Category: Wine

Wine Review: Two Wines from Marqués de Riscal [voted #1 Vineyard in the World]

Marqués de Riscal

Located in the picturesque Basque Country, the Marques De Riscal winery in Elciego, Spain, is a beacon of viticultural excellence. This historic winery, founded in 1858, has recently been voted the #1 vineyard in the world by the World’s Best Vineyards 2024 and received the Best Vineyard in Europe Award. The winery’s commitment to innovation and quality is also evident in every bottle they produce, making it a must-visit destination. You can explore the stunning vineyards, tour the state-of-the-art winery facilities, and indulge in tastings of their award-winning wines.

At the heart of the Marqués de Riscal City of Wine stands Hotel Marques De Riscal, designed by the renowned architect Frank Gehry. This hotel offers a unique and unforgettable experience, blending modern design with the rich history of the region. With its combination of award-winning wines, luxurious accommodations, and rich cultural experiences, Marques De Riscal is truly a destination that should be on your bucket list!

Website Link: https://www.marquesderiscal.com/en

Wine Reviews

2023 Marques de Riscal Rueda

This organic wine is a testament to Marqués de Riscal’s commitment to quality and innovation. This vibrant white wine, crafted from the Verdejo grape, offers a bouquet of white flowers with hints of grass and fennel. On the palate, it is crisp and refreshing, with a well-balanced acidity that makes it a perfect companion for seafood dishes and light salads. The finish is clean and lingering, leaving a pleasant aftertaste that invites another sip.

90 Points
Liz Palmer

2020 Marques de Riscal Reserva

This Rioja wine is a robust red wine that showcases the depth and complexity of the Tempranillo grape. Aged for 24 months in American oak barrels, this wine exudes rich aromas of licorice, cinnamon and black pepper. The palate is full-bodied and velvety, with well-integrated tannins with a long, persistent finish.

This Rioja Reserva pairs beautifully with grilled meats, hearty stews, and aged cheeses, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.

93 Points
Liz Palmer

The Institute of Masters of Wine Announce the Induction of Four New Members

The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) has recently announced the induction of four new members into its membership. These newly appointed Masters of Wine (MWs) have successfully completed and surpassed all the rigorous stages of the Master of Wine examination.

Jit Hang Jackie Ang MW (Singapore), Amanda Barnes MW (Argentina), Sarah Benson MW (UK), and Kathleen Van den Berghe MW (Belgium) have now earned the prestigious ‘Master of Wine’ title and are the first cohort of the 2025 vintage of Masters of Wine.

There are now 425 active Masters of Wine based in 30 countries, spanning a wide range of areas in the wine industry and each making their own contribution to it. The Master of Wine credential is the most coveted in the wine industry and comes after proving one’s understanding of all aspects of wine by passing most rigorous examination in the wine world.

The MW exam consists of three parts: the theory and practical exams taken at the end of stage two and the research paper (RP) submitted at the end of stage three. The RP is an in-depth study on a wine related topic from any area of the sciences, arts, humanities or social sciences. Completion of the exam seeks to represent an all-encompassing knowledge of the industry, and only when an individual passes the RP do they become a Master of Wine.

All members must sign the IMW’s code of conduct before they have the right to use the title Master of Wine or the initials MW. By signing the code of conduct, MWs agree to act with honesty and integrity and to use every opportunity to share their understanding of wine with others, echoing the IMW’s mission to foster excellence, interaction and learning.

IMW Chair, Roderick Smith MW, states: “It is with the greatest pleasure and pride that I welcome into our membership these four new Masters of Wine. This is a herculean achievement and marks the most significant milestone on anyone’s career in wine. Our congratulations to all of them on their amazing success.”

IMW Executive Director, Julian Gore-Booth, further added: “We are delighted to welcome these four exceptional individuals to the IMW. Earning the MW title is a remarkable achievement, reflecting an unparalleled depth of knowledge, dedication and passion for wine. We look forward to their contributions to the Institute and to the global wine community as Masters of Wine.”

