Wine News Archives

AliveTaste’25 – Porto, Portugal

I’m heading to Porto today participate in the 9th Edition of @Alivetaste_com in Portugal!

I’ll be exploring the wine regions of Vinho Verde and Douro; visiting top wine producers, dining at some of Portugal’s most celebrated restaurants, and luxury hotels.

The journey culminates at the enchanting gardens of the Palácio do Freixo in Porto, where the annual event brings celebration of flavors and aromas with some of Portugal’s best wine producers and renowned chefs. This event will be a true celebration of Portuguese gastronomy and wine excellence and I’m thrilled to participate!

Stay tuned for highlights, tastings, and behind-the-scenes moments!

For further information about the event: https://alivetaste.com/

Liz Palmer

Dievole Wine Resort: A Benchmark in Tuscan Wine Tourism Excellence

During my recent visit to Dievole Wine Resort, I conducted an in-depth exploration of the estate’s integrated wine tourism program, encompassing guided vineyard tours, curated gastronomic experiences, and a structured tasting of the estate’s wine portfolio. Here are my findings.

The Dievole Wine Resort exemplifies an exceptional model of integrated wine tourism, where viticulture, gastronomy, and heritage converge in the heart of Tuscany’s Chianti Classico region. Encompassing over 600 hectares of vineyards, olive groves, woods, and gardens, the estate is not merely a destination, but a deeply immersive cultural experience rooted in centuries of winemaking tradition.

At the core of Dievole’s enotourism strategy is its commitment to educating and engaging visitors through meticulously curated experiences. The Dievole Grand Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the estate’s unique terroir and its state-of-the-art winemaking facilities, including the visually striking circular Fidelio vineyard, cellar tours, and tutored tastings of flagship wines paired with regional specialties. For the oenologically curious, the Novecento Vertical Tasting delivers an analytical lens through which to examine vintage variation and the aging trajectory of Dievole’s iconic Chianti Classico Riserva Novecento, a wine steeped in historical significance and viticultural precision.

Complementing these in-depth offerings is the Classic Wine Tour, which provides a balanced introduction to Dievole’s core wines and acclaimed extra virgin olive oils. This dual focus on wine and oil underscores the estate’s broader philosophy of sustainable and diversified agriculture. These tastings are frequently followed by meals at the Novecento Restaurant, where seasonal Tuscan cuisine is prepared with elegant simplicity and paired with Dievole’s wines in a refined, rustic setting.

A Distinctive Hospitality Offering

Accommodation at Dievole is housed within beautifully restored 18th-century stone buildings. The suites, featuring traditional Tuscan textiles, exposed wooden beams, and terracotta floors, are designed to merge rustic authenticity with modern luxury. Each suite opens to expansive views of the vineyard and surrounding olive groves, reinforcing the immersive nature of the stay.

Mornings begin with a farm-to-table breakfast, showcasing honey harvested on-site, artisanal cheeses, and freshly baked pastries, a tranquil prelude to a day of tastings, exploration, or relaxation by the pool. Evenings are reserved for gastronomic indulgence, with menu highlights such as hand-rolled pici pasta with wild boar ragù and the classic bistecca alla fiorentina.

Winemaking Excellence: Novecento Riserva 2019

Among the estate’s standout wines, the Novecento Chianti Classico Riserva 2019 emerges as a timeless representation of Sangiovese expression. First released in 1990 to commemorate Dievole’s millennium, its history traces back to a lease document dated May 1090; Novecento continues to honour its legacy with each vintage. The 2019 edition, marking its 30th harvest, offers an intricate portrait of the estate’s terroir: balsamic notes, licorice, black cherry, and violet dominate the aromatic profile, supported by firm structure and age-worthy elegance (10–15 years).

Vinified in large, tulip-shaped concrete vats and matured for 24 months in untoasted French oak, the wine balances tradition with innovation. A small percentage of Canaiolo and Colorino complements the Sangiovese core, creating layered complexity and refined restraint. With a limited production of approximately 30,000 bottles, the 2019 vintage exemplifies Dievole’s enduring pursuit of excellence.

