Life on the edge: the ancient roots and modern uprising of Etna

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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Reflections on the epic transformation of Malbec with Antonio Morescalchi

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Back to the vinous future

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Tools of the trade: road testing Kurt Zalto’s Josephine glasses in the world’s hardest wine exam

Amanda Barnes shares her experience of taking the Master of Wine practical exam, and reveals her weapon of choice to tackle it — a wine glass with a special kink. A version of this article was first published on Around The World in 80 Harvests. The practical part of the Master of Wine exam is one of the hardest undertakings I have ever experienced. It is not only an intense academic experience, b...
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Exploring Campanha and a direction for Brazilian wine

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The old vine revolution of Eastern Mendoza

Amanda Barnes shares her excitement about the renaissance of old vine Criolla wines in Eastern Mendoza in this video documentary, published on The South America Wine Guide. There are many reasons why I am excited about the old vine revolution happening in South America. Both with noble grapes like Semillon, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as far humbler grapes including País, Mos...
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Patience, perseverance