MEET THE NEW MASTERS OF WINE

Jit Hang Jackie Ang MW (Singapore)
Jackie Ang is a trained pharmaceutical scientist and a wine educator. He is born and based in Singapore and holds a DPhil in Medical Sciences from the University of Oxford and a MA in Pharmacology from the University of Cambridge. Jackie is currently the Director of Cherwell Wine and Spirits, a WSET APP based in Singapore and also heads the High Throughput Screening group at the Experimental Drug Development Centre, a national platform for drug discovery in Singapore. He has over 10 years of experience in holding wine events, masterclasses, teaching and wine judging. Jackie is most passionate and interested in uplifting standards in wine knowledge and service in Asia and acting as a bridge between producers and consumers from different cultures and backgrounds.

Research paper: Are Universal Glasses Truly Universal? — An investigation on whether glassware shape affects perceptions of red and white table wines made from international varieties.

Amanda Barnes MW (Argentina)
Amanda is an award-winning wine writer, presenter and consultant. Although born and raised in Hampshire, England, she has been based in South America since 2009 exploring and communicating about the people, wines and regions both on and off the beaten path.

She is considered a leading authority on the wines of the region and is author of The South America Wine Guide: The Definitive Guide to Wine in Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia & Peru. Amanda is also key contributor for major UK and US wine publications and books and Regional Chair for Chile in the Decanter World Wine Awards.

Research paper: The future of South American Criolla — poised for revival, or demise to the point of no return?

Sarah Benson MW (UK – England)
With a background in languages, Sarah transitioned from a career in translation to the wine industry after completing several WSET courses. She began at Accolade and has since built extensive experience in wine buying and marketing across independent and large retail, as well as UK bottling. Her passion has led her to work vintages in multiple countries. Currently, Sarah buys wine for the Co-op, sourcing and blending wines from France, Spain, South America and Greece. She has conducted consumer profiling research with Lallemand and is committed to consumer engagement. A strong advocate for sustainability, she drives the Co-op’s ethical agenda and has supported wineries in obtaining Fair Trade certification. Sarah also judges on prestigious wine panels, mentors future industry professionals and travels extensively to deepen her expertise.

Research paper: An Analysis of the Cultural Perception and Interpretation of Wine Through the Work of Four Baroque Artists

Kathleen Van den Berghe MW (Belgium)
Born into a family of wine enthusiasts, Kathleen grew up with wine tastings and winery visits. After five years as a construction engineer and nine years at McKinsey & Company, she became a wine entrepreneur in 2010. She acquired and revitalized two Loire Valley estates: Château de Minière in Bourgueil (2010) and Château de Suronde in Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru (2016), producing high-quality organic and biodynamic wines. She has also developed wine tourism, an artist residence, and a contemporary art collection.

With studies in viticulture, winemaking, WSET and Master of Wine, she blends wine, engineering and entrepreneurship. Fluent in multiple languages, she lives in Belgium with her husband, children, and extensive library. She is particularly proud of her red sparkling Cabernet Franc.

Research paper: A comparative analysis of different techniques to reduce haloanisoles in contaminated wine.

Wine Review:  Réserve de la Terre – Champagne Telmont is an elegant and sustainable choice for Valentine’s Day!

I invite you to immerse yourself in elegance and sustainability this Valentine’s Day with a bottle of Réserve de la Terre – Champagne Telmont. This champagne will not only tantalize your palate but also exemplify environmentally sustainable practices.

Réserve de la Terre is a non-vintage cuvée made from three harvests: 2020 at 70%, 2019 at 15%, and 2018 at 15%, with blends of three grape varieties: Meunier at 37%, Chardonnay at 43%, and Pinot Noir at 20%.

Tasting Notes:  a delegate gold hue and on the nose, it presents a bouquet of fresh citrus fruits, white flowers, and subtle hints of brioche. The palate is well-balanced with flavors of green apple, and plum with a hint of spice, complemented by a fine and persistent mousse. The finish is long and refreshing, with a mineral undertone that adds complexity and depth to the overall profile.

