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.
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
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
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, one of Washington state’s most elite Cabernet Sauvignon producers, has purchased a 17-acre vineyard in Red Mountain from...
Columns
🚨 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
A sommelier’s deep dive into a rare Burgundy comparative tasting, contrasting the styles of master vintners like Roumier, Ponsot, Pitiot,...
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...
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...
Knowledge
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
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
Many wine lovers think of the cork simply as a traditional touch — yet in the world of premium wine...
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 heros
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...
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 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...
How wine is made
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...
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 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 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...
Reviews
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...
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
These 5 white wines show how dramatically whites and reds’ desirable weather conditions differ. While the reds in 2024 were...
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...
Wine regions
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...
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,...
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 regions: Burgundy
Welcome to the detailed guide to Burgundy’s wines. Here you can find Burgundy’s ancient winemaking history, grape varieties, main AOCs,...
Grape Varieties
Grape Varieties: Merlot
Merlot has earned its place in the pantheon of great grapes. The most famous Merlots hail from Pomerol and Saint-Émilion,...
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...
Grape Varieties: Pinot Noir
Aromas, flavors, regions and styles of Pinot Noir – the most intelligent and hard-to-handle variety in the world.
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: 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: 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...
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...
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...
Quizzes
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...
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...
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,...