Since 2020, Inside Bordeaux by accomplished wine expert Jane Anson has published ‘The September Releases’ international wine tasting report which scores the many wines presented at the ‘La Place de Bordeaux’ marketplace in France. September is the month that usually sees the release of the latest vintages from some of the globe’s most sought after regions and the marketplace is where the wine tasting report is compiled. Once complete, the publishing of the report introduces the world to the best varietals of the year, making it a fixture in the global wine calendar. Included in the list of must-have wines for 2022 is the Adrianna Vineyard Mundus Bacillus Terrae 2019 Malbec by Bodega Catena Zapata. Improving on its 2021 performance, where the 2018 vintage received a score of 98 points, placing amongst the top 5, the 2019 vintage was awarded an extremely rare, perfect score of 100 points at this year’s edition of the ‘La Place de Bordeaux’ marketplace.  Originally, ‘La Place de Bord...

Red wine has a rich and storied history in South America, where favourable climatic conditions and diverse terroirs have contributed to the growth and development of the wine industry. Among the countries in the region, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and Brazil have emerged as key players in the production of red wines, with each country possessing unique characteristics that result in amazing wines. Argentina is renowned for its production of high-quality red wines, particularly Malbec, with its history of winemaking tracing back to the 16th century when the Spanish colonizers arrived. It was however in the 19th century that the country’s wine industry began to flourish, having adapted to the grape varieties that were introduced by the Italian and French immigrants, along with the new winemaking techniques. The Mendoza region, situated in the foothills of the Andes Mountains, is Argentina's primary wine-producing area, offering high altitude terroirs coupled with a sunny and dry clima...

T he origins of blush wines on the South America continent can be traced back to the early Spanish colonial period, where arriving settlers in the 16th century marked the beginning of viticulture in the region. Travelling with grapevine cuttings from Europe, these settlers then set about cultivating them in various parts of South America. The region’s favourable climate and the fertile soils of pioneering wine countries like Argentina proved to be ideal for grape growing, leading to vineyards quickly becoming established. Winemaking in the south was initially focused on producing red wines and it wasn't until the 19th century that blush wines began to gain popularity. These wines, also known as rosé wines (rosado in Spanish), are made from red grape varieties, but the juice is left in contact with the grape skins for a shorter period, resulting in a lighter colour and a more delicate flavour profile. The development of blush wines in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay has been a...

  Wine, a revered beverage throughout the ages, carries with it a history that is rich, deep, and multifaceted and, when mingled with the world of cocktails, a whole new layer of creativity and culture is born. Wine cocktails are not just a recent trend fueled by modern experimentation but are rather deeply rooted in global traditions, with France and Spain often at the heart of such creations. Yet, beyond the Mimosa, Kir Royale, and Sangria, Argentina is developing as an unsung hero in the wine cocktail world, its distinctive grape varieties and vibrant social scenes transforming wine cocktails into a unique expression of its cultural identity. The history of wine cocktails can be traced back to the early days of winemaking itself, since, after all, wine was never confined to being enjoyed solely in its purest form.  In ancient times, mixing wine with various ingredients like honey, spices, and herbs was common as this practice was partly a necessity, since wines were often u...

  Bolivia and Peru, two countries whose names have never been synonymous with winemaking until now, have again been featured in the 2024 Descorchados wine rankings after both were first featured in 2021 and 2022 respectively. South America’s prowess in viticulture has long been dominated by Argentina and Chile with Uruguay steadily making itself known, along with Brazil, in recent years. Bolivia's inclusion in the Descorchados 2024, a premier guide to South American wines, has been a significant development for the country's burgeoning wine industry, following its breakthrough feature in the 2021 edition. Prior to this, Bolivia’s wines had remained relatively under the radar, however, the unique conditions of Bolivia's high-altitude vineyards, particularly in the Tarija region, have begun to draw attention. Tarija, known for its altitudes ranging from 1,800 to over 2,000 metres, provides a distinct environment for winemaking with its high-elevation conditions resulting in w...