neo-prohibition and selective scrutiny Uncategorized The great scourge of supermarket wine Thoughts Distilling Krug’s
- [About Me](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/about-word-on-the-grapevine-wine/) - A wine blog by wine lovers for wine lovers. I'm an autodidact, self-confessed nerd, and occasional provocateur. Writing mostly about Piedmont since 2021. Based in Staffordshire, I hold a BA in Economics and an MSc in Supply Chain Management from Aston University. By day I reimagine and redesign systems and processes. I have expertise in
- [Opinion](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/opinion/) - 2019 Barolo: a modern vintage, classic wines and changing tides Blog, Piedmont, Thoughts Regenerative Viticulture: the ‘new viticulture’ or a backward step? Thoughts Wine’s paradox of polarity Thoughts Beyond mysticism: embracing wine’s practical allure Thoughts Biodynamic wine can never be vegan, here’s why Uncategorized 21st Century Barolo: transcending the modern vs. traditional binary Piedmont, Thoughts
- [Viticulture](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/viticulture/) - Irrigation at Paolo Scavino: confronting drought in Barolo Blog, Piedmont, Viticulture Billecart-Salmon: enduring history, evolving savoir faire, and six decades of Nicolas François Blog, Profiles, Viticulture, Winemaking Chiara Condello: classicism, daring and reviving Predappio Profiles, Viticulture, Winemaking Regenerative Viticulture: the ‘new viticulture’ or a backward step? Thoughts Timorasso: origin, viticulture, winemaking, and more Piedmont, Viticulture, Winemaking
- [Winemaking](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/winemaking/) - Billecart-Salmon: enduring history, evolving savoir faire, and six decades of Nicolas François Blog, Profiles, Viticulture, Winemaking Chiara Condello: classicism, daring and reviving Predappio Profiles, Viticulture, Winemaking Timorasso: origin, viticulture, winemaking, and more Piedmont, Viticulture, Winemaking Langhe Chardonnay: origin, viticulture, winemaking, and more Piedmont, Viticulture, Winemaking Freisa: origin, viticulture, winemaking, and more Piedmont, Viticulture, Winemaking Langhe Riesling:
- [Profiles](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/profiles/) - Billecart-Salmon: enduring history, evolving savoir faire, and six decades of Nicolas François Blog, Profiles, Viticulture, Winemaking Chiara Condello: classicism, daring and reviving Predappio Profiles, Viticulture, Winemaking Carema: heroic viticulture, sudden demise, and a fervent revival Blog, Piedmont, Profiles, Viticulture, Winemaking Oddero: historical foundations, substantial contributions and greater heights Piedmont, Profiles Burlotto: Arctic expeditions, Monvigliero and the
- [Piedmont](https://wordonthegrapevine.co.uk/visit-piedmont-langhe/) - Today, Langhe enjoys boundless prosperity. Decades of winegrowing and winemaking tradition were catalysed by a small band of revolutionaries and amplified by an increasingly pluralistic cohort of winemakers. In 2004, Langhe-Roero and Monferrato have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites, its bucolic hilly landscape recognised as an outstanding example of man’s interaction with the natural
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