Recommended Wines:

Novecento Chianti Classico Riserva, 2019
Vigna Sessina Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, 2020
Catignano Chianti Classico, 2021
Casanova Chianti Classico, 2021
Chianti Classico Petrignano, 2021
Chianti Classico, 2022

Tasting Highlights:
Novecento Riserva 2019

This Chianti Classico Riserva opens with a vibrant bouquet of black cherry, violet, and balsamic, with subtle tobacco notes. On the palate, it shows refined structure with ripe red currant and black cherry layered over hints of leather, anise, with some herbal notes. The oak is well-integrated without overpowering the fruit. With firm yet elegant tannins and a long, mineral-driven finish, this wine offers both immediate appeal and aging potential. A poised and expressive Riserva that captures the essence of Chianti Classico with clarity and finesse.

Score: 94/100
Liz Palmer

Aging potential: 10–15 years

Dievole Wine Resort transcends the conventional winery visit by offering a deeply holistic encounter with Tuscan culture. It is a compelling model of how wine estates can integrate storytelling, sustainability, and sensory engagement into a unified, enriching visitor experience. I found through our curated tastings, vineyard walks, gastronomic immersion, and luxurious Tuscan-style accommodations that Dievole stands as a benchmark for premium wine tourism in the Tuscany region.

Fresh Perspectives: The White and Rosé Evolution of Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages

Traditionally celebrated for their structured reds, Côtes du Rhône (CDR) and Côtes du Rhône Villages (CDRV) are gaining prominence for an unexpected yet compelling shift: the emergence of their white and rosé wine! Although representing less than 10% of total production, these whites are capturing the attention of sommeliers and wine lovers for their aromatic complexity and nuanced expressions.

This evolution rests upon three foundational elements: a diverse range of terroirs, an expansive array of authorized grape varieties, and the meticulous craft of blending. Together, these factors enable a palette of expressions and styles, from crisp and lively whites to rich and complex expressions, and from delicate, aromatic rosés to full-bodied, gastronomic wines.

WHITE WINES: FROM BRIGHT TO STRUCTURED

FRESH & LIVELY

Key grape varieties include Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, and Piquepoul Blanc. Grown on cool, often clay-based soils, grapes are harvested early to preserve freshness and acidity while keeping alcohol levels in check. Fermentation occurs at low temperatures (12–18°C) and in oxygen-free environments to retain varietal aromas of citrus, flowers, and white fruit, with typical grapefruit notes. The palate is lively, fresh, and balanced, perfect as an aperitif or paired with summer salads and goat cheese.

FRUITY & ROUND

A richer interpretation, featuring grapes like Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Marsanne, and Roussanne, sourced from various terroirs. Harvested at optimal ripeness, these wines are vinified at 12–18°C to maintain freshness and aromatic expression. Expect notes of exotic and stone fruits (mango, peach, apricot), with a round mouthfeel balanced by bright acidity. Excellent with ceviche, roast poultry, or soft cheeses.

RICH & COMPLEX

Whites that leave a lasting impression. Made from Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Viognier, Carignan Blanc, Marsanne, and Roussanne, these wines come from diverse terroirs and are harvested at more advanced ripeness without becoming over-concentrated. They often undergo extended aging, frequently in oak. The aromatic profile is complex, combining ripe, stewed, or candied fruits, dried fruits, spices, and minerality, with occasional toasty, honeyed, or woody notes. The palate is rich and round with great length, perfect for full meals and with excellent aging potential.

ROSÉ WINES: TWO DISTINCT EXPRESSIONS

FRUITY & DELICATE

These rosés are primarily made from Grenache, Cinsault, and Carignan, sometimes with authorized white varieties to enhance acidity. Grown on cool sites and harvested early to preserve freshness and keep alcohol low. Vinified by direct pressing or short maceration, these wines reveal intense aromas of citrus, tropical fruit, and candy. The palate is light, balanced, and refreshing. Best enjoyed young and ideal as an aperitif.

FRUITY & FULL BODIED

A more traditional, full-bodied rosé that emphasizes roundness, balance, and terroir expression. Made mostly from Syrah, with Grenache, Carignan, and Cinsault, these wines are harvested at full ripeness. Vinified by direct pressing or short saignée, they showcase ripe red fruit, delicate floral notes, and soft spices. The palate is structured and concentrated with good length and a deeper hue—a gastronomic rosé to enjoy within two years.

A New Chapter for the Rhône
From the high-altitude vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône to the sun-drenched slopes of the Côtes du Rhône Villages, these white and rosé wines now stand as a compelling reflection of the region’s heritage and its evolving winemaking identity. Fresh, elegant, and character-driven, they invite rediscovery and present a valuable opportunity for trade professionals seeking hidden gems with a strong sense of place.

Tasting Notes from the Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages

To complement the rich discussion of the Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages’ evolving whites and rosés, here are three standout examples from the 2023 and 2024 vintages that capture the essence of this movement.

