Founded in 1902 and known for its pioneering role in resurrecting Malbec as well as discovering extreme high altitude terroirs in the Andean foothills of Mendoza, Bodega Catena Zapata is now the #1 vineyard in the world. At the recently held World’s Best Vineyards 2023 awards ceremony in Spain’s Rioja wine region on July 12, 2023, the winery emerged as the best vineyard in South America on its way to topping the world in the overall rankings. Since the first Malbec vineyard planting by founder Nicolás Catena over a hundred years ago, the wines of Bodega Catena Zapata have become a global favourite with grapes coming from six historic estate vineyards: Angélica, La Pirámide, Nicasia, Domingo, Adrianna and Angélica Sur. With the Andes mountain range as a stunning backdrop all year round, the Mayan temple-inspired, pyramid-shaped winery rises majestically from the surrounding vines. The top vineyards in the world for 2023 were chosen after a rigorous process by a voting panel that i...

  There’s something irresistible about the effervescent dance of bubbles in a glass of sparkling wine. Whether it’s the unmistakable pop of a Champagne cork or the delicate fizz of a chilled Prosecco, the moment those bubbles rise, celebration is in the air. For wine enthusiasts and revellers alike,  International Champagne Day  on October 25, 2024, offers the perfect occasion to indulge in the world's most iconic sparkling wine, while also reflecting on the cultural significance of these lively, effervescent beverages. Each year, the final Friday of October (which happens to be tomorrow) marks  International Champagne Day , a celebration dedicated entirely to the elegance and allure of Champagne. But the celebrations already began as of Monday October 21, 2024, commemorated each year as  International Sparkling Day , which pays homage to all sparkling wines, from Spain’s Cava to Italy’s Prosecco and Argentina’s Espumantes. Together, these two days honour the un...

In the realm of culinary celebrations, few occasions rival the sheer delight offered by the confluence of National Chocolate Soufflé Day and National Pancake Day, which were both celebrated yesterday. This delectable pairing is a symphony of flavours and textures that beckons both the gourmand and the casual diner alike to partake in the pleasures of these beloved treats. As we commemorate them a day after the official celebration,  Thursday Food  explores the origins of these culinary holidays and suggests the perfect wine pairings to elevate the experience to new heights. National Chocolate Soufflé Day, observed on February 28th each year, pays homage to the epitome of culinary decadence: the chocolate soufflé. Originating in France, this airy yet indulgent dessert has captured the hearts and palates of food enthusiasts around the world. With its delicate balance of rich chocolate flavour and ethereal texture, the chocolate soufflé embodies the artistry and precision of Fren...

  Awards season is upon us and as the 25th staging of the Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards takes centre stage today  to celebrate and honour excellence in Jamaica's culinary industry,  Thursday Food  highlights the Argentine medal winners recently announced at the 2024 Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA). The 2024 DWWA celebrated excellence in winemaking with a record number of 18,143 entries from around the globe. Renowned for its rigorous judging process, the distinguished panel comprised 243 leading wine experts, including 20 Master Sommeliers and 61 Masters of Wine from 33 countries. These esteemed wine experts blind-tasted wines from 57 countries, highlighting the diversity and quality of contemporary wine production across the world. Outstanding regions included Bordeaux in France, Napa Valley in California, and the emerging vineyards of South America with top medals going to innovative blends and classic varietals that showcase the artistry and craftsmans...

  Nestled in the vibrant outskirts of Buenos Aires is 4ta Pared, one of the city’s gems that proudly features in the 2024 Michelin Guide. This intimate 20-seat restaurant, led by the young and talented Chef Pablo Cerne, is not just a dining spot but a gastronomic experience that harmoniously combines microseasonality, sustainability, and creativity. Here, the stage is set for local ingredients to shine, and each dish is a testament to Cerne's expertise in the ever-evolving contemporary Argentine cuisine scene. Chef Pablo Cerne has an impressive background, his journey being one marked by passion, precision, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability. Having trained both in Argentina and abroad, Cerne brings a global perspective to his kitchen using sustainable produce, organic meats, and high quality local products to elevate the dining experience at 4ta Pared. His unwavering commitment to seasonal produce sees him creating unique gastronomic experiences using microseasonality....