Month: October 2022

Ukraine officially becomes the 49th OIV member state

Officially today, October 30, 2022, the intergovernmental viticulture organization, The International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) will readmit Ukraine to its ranks. The war-ravaged Eastern European state was previously a member from 1997 to 2008, and had applied for membership last year, before the February invasion.

This brings now brings the number of OIV member states to 49.

In 2021, 660,000 hl of wine were produced in Ukraine from a vineyard area of around 42,000 ha. All of the major wine-growing countries of the world belong to the OIV.

By becoming a member of the OIV, Ukraine will benefit from the information, cooperation and services of a network of over 1,000 experts. These links will enable Ukraine to participate in decisions concerning the viticulture sector.

“By joining the OIV, Ukraine will benefit from the information, cooperation and services of a network of around 1,000 experts.  These connections will enable Ukraine to participate in the fundamental decisions on the development of the sector and to make its voice heard,” OIV states.

@oiv2022mx @@oiv_int  #oiv #ukrainewine #ukrainewines #wine #winelover # ukrainewinery #ukraine #vineyard  #winenews #vines #viticulture

Fontanafredda Wine Tasting – Barolo Week (Toronto) by Sergii Daragan

It’s “Barolo Week” I attended, along with a group of industry specialists, a wine and food pairing lunch at Eataly, Toronto to celebrate Barolo.  We tasted six amazing vintage Barolos which paired beautifully with Eataly’s specialty dishes [listed below] while listening all about Fontanafredda’s “King of the Wine” and “Wine of Kings.”

It was a great experience to taste Barolo different styles and vintages, and at the same time compare new-school and old-school styles.

For me, “the wine of the day” became Barolo Proprieta in Fontanafredda 2018 for its fresh, and rich, with notes of licorice and pink pepper on the palate with distinct floral and red fruit notes on the nose.

Wines Tasted:

– Barolo Serralunga Organic, 2018

– Barolo Proprieta in Fontanafredda, 2018

– Barolo Vigna La Rosa, 2018

– Barolo Vigna La Rosa, 2016

– Barolo Vigna La Rosa, 1996

– Barolo Riserva, 2010

Eataly’s Dishes:

Mushroom Arancini
Fresh-made Mozzarella
Gnocchi with Red-wine-braised Ragu
Mushroom Pizza
Chocolate Cannoli

@fontanafreddawines @eatalytoronto

#FontanafreddaWines #RinascimentoVerde #italy #barolotime #barolowek #wine #barolo #lovebarolowine #barololovers #serralunga #winery #winelover #winemaking #enolovers #winelovers #langheunesco #italianwine #langhe #langhehills #instagood #vinoitaliano #nebbiolo #vineyards #vitigno #eataly #eatalytoronto #torontoevent #foodandwine #baroloweektoronto #baroloweek #winereview

The “2022 World’s Best Vineyards” revealed last night

World’s Best Vineyards has revealed this year’s top wine destinations for 2022 at an event held last night in Argentina’s wine capital, Mendoza. The annual list which highlights the world’s finest and most diverse vineyards across the globe announced the Top 50 with the innovative Antinori nel Chianti Classico in Tuscany, Italy, topping the list for the first time. Italy also celebrated the highest climber accolade with sparkling wine producer Ferrari Trento moving 50 places up the list to 11.

Spain’s Bodegas de los Herederos del Marqués de Riscal with its longstanding history and breathtaking architecture took second place for two years in a row, whilst Chilean vineyards, Montes and VIK Winery, achieved third and fourth place. Montes also took continent winner for South America, with Robert Mondavi Winery which is described as the ‘soul of Napa Valley’ topping North America. The best in Africa was revealed as Creation in South Africa, whilst Henschke in Australia topped the list with the stunning winery in the Eden Valley. France and Portugal had the highest overall split of vineyards with each taking 11 spots on this year’s Top 100 list.

The 2022 list includes more countries than ever before with 20 from all six continents being featured. It also includes exciting first-time entrants from India, Bulgaria and Greece highlighting the recent growth in the industry. There were more English entries than ever before with Balfour Winery (78), Gusbourne (85) and Nyetimber (93) joining Ridgeview at number 73.

This year’s host, Zuccardi Valle de Uco has been promoted to the World’s Best Vineyard’s Hall of Fame after coming top of the list three years in a row. Going forward the new category will be formed of vineyards that top the annual vote of the World’s 50 Best Vineyards and are therefore no longer eligible to be voted for on new editions of the list.

Andrew Reed, Managing Director Wine and Exhibitions at William Reed, commented that, “The World’s Best Vineyards highlights wine tourism destinations around the globe and now that travel is back on the cards, this year’s list is more important than ever for raising profiles with tourists and those looking for authentic and unique trips. We are so pleased to have been able to travel to Mendoza for this year’s event. It is a place of extraordinary beauty and of course, lots of amazing vineyards – the perfect wine tourism destination. Gracias!”

Dr Nora Vicario, Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Province of Mendoza, said that: “We were thrilled to be able to host this year’s World’s Best Vineyards event in Mendoza. Here you can breathe in wine and a culture unlike anywhere else in the world. It is one of the great wine capitals and the combination of mountains, wine and ever-increasing diversity and innovation makes it a perfect travel destination. Congratulations to all the wineries listed this year!”

Congratulations to all the vineyards and estates. Here is a list of the top 50 winners:

1 @marchesiantinori
2 @marquesderiscal
3 @monteswines
4 @vik_wine
5 @schlossjohannisberg
6 @bodegastiopepe
7 @robertmondavi
8 @quintadocrasto
9 @catenawines
10 @bodegagarzon
11 @ferraritrento
12 @champagne_billecart_salmon
13 @smithhautlafitte
14 @dr.loosen
15 @champagnetaittinger
16 @quinta_soalheiro
17 @trapichewines
18 @closapalta
19 @aveledawines
20 @domaenewachau
21 @elenemigowines
22 @chateaumoutonrothschild_
23 @yquem
24 @opusonewinery
25 @salenteinbodega
26 @chateaupapeclement
27 @pichonbaron
28 @quintadoinfantado
29 @abadiaretuerta_
30 @casasdelbosque
31 @quinta_da_pacheca
32 @viumanentwinery
33 @ruinart
34 @familiatorreswines
35 @chateauhautbrion_
36 @henschke
37 @quintadobomfim
38 @creationwines
39 @kleinconstantia
40 @estate_argyros
41 @craggyrange
42 @quinta_nova
43 @chateaudeberne
44 @vivancoculturadevino
45 @donnafugatawine
46 @jordanwinery
47 @tokarawine
48 @quintadonoval_official
49 @penfolds
50 @winery.schlossgobelsburg

The top vineyards list can be found on www.worldsbestvineyards.com

#worldsbestvineyards2022 #worldsbestvineyards #awards #winetourism #vineyards #wine #winelovers #winery #bestwineries #winesoftheworld

Duca di Salapurata Group [Toronto Tasting] by Sergii Daragan

There wouldn’t be a better beginning of the week than a wonderful wine and food pairing dinner with industry colleagues, and maestro winemaker Roberto Magnisi, at Eataly, Toronto.

Roberto Magnisi gave a presentation on the wines we tasted, which are currently not available in Canada.  Great pairings with fine Italian cuisine – we also travel around Sicily through his exciting stories and passion for  wine. We also had the chance to taste “Engine Gin” which blew my mind.

The Wine of the Night

The wine of the night was Duca Enrico Nero D’Avola 2018 – strong, round, well-balanced, with lots of character, and scents of wood.

The Pairing of the Night 

The pairing of the night was the stunning Marsala Vergine Riserva VR1609 2009 with lightly fried market fish, seafood, and vegetables. The unforgettable salty caramel chocolate nose of Marsala intense the flavor of lemon sprayed Fritto Misto di Mare by adding some sweetness to the oily and salty seafood and fish. This sweetness made all flavors more intense and they were popping on the tongue. Definitely worth trying.

The full list of wines tasted:

  1. Lavico Etna Bianco Carricante, 2021
  2. Sentiero Vento Vermentino, 2021
  3. Marsala Vergine Riserva VR 1609, 2009
  4. Lavico Etna Rosso Nerello Mascalese, 2020
  5. Duca Enrico Nero D’Avola, 2018
  6. Passo Delle Mule Nero D’Avola, 2020
  7. Florio Marsala Vergine Riserva VR0504, 2004
  8. Florio Marsala Semisecco Superiore Riserva SR2715, 2015

It was so great to meet everyone, thank you so much for such a great evening!   Sergii

@ducadisalaparuta @cantineflorio @eatalytoronto

#italianwine #wine #winelover #vino #winetasting #winelovers #redwine #winetime #instawine #vinoitaliano #italy #winestagram #winery #sommelier #italia #whitewine #vinorosso #wineoclock #wineporn #winelife #marsala #eataly #italianfood #tuscany #food #madeinitaly #winepassion #wines #vineyard #sicily #torontowineevewnt #wineevent #toronto #wineandfoodpairing

Women in Wine Talks: Laure de Lambert Compeyrot, CEO of Château Sigalas Rabaud 1er Cru Classé 1855 Sauternes

“Where good things come from a smaller 1er Cru Classe” Liz Palmer

On my recent trip to Bordeaux, I had the wonderful opportunity to meet and speak with Laure de Lambert Compeyrot.  Laure is CEO of Château Sigalas Rabaud 1er Cru Classé 1855 Sauternes (Bommes), the 6th generation of Château Sigalas Rabaud.

Château Sigalas Rabaud has a 14-hectare vineyard which is the smallest of the premier crus and is a very close neighbor of Château Yquem. Located in the commune of Bomme, on a slope facing south, the vines grow on the famous “Sauternes Terrace” characterized by a clay bedrock, covered with a silico gravel soil deposited by the Garonne over 600,000 years ago. Their plantings are 85% Semillon and 14% Sauvignon Blanc and 1% Muscadelle, with the average vines being 45 years old.

Château Sigalas Rabaud produces an extraordinary elegant and delicate Sauternes whose structure is 90% Sémillon and 10% Sauvignon Blanc, stored for 18 months in French oak barrels, with > 120g/L sugar.

This great terroir also produces excellent dry white wines.  What stood out for me was the Sémillante de Sigalas. Made from older Sémillon vines, it is a single varietal, aged  8 months in French oak barrels, with > 5 g/L sugar.  This wine was made without sulfur and produced on the same terroir as the 1st Grand Cru Classé, making it even more special.

The property features a beautiful 17th-century Chartreuse with five elegant guest rooms.  When I stepped out onto the terrace, I found stunning views of neighboring chateaux. The lounge and dining room have a real family feel, with an elegant mix of traditional and eclectic furniture and design. I was thrilled to find that Château Sigalas Rabaud received a 2022 Best of Wine Tourism Award on accommodation, and I can see why – what a stunning property.

Laure de Lambert Compeyrot

I finally get a chance to speak with Laure de Lambert Compeyrot about her start in the industry and other interesting facts about her.  The content has been edited for clarity.

Château Sigalas Rabaud has been under the management of sixth-generation Laure de Lambert Compeyrot since 2006 who has given the property a huge lift.  Laure officially became CEO in 2013. Her winemaking studies were at the School of Oenology of Bordeaux, although her position has shifted from winemaker and management to CEO she has a deep passion for the vineyard and the Chateaux.

While we were walking towards the vineyards, Laure explained how she is working with other neighboring Grands Crus Classés châteaux, to develop wine tourism in the Sauternes region.  She was elected President of Route des Vins en Graves et Sauternes in 2021. The association has over 150 members which include wine estates, chateaus, restaurants, hotels, and other properties.  Laure is hands-on “I love to be in the vineyard, to check on the vines, I like to decide the day of harvest, for me that’s very important.”   As we walk through the vineyards Laure tells me that she is “aware of the importance of respecting the terroir and its ecosystem.”

Once back on the terrace Laure and I sit down to continue the discussion with some wine and cheese.  It was a lovely view watching the sun go down and seeing the twinkling lights from the neighboring chateaux…

Liz: Who is Laure de Lambert Compeyrot and tell us about your history?

Laure:  laughs and says I “was born in a barrel” literally.  My mother and father are both from Pomerol and were in the wine business. My grandfather used to go out with me looking botrytis – I learned a lot of things from both grandfathers when I was young. I was exposed to vineyard work back then.

I worked in the Louvre, Paris in furniture – I loved my work.  After I had my children, I came back to work.  My husband is a banker, so we moved often like Toulouse and other locations.

In 2003 my father (Gérard, Marquis de Lambert des Granges) asked his children if someone would go to Montreal, Canada and I did.  I felt it was luck and I presented the 2001 in Montreal and I felt proud. I decided to go back to school to study winemaking, it was difficult but so interesting. I got an internship (in the family estate) in 2005.  My teenage children supported me in going back to school and for me, it was necessary to be successful in my studies for my children.  I couldn’t fail.

            “It’s important to take the risk by yourself”

 Liz:  Can you tell us what changes you have made since becoming CEO and what future plans you have?

Laure: Since becoming CEO, the first thing I changed is the tractor (laughs). I also wanted the estate to be bio, it was a good idea.  I also changed a lot of things in the vineyard and the cellar.

I also decided to organize agrotourism, so I invited a specialist (to study how it would work).

I have become successful with (wine) tourism, we have 57 % French guests, 20 % are local from Bordeaux, with the other 43% are from USA, Belgium and UK.

Another change I made is linking with the neighbors, you must speak with them and be with them and learn how we can all work together. I like to create links!  I am also the President of the Route des Vins en Graves et Sauternes.

“You are a révolutionnaire” my father’s friends have told me

Liz: Who has been your mentor in the industry?

Laure: I have two of them – the first one is a friend of my father and a big owner of Bordeaux of Medoc. In 2009 we were having dinner with my father and he said to my father its time for your daughter to become CEO. He showed me so much…he took my hand.  I had the code – because I’m from an old family. The second one is a true artist Eric Boissenot who is an oenologist.

Liz: If you weren’t the CEO of Château Sigalas Rabaud, what would you be doing?

Laure:  A lot of things….. maybe a painter, or something with my husband, maybe in Cambodia working in agriculture….

Liz: In your personal wine collection, what would we find?

Laure: Including historic family wines, I also collect a lot of wines from Napa, California.

Liz: What is your favorite food and wine pairing?

Laure: I have so many …. Sauternes 2016 with Roquefort cheese.

This ends our conversation and as we enjoy our glass of Chateau Sigalas Rabaud 2006 [Sauternes] and Roquefort cheese.

To learn more about Laure de Lambert Compeyrot and Château Sigalas Rabaud please visit  ttps://www.chateau-sigalas-rabaud.com/

This interview is part of “Women in Wine Talk” series, our continuing effort to highlight winemakers, sustainable specialists, executives, and others making a positive impact in the world of wine.

@charmeu_usa @charmeu_canada and @vinsblancsdebordeaux_usa #enjoyitsfromeurope #euAgriPromo #MadeintheEU #thecharmingtasteofeu #charmeu #bordeauxwine #bordeauxwinelover #madeinfrance #wine #winelover #travelling #traveldiaries  #winelife #winetourism #womeninwine #womenwinemakers #womeninwinebusiness #femmesdevin #awardwinning #wine #sweetwine #whitewine #ChâteauSigalasRabaud #PremierCruClassé #sauternes