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Posted on by Dijana Grgić

Istrian winemakers delight the crowd at the 30th edition of Vinistra

Posted on by Dijana Grgić
Dijana Grgić enjoys some marvellous Malvasias and other local treats at the event held on the Istrian peninsula, which is fast becoming a Croatian classic. The 30th anniversary of Vinistra saw exhibition spaces adorned with the colours of the new logo, which is in the shape of a bunch of grapes, and the different sizes of the berries symbolise the unity of Istrian winemakers. It is precisely this...
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Way beyond the Bordeaux comfort zone

Posted on by Michael Fridjhon
To access this post, you must purchase Friend of the Circle (inc one-off joining fee), Corporate Friend of the Circle (inc one-off joining fee), Friend of the Circle (renewals) or Corporate Friend of the Circle (renewals), or log in.
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Life on the edge: the ancient roots and modern uprising of Etna

Posted on by Amanda Barnes
Amanda Barnes engages with the fascinating terroir of Sicily’s striking and active volcano, as her palate is swept away by some stunning bianco and rosso wines, made by a dedicated bunch of winemakers, some who even bottle ‘illegal’ varieties. Etna is an explosive terroir. A volcanic wine region on the island of Sicily, almost touching the African continent, it is steeped in history and mystery. ...
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The soaring story of Etna and Contrade dell’Etna

Posted on by Michèle Shah
Michèle Shah attends the 15th edition of the Contrade dell'Etna, which has developed exponentially since it started as a convivial gathering of local winemakers. In tandem, she describes the remarkable re-emergence of Etna’s elegantly energetic wines. In 2008, Andrea Franchetti, a visionary and eclectic wine pioneer — owner of the Passopisciaro estate on Etna and Tenuta di Trinoro in Tuscany — ig...
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Cherishing a Cape classic and more

Posted on by Colin Harkness
Colin Harkness calls in on Klien Constantia, meets winemaker Matt Day, himself fresh from fixing the date for the start of the harvest, and savours the sumptuously sweet Vin de Constance, dry Sauvignon Blancs and a red from Stellenbosch. Jane Austen is in some rather A-List company when she mentions the luscious dessert wine, Vin de Constance, from Klien Constantia Wine Farm, near Cape Town, Sout...
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Ningxia dominates the Chinese Wine Awards 2024

Posted on by Annabel Jackson
Annabel Jackson reports from Macau on the inaugural edition of the competition that seeks to give local winemakers critical feedback from outside experts, and around which there is a buzz. The gold medal and trophy winners at the inaugural Chinese Wine Awards 2024, held in Macau, at Wynn Palace, in March, were announced at a glossy gala dinner in the hotel’s ballroom in April.  The results are a...
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Meet the Member: Filippo Magnani

Posted on by Amanda Barnes
Italian member and wine communicator, Filippo Magnani reflects on 25 years of wine tourism in Tuscany in this Meet the Member interview with Amanda Barnes. Named after the Etruscan God of Wine, Fufluns, his tourism agency is a leader in the region. Inspired by the booming wine tourism industry in Napa Valley during the 1990s, Filippo Magnani recognized Italy's untapped potential and sought to ele...
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Reuse rather than recycle — the greener bottle solution

Posted on by Liz Sagues
Liz Sagues summarises the learnings and challenges presented in the recent Let's talk about... webinar, featuring three members of Porto Protocol — Diana Snowden Seysses, Marta Mendonça and Muriel Chatel, and moderated by L.M. Archer.   Is it idealistic fantasy that the wine bottle you're pouring from now could, over months or years to come, be refilled again and again rather than ending up in a ...
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A pair of great Danes

Posted on by Jochen Erler
To access this post, you must purchase Friend of the Circle (inc one-off joining fee), Corporate Friend of the Circle (inc one-off joining fee), Friend of the Circle (renewals) or Corporate Friend of the Circle (renewals), or log in.
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Meet the Member: Sue Eames

Posted on by Amanda Barnes
Based in Paris since 2001, Sue Eames has been communicating about French wine for over two decades although you will often find her judging internationally and dedicating much of her free time in helping with the Circle’s social media. Amanda Barnes interviews her about her favourite wines and regions, and discovers her tips for the perfect Kir.   What’s your earliest memory of wine? It wa...
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