I found this champagne to be sophisticated and elegant, while simultaneously offering a delightful sensory experience.
93 Points
Liz Palmer

History of Telmont: The House of Telmont was founded in 1912 by Henri Lhopital in Damery, a village in the heart of the Champagne region in France. Over the years, Telmont has built a reputation for producing high-quality champagnes that reflect the unique terroir of the region. The family-owned estate has always been committed to sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, which is evident in their organic and biodynamic vineyard management. In recent years, Telmont has taken significant steps towards reducing their carbon footprint and promoting biodiversity, making them a pioneer in the world of sustainable viticulture. Telmont has converted its 24.5ha estate to organics.  The Organic Cuvée Telmont Réserve de la Terre is a testament to their dedication to preserving the environment while crafting exceptional champagnes.

La Scolca Wines Take Center State at Italian-Themed Dinner Hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla

Last Friday, King Charles and Queen Camilla hosted an Italian-themed dinner, at their Highgrove estate in Gloucestershire, featuring an extraordinary guest list, including Helen Mirren, David and Victoria Beckham, Rod Stewart, Donatella Versace, Sienna Miller, the Italian Ambassador to the UK, Inigo Lambertini, Chiara Soldati, and the British Ambassador to Rome, Lord Edward Llewellyn. A key evening figure was Stanley Tucci, an American actor of Italian descent and an expert in Italian gastronomy. Tucci collaborated with Chef Francesco Mazzei, a long-time ambassador of Italian cuisine worldwide, to create the exclusive menu for the evening.

The reception and dinner menu, prepared by Calabrian chef Francesco Mazzei, featured Italian recipes with British ingredients and was accompanied by English sparkling wine and Italian wines.

This dinner comes ahead of the royal couple’s state visit to Italy in early April, in which there will be engagements in Rome and Ravenna, with exclusive meetings with Pope Francis and Italian political leaders.

King Charles states this as a “most splendid evening which brings together two things very dear to my heart – slow food and Italy”, and “A nation’s food culture is a priceless social and environmental asset, intimately bound up with its sense of identity and place.”

“To say that we are looking forward to it would be to engage in a little British understatement,” he joked to diners, including Stanley Tucci, who inspired the choice of food.

“To better emphasize the special friendship between the two countries,” Chef Mazzei commented, “Stanley and I thought of an Italian menu made almost entirely with products from the United Kingdom. I must say, I found some exceptional products that are in no way inferior to those from Italy. The only products I imported from Italy were extra virgin olive oil and wines.”

The Piedmontese winery La Scolca played a leading role, with its Gavi dei Gavi Black Label 2023 accompanied by two of the dishes. “It was an honor to represent Italy, my region, and my territory at such an important event,” said Chiara Soldati, CEO of La Scolca and Knight of Labour, “during which Italian lifestyle excellence was celebrated. Chef Mazzei did a wonderful job of creating a gastronomic bridge between the two countries, in a union that is not just metaphorical but between two cultures and two important traditions. Events like this provide an important opportunity to highlight the value of our gastronomic tradition and our craftsmanship, elements that make Made in Italy a globally recognized and appreciated model.”

Food + Wine Served

Reception
Rare and pasture salumi
Tuscan-style paté and coppa
Yorkshire pecorino cheese puffs
British vegetables caponata tartelletta

Wine: Highgrove sparkling wine

Dinner
Scottish crab panzanella
Westcombe ricotta and Highgrove fine herbs ravioli
Isle of Wight tomato passata
Suffolk Red porchetta
Pumpkin and sage mash, Tuscan kale

Wines: white wine Gavi dei Gavi La Scolca Black label 2023 and red wine Barbaresco Gaja 2021

Zuppa Inglese and biscotti

Wine: Recioto della Valpolicella Classico Zenato

Source:  La Scolca Wines

WHO [Europe] highlights Nordic alcohol monopolies as a comprehensive model for reducing alcohol consumption and harm

The Nordic alcohol monopolies, stores that have the exclusive right to sell most alcoholic beverages in Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and the Faroe Islands, have contributed to relatively low alcohol consumption and reduced alcohol-related harm in the Nordic countries. This is a part of the WHO European Region historically known for harmful drinking patterns and high levels of associated harm.