Cellier des Dauphins Prestige Rosé 2024 – 90 Points / Liz Palmer
A luminous pale pink hue introduces this elegant rosé, which reveals delicate aromas of fresh strawberries and redcurrant, with subtle floral undertones. The palate delivers a crisp and balanced expression of red berry fruit, complemented by a fine mineral spine with a long fruit-driven finish. An ideal example of the Côtes du Rhône rosé style, refreshing, poised, and effortlessly approachable.

Louis Bernard Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2024 – 91 Points / Liz Palmer
A classic Côtes du Rhône blend of Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Clairette, and Roussanne, this wine captures the vibrancy of the region. The nose unfolds with fragrant aromas of white flowers, ripe pear, and stone fruit. The palate is energetic and crisp, offering a harmonious interplay of fruit and floral notes, supported by a rounded, well-structured body with a long, elegant finish. An excellent example of the aromatic precision and balance that define Rhône whites.

Gabriel Meffre Laurus Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2023 – 93 Points / Liz Palmer
A captivating nose of honeysuckle, stone fruit, and citrus zest evolves beautifully in this premium Côtes du Rhône blanc. The palate delivers a rich and textural experience, with flavours of juicy peach, crisp apple, and preserved lemon, framed by a luminous acidity with a delicate, mineral undertone. The finish is long, complex, and richly rewarding, making this a compelling example of the depth and aging potential that the best whites of the region can achieve.

Temecula Valley Reports Historic Growth in Tourism: 3.4 Million Visitors and $1.1 Billion Economic Impact in 2024

Visit Temecula Valley released its 2024 Economic Impact of Travel report this week, revealing substantial growth in tourism-related activity for the region. According to data compiled by Dean Runyan Associates, the region welcomed a record-setting 3.4 million visitors, a 2.1% increase over 2023 and an 8.7% increase from pre-pandemic 2019 levels. The report underscores the expanding role of tourism in the local economy, with visitor-related spending generating $1.1 billion in economic output. Key metrics analyzed include visitation, expenditures, employment, labour income, and tax revenue, all of which reflect sustained post-pandemic recovery and economic resilience.

“While the broader tourism landscape faced challenges, Temecula Valley proudly surpassed all previous visitor number records, demonstrating exceptional growth,” said Scott A. Wilson, CEO of Visit Temecula Valley. “This achievement is a direct reflection of our tourism partners’ unwavering commitment to elevating Temecula Valley as a premium tourism destination and expanding our appeal to visitors from California, the wider U.S., and increasingly, the world.”

Temecula Valley, also known as Southern California Wine Country, benefits from a strategic geographical advantage. Situated approximately equidistant from Los Angeles and San Diego, the region boasts a substantial drive market, with nearly 23 million residents residing within a two-hour radius.”

It is a popular Southern California destination that includes Temecula Valley Wine Country, Old Town Temecula, and Pechanga Resort Casino. For further information: http://www.visittemeculavalley.com.

Hog Island Oysters by the Sea: A Quintessential California Coastline Experience

Situated along the windswept shore of Tomales Bay in Northern California, Hog Island Oysters is far more than a traditional oyster farm; it’s an immersive coastal experience that captures the character and heritage of the California coastline. Through its seamless blend of natural beauty, artisanal craftsmanship, and a strong sense of place, Hog Island Oysters has established itself as a landmark for both culinary and cultural exploration.

Hog Island Oysters is part rustic oyster shack, part inviting waterfront eatery, complemented by a working oyster farm and its accompanying facilities. Perched right on the water’s edge, it offers sweeping views across Tomales Bay. The crisp, salty air, the sight of seabirds gliding overhead, and the sound of waves create a serene backdrop, making it an ideal setting for an afternoon of shellfish and sunshine.

I found it more than a beautiful destination; it is also a working farm that has sustainably cultivated some of California’s finest oysters for over 40 years. Grown in the cold, mineral-rich waters of the bay, these plump, briny gems can be sampled right where they’re harvested. From shucking classes to “shuck your own” picnics,

We settled at a rustic wooden table by the water, a plate of a dozen freshly shucked oysters that were plump, savoury, and tasting like the very essence of the sea. Paired with a crisp glass of local sparkling wine, it was a moment that encapsulated the very best of the California coast. Hog Island Oysters is a reminder that life’s finest pleasures are often the simplest: a plate of fresh oysters, a panoramic view, and the sound of the sea. What more could one ask for?