NEWS

🍷 Mature Bordeaux Vintages Lead Collector Demand in Q4

Collector focus in the Bordeaux market has shifted strongly toward ready-to-drink back-vintages and established, high-scoring "classic" years from the last...

👑 Right Bank Elites Maintain Auction Premium Over Left Bank First Growths

👑 Right Bank Elites Maintain Auction Premium Over Left Bank First Growths

The ultra-elite Right Bank estates like Pétrus and Cheval Blanc have generally demonstrated greater price stability and higher ceiling values...

Champagne Outperforms Bordeaux in Market Resilience and Scarcity Value

🥂 Champagne Outperforms Bordeaux in Market Resilience and Scarcity Value

While Bordeaux remains the largest category by trade volume, Champagne has demonstrably performed better against the recent market downturn, showing...

Quilceda Creek Buys 17-Acre Red Mountain Vineyard from Duckhorn

Quilceda Creek Buys 17-Acre Red Mountain Vineyard from Duckhorn

Quilceda Creek, one of Washington state’s most elite Cabernet Sauvignon producers, has purchased a 17-acre vineyard in Red Mountain from...

🍷 Mature Bordeaux Vintages Lead Collector Demand in Q4

Collector focus in the Bordeaux market has shifted strongly toward ready-to-drink back-vintages and established, high-scoring "classic" years from the last two decades. This trend is driven by an ongoing pricing disconnect in the En Primeur market and a renewed collector desire for physical, proven assets that are nearing or at their prime drinking window.

👑 Right Bank Elites Maintain Auction Premium Over Left Bank First Growths

👑 Right Bank Elites Maintain Auction Premium Over Left Bank First Growths

The ultra-elite Right Bank estates like Pétrus and Cheval Blanc have generally demonstrated greater price stability and higher ceiling values compared to the larger volume Left Bank First Growths in recent auctions. This reflects a persistent collector focus on wines defined by extreme rarity and established luxury brand prestige.

Champagne Outperforms Bordeaux in Market Resilience and Scarcity Value

🥂 Champagne Outperforms Bordeaux in Market Resilience and Scarcity Value

While Bordeaux remains the largest category by trade volume, Champagne has demonstrably performed better against the recent market downturn, showing stronger price resilience and greater scarcity-driven demand in the most recent trading periods of 2025.

Quilceda Creek Buys 17-Acre Red Mountain Vineyard from Duckhorn

Quilceda Creek Buys 17-Acre Red Mountain Vineyard from Duckhorn

Quilceda Creek, one of Washington state’s most elite Cabernet Sauvignon producers, has purchased a 17-acre vineyard in Red Mountain from the Duckhorn Portfolio. The purchase price was not disclosed.

Columns

🚨 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...

Exploring Burgundy in the context of vintages and the styles of individual winemakers

Exploring Burgundy in the context of vintages and the styles of individual winemakers

A sommelier’s deep dive into a rare Burgundy comparative tasting, contrasting the styles of master vintners like Roumier, Ponsot, Pitiot,...

Piedmont Winemakers

Piedmont Winemakers and the Philosophy of Terroir

One of the most important questions for winemaker for me has always been why he makes the wine the way...

Champagne La Rogerie's Bourg Sud by Justine Boxler and François Petit

An in-depth review of Champagne La Rogerie's Bourg Sud by Justine Boxler and François Petit

Here is what one can respect the British for: even in difficult economic times, they try to maintain a high...

🚨 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.

Exploring Burgundy in the context of vintages and the styles of individual winemakers

Exploring Burgundy in the context of vintages and the styles of individual winemakers

A sommelier’s deep dive into a rare Burgundy comparative tasting, contrasting the styles of master vintners like Roumier, Ponsot, Pitiot, Faiveley, and Perrot-Minot across the highly-acclaimed 2010, 2009, and 2005 vintages. The article features reviews of iconic wines from Clos de Tart and Clos de la Bussière.

Piedmont Winemakers

Piedmont Winemakers and the Philosophy of Terroir

One of the most important questions for winemaker for me has always been why he makes the wine the way he does, and what he ultimately focuses on. I think this is the foundation of foundations in any direction of art, and wine in this case is certainly no exception.

Champagne La Rogerie's Bourg Sud by Justine Boxler and François Petit

An in-depth review of Champagne La Rogerie's Bourg Sud by Justine Boxler and François Petit

Here is what one can respect the British for: even in difficult economic times, they try to maintain a high standard for the level of wines they sell in wine venues, and for the huge number of wine venues that have been operating for decades. This is a very clear indicator of the development of wine culture.