Alcohol consumption levels in the European Union (EU) have remained largely unchanged for over a decade, making it the subregion with the highest consumption levels globally. The EU is currently not on track to meet the global and regional reduction targets for alcohol consumption.

To address this, the public health community is looking at good practices across EU countries, where alcohol consumption has been decreasing or has been kept at low levels.

The new WHO/Europe report “Nordic alcohol monopolies: understanding their role in a comprehensive alcohol policy and public health significance” highlights a comprehensive model used in the Nordic countries that other EU countries could learn from.

A model for reducing harm

Unlike for-profit alcohol sales models, the Nordic approach (excluding mainland Denmark and Greenland) restricts alcohol availability and minimizes commercial influence by preventing grocery stores and private retailers from selling stronger alcoholic beverages.

State-owned monopolies – ÁTVR in Iceland (with Vínbúðin as the retail store for alcohol), Systembolaget in Sweden, Alko in Finland, Rúsdrekkasøla Landsins in the Faroe Islands, and Vinmonopolet in Norway – operate with a clear mission: to protect public health over profit.

With limits on outlet numbers and sale hours and days, strict enforcement of age controls, and no marketing or discount pricing, these monopolies emphasize managing alcohol as a product with inherent risks, rather than treating it as an ordinary consumer product.

“This public health-first approach in the management of alcohol retail sales in Nordic countries is a great demonstration of alcohol policies that work,” says Dr Carina Ferreira-Borges, Regional Adviser for Alcohol, Illicit Drugs and Prison Health at WHO/Europe.

“Countries with state-owned monopolies have lower per capita alcohol consumption compared to the EU average, and generally have lower rates of alcohol-attributable harms, which span from liver disease, cancers and cardiovascular conditions to injuries and drownings.”

Challenging pressures and threats

Despite the monopolies’ strong public support and proven health benefits, recent legislative initiatives in several Nordic countries signal a potential shift toward privatization of retail alcohol sales, which could undo decades of public health gains.

In Finland, for example, recent policy changes have allowed the sale of a large proportion of alcoholic beverages outside monopoly stores, and there is ongoing consultation on permitting home delivery of alcohol. Similarly, in Sweden, a new court case challenges the monopoly’s exclusive rights to online sales, while proposed laws would permit farm sales of alcoholic beverages.

“There is consistent evidence that the structure of the retail alcohol distribution system – in other words, how, when and where alcohol is sold – significantly affects alcohol sales,” adds Dr Ferreira-Borges. “Government monopolies on off-premises retail sales have been shown to reduce alcohol consumption while privatizing alcohol sales tends to increase consumption.”

Two significant real-world privatization events illustrate how allowing alcohol sales in grocery stores in the 1960s has historically resulted in increased consumption and associated problems in Finland and Sweden. These findings suggest that the Nordic monopolies’ strict regulation of alcohol availability and elimination of promotion and marketing at sales outlets, including online stores, are key features that contribute to reduced alcohol consumption at the population level in their respective countries.

“WHO/Europe emphasizes that expanding alcohol availability could reverse the positive public health indicators that Nordic countries have achieved over decades of controlled alcohol sales,” Dr Ferreira-Borges concludes.

A global best-practice model at risk

Nordic alcohol monopolies serve as models worldwide, showcasing the benefits of recognizing alcohol as a harmful product with considerable social, economic and health impacts that requires specific approaches to management.

They align closely with WHO’s 3 recommended best buys (affordable, feasible and cost-effective intervention strategies) for alcohol control: increasing taxes/raising prices, restricting availability and restricting advertising. These have consistently shown to be the most effective means of reducing alcohol-related harm on a broad scale.

Source: World Health Organization