Columns — Winemaking Philosophy

Japanese wine

🇯🇵 Japan’s Hidden Wine Scene Gewürztraminer like Savagnin and Pinot Gris like Red Wine

A deep dive into the unexpected excellence of Japanese winemaking, beginning in Hokkaido. This sommelier report features tasting notes from the insider-favorite French Panda wine bar in Sapporo, highlighting unique expressions of Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Zweigelt from cutting-edge producers like Kamisato Vineyard, Domaine Mont, Takahiko Soga, and Domaine Bless.

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Using these wines as an example, I would like to reflect on the best winemakers in their class

💰 Price, Palate, or PR? How to Define the "Best Winemaker" in the World

A sommelier’s essential guide to defining the "best" in winemaking: evaluating the influence of price, critical study, and expert opinion. The article features insights on master producers like Olivier Collin (Champagne), Jean-Yves Bizot (Burgundy), and Louis-Michel Liger-Belair (Pinot Noir aristocracy).

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🚨 Hype or Heritage? Unmasking the 'Tino Kuban' Phenomenon & The Winemaker's Character

🚨 Hype or Heritage? Unmasking the 'Tino Kuban' Phenomenon & The Winemaker's Character

An explosive sommelier investigation into the character of winemakers and the quality of their wine, focusing on the highly-hyped German producer Tino Kuban. We blind-tasted his Pinot Noir L’Ouverture 2020 and Gamay La Leux 2021, comparing them to classics and asking: is his fame driven by PR and hype or true terroir? Featuring a tasting with the team from Gresca Bar in Barcelona.

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