Knowledge

Wine provenance: Why It is important

Wine provenance: Why It is important

The provenance of wine plays a crucial role in determining a wine's quality, value, and appeal. It encompasses various aspects,...

The difference between Organic & Biodynamic Wines

The difference between Organic & Biodynamic Wines

In recent years, consumers have shown an increasing interest in sustainable and environmentally friendly products, including wines. Biodynamic and organic...

Why the Wine Cork Isn’t Just Decorative

Why the Wine Cork Isn’t Just Decorative

Many wine lovers think of the cork simply as a traditional touch — yet in the world of premium wine...

Glass

The Shape of Flavor: Wine Glass Guide

The shape of a wine glass can completely change how aromas unfold, how tannins feel, and even how bubbles dance....

Wine provenance: Why It is important

Wine provenance: Why It is important

The provenance of wine plays a crucial role in determining a wine's quality, value, and appeal. It encompasses various aspects, including the wine's origin, production, storage, and transportation. By understanding the importance of wine provenance, connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts alike can make better-informed decisions when purchasing and enjoying wines from around the world.

The difference between Organic & Biodynamic Wines

The difference between Organic & Biodynamic Wines

In recent years, consumers have shown an increasing interest in sustainable and environmentally friendly products, including wines. Biodynamic and organic wines are two distinct approaches to wine production that align with these values. While both focus on natural practices, they have significant differences in philosophy, methodology, and certification. In this article, we will explore the key dissimilarities between biodynamic and organic wines, shedding light on how they contribute to sustainable winemaking.

Why the Wine Cork Isn’t Just Decorative

Why the Wine Cork Isn’t Just Decorative

Many wine lovers think of the cork simply as a traditional touch — yet in the world of premium wine collecting it plays a crucial role in ageing, authenticity and value. Here are five facts every collector should know.

Glass

The Shape of Flavor: Wine Glass Guide

The shape of a wine glass can completely change how aromas unfold, how tannins feel, and even how bubbles dance. Let’s explore how each glass enhances the wine it’s meant to hold.

Wine heros

Clément Calleja from Billecart-Salmon

Clément Calleja of Billecart-Salmon: "The actual boss of the house is the wine itself"

In Champagne, where many historic names have long been absorbed by global groups, Billecart-Salmon stands apart — a house that...

Maya and Naoko Dalla Valle – an Interview

Legacy and Vision: Interview with Maya and Naoko Dalla Valle

At Symbolicwines.com we are very proud to export Dalla Valle wines.  In this conversation, Maya and Naoko share their views...

Scott Becker, Realm Cellars

Scott Becker of Realm Cellars: “Absurdism Implies Questioning the Meaning of Life”

We’re incredibly fortunate to have sat down with Scott Becker, the co-founder and visionary behind Realm Cellars, whose leadership has...

Clément Calleja from Billecart-Salmon

Clément Calleja of Billecart-Salmon: "The actual boss of the house is the wine itself"

In Champagne, where many historic names have long been absorbed by global groups, Billecart-Salmon stands apart — a house that has remained family-owned and defiantly independent for more than two centuries.

Maya and Naoko Dalla Valle – an Interview

Legacy and Vision: Interview with Maya and Naoko Dalla Valle

At Symbolicwines.com we are very proud to export Dalla Valle wines.  In this conversation, Maya and Naoko share their views on stewardship, intuition, and the evolving character of Napa Valley.

Scott Becker, Realm Cellars

Scott Becker of Realm Cellars: “Absurdism Implies Questioning the Meaning of Life”

We’re incredibly fortunate to have sat down with Scott Becker, the co-founder and visionary behind Realm Cellars, whose leadership has helped shape not only the winery but the very conversation around modern Californian winemaking. We're proud to share this exclusive interview. 

How wine is made

Malolactic fermentation

All You Need to Know About Malolactic Fermentation

Why do some wines have a creamy texture and buttery taste, while others are sharp? The secret lies in malolactic...

Champagne

The mystery of Champagne making

The process of Champagne making, broken down into steps, types of Champagnes and the best examples of them – in...

how rose wine is made

How wine is made: rose wine

Rose wine may be very different – from deep-coloured and full-bodied, to light and pale. It all depends on the...

how red wine is made

How wine is made: red dry wine

Guide to red winemaking. What defines red wine and how does the process of red vinification differ from white and...

Malolactic fermentation

All You Need to Know About Malolactic Fermentation

Why do some wines have a creamy texture and buttery taste, while others are sharp? The secret lies in malolactic fermentation – the conversion of sharp malic acid into soft lactic acid. It smooths out the profile of the wine and gives it a creamy, buttery flavor. Here’s what you need to know about malolactic.

Champagne

The mystery of Champagne making

The process of Champagne making, broken down into steps, types of Champagnes and the best examples of them – in the text below.
how rose wine is made

How wine is made: rose wine

Rose wine may be very different – from deep-coloured and full-bodied, to light and pale. It all depends on the winemaking process. Let’s look at rose from a winemaker’s point of view.

how red wine is made

How wine is made: red dry wine

Guide to red winemaking. What defines red wine and how does the process of red vinification differ from white and rose.

Reviews

Perfect Pairings Article Red Wines

Perfect Pairings for Every Type of Wine Pt 2: The Red Wines

What's for dinner? It's always the question. And if you're as into wine as we are, you already know the...

White wine pairings

Perfect Pairings for Every Type of Wine Pt 1: The White Wines

Whenever you're stuck planning a meal, think of this as your sommelier’s compass. Today, we’re diving into the world of...

5 of the Best Whites In Bordeaux’s 2024 Vintage

5 of the Best Whites In Bordeaux’s 2024 Vintage

These 5 white wines show how dramatically whites and reds’ desirable weather conditions differ. While the reds in 2024 were...

Bordeaux 2024

Price/quality ratio: Bordeaux 2024’s affordable luxury

5 wines from Bordeaux 2024’s freshly released vintage, that prove that every downside has its benefit. These highly rated chateaux...

Perfect Pairings Article Red Wines

Perfect Pairings for Every Type of Wine Pt 2: The Red Wines

What's for dinner? It's always the question. And if you're as into wine as we are, you already know the best place to start: with the wine. Today, we’re exploring red wines and their most popular styles.

White wine pairings

Perfect Pairings for Every Type of Wine Pt 1: The White Wines

Whenever you're stuck planning a meal, think of this as your sommelier’s compass. Today, we’re diving into the world of white wines – in their most popular and food-friendly forms.

5 of the Best Whites In Bordeaux’s 2024 Vintage

5 of the Best Whites In Bordeaux’s 2024 Vintage

These 5 white wines show how dramatically whites and reds’ desirable weather conditions differ. While the reds in 2024 were struggling, the whites celebrated the better year.

Bordeaux 2024

Price/quality ratio: Bordeaux 2024’s affordable luxury

5 wines from Bordeaux 2024’s freshly released vintage, that prove that every downside has its benefit. These highly rated chateaux are really fairly priced.

Wine regions

Domaine Béru: A Legacy Reborn in Chablis

Domaine Béru: A Legacy Reborn in Chablis

For more than four centuries, the Béru family has been the custodian of this historic Chablis estate. Once entirely sustained...

Rhone Valley Wines: North VS South

North vs. South: A Quick Guide to Rhône Valley

The northern and southern Rhône are like twin sisters—similar yet completely different. It would take long to understand them both,...

Californian wine brief history

Brief but complete history of Californian winemaking

This history of winemaking is probably one of the youngest but also it’s the most exciting one. From the first...

Wine route of Burgundy

Wine regions: Burgundy

Welcome to the detailed guide to Burgundy’s wines. Here you can find Burgundy’s ancient winemaking history, grape varieties, main AOCs,...

Domaine Béru: A Legacy Reborn in Chablis

Domaine Béru: A Legacy Reborn in Chablis

For more than four centuries, the Béru family has been the custodian of this historic Chablis estate. Once entirely sustained by its vineyards, the property suffered a devastating blow in the early 1900s when phylloxera destroyed all its vines, forcing wine production to cease for decades.

Rhone Valley Wines: North VS South

North vs. South: A Quick Guide to Rhône Valley

The northern and southern Rhône are like twin sisters—similar yet completely different. It would take long to understand them both, but we've created a clear guide so you'll never confuse them again. 

Californian wine brief history

Brief but complete history of Californian winemaking

This history of winemaking is probably one of the youngest but also it’s the most exciting one. From the first missionaries and gold miners to Robert Parker and TikTok bloggers – this article features all the key moments of California wine history. 

Wine route of Burgundy

Wine regions: Burgundy

Welcome to the detailed guide to Burgundy’s wines. Here you can find Burgundy’s ancient winemaking history, grape varieties, main AOCs, and some of the most notable wines.

Grape Varieties

Merlot grape variety

Grape Varieties: Merlot

Merlot has earned its place in the pantheon of great grapes. The most famous Merlots hail from Pomerol and Saint-Émilion,...

Ripe Sauvignon blanc

Grape Varieties: Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is the most prominent and famous aromatic white variety. It’s origin is in Loire and Bordeaux but it...

Pinot Noir grape variety

Grape Varieties: Pinot Noir

Aromas, flavors, regions and styles of Pinot Noir – the most intelligent and hard-to-handle variety in the world.

chardonnay grape variety

Grape Varieties: Chardonnay

Chardonnay: variety description, main growing regions, food pairings, variety-defining aromas and flavors.

Merlot grape variety

Grape Varieties: Merlot

Merlot has earned its place in the pantheon of great grapes. The most famous Merlots hail from Pomerol and Saint-Émilion, such as the legendary Château Pétrus.

Ripe Sauvignon blanc

Grape Varieties: Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is the most prominent and famous aromatic white variety. It’s origin is in Loire and Bordeaux but it found a new home all across the world, showing many kinds of aromatic profiles depending on the terroir and the winemaker’s techniques.

Pinot Noir grape variety

Grape Varieties: Pinot Noir

Aromas, flavors, regions and styles of Pinot Noir – the most intelligent and hard-to-handle variety in the world.
chardonnay grape variety

Grape Varieties: Chardonnay

Chardonnay: variety description, main growing regions, food pairings, variety-defining aromas and flavors.

5 wine facts

Cellaring Mistakes That Kill Fine-Wine Value

Cellaring Mistakes That Kill Fine-Wine Value: 5 Facts You Can’t Ignore

A truly collectible wine is not just about origin or score — it’s about how well you preserve it. Below...

Auction Houses vs Retail Release

Auction Houses vs Retail Release: 5 Facts Every Fine-Wine Collector Should Know

For collectors of premium European and American wines, understanding how retail release prices differ from auction results can determine whether...

Wine facts about Corks

5 Wine Facts: the Corks

Whether punched from ancient bark or spun in a lab, the cork is more than a plug—it’s part of the...

Wine facts about Terroirs

5 Wine Facts: the Terroirs

Terroir is wine’s ultimate storyteller. It speaks in the minerality of a Chablis, the savory spice of a Syrah from...

Cellaring Mistakes That Kill Fine-Wine Value

Cellaring Mistakes That Kill Fine-Wine Value: 5 Facts You Can’t Ignore

A truly collectible wine is not just about origin or score — it’s about how well you preserve it. Below are five facts every collector should remember before storing another bottle.

Auction Houses vs Retail Release

Auction Houses vs Retail Release: 5 Facts Every Fine-Wine Collector Should Know

For collectors of premium European and American wines, understanding how retail release prices differ from auction results can determine whether your cellar appreciates in value or quietly loses potential. Here are five essential facts to guide your strategy.

Wine facts about Corks

5 Wine Facts: the Corks

Whether punched from ancient bark or spun in a lab, the cork is more than a plug—it’s part of the wine’s identity.

Wine facts about Terroirs

5 Wine Facts: the Terroirs

Terroir is wine’s ultimate storyteller. It speaks in the minerality of a Chablis, the savory spice of a Syrah from the Northern Rhône, or the ocean-kissed salinity of a coastal Chardonnay.

Quizzes

Wine Quizzes on Symbolicwines.com

Quiz: The Most Expensive Wines

If you read Media section on Symbolicwines.com, you are well informed about the most expensive wines on sale right now...

Wine Quizzes on Symbolicwines.com

Quiz: Check Your Sommelier Skills!

Welcome to this neat little somm knowledge quiz! Whether you're a MS, an enthusiast, or simply curious about the fascinating...

Wine Quizzes on Symbolicwines.com

Quiz: Check Your Winemaking Skills

We made this quiz for those whose knowledge is more than just tannins and acidity. Check if you’re a beginner,...

Wine Quizzes on Symbolicwines.com

Quiz: The Most Expensive Wines

If you read Media section on Symbolicwines.com, you are well informed about the most expensive wines on sale right now – we made an article about it. If not – we strongly advise to read it and then go back to this quiz.

Wine Quizzes on Symbolicwines.com

Quiz: Check Your Sommelier Skills!

Welcome to this neat little somm knowledge quiz! Whether you're a MS, an enthusiast, or simply curious about the fascinating world of wine, this quiz is going to be fun! On Symbolicwines.com we try to educate and entertain at the same time.

Wine Quizzes on Symbolicwines.com

Quiz: Check Your Winemaking Skills

We made this quiz for those whose knowledge is more than just tannins and acidity. Check if you’re a beginner, intermediate, advanced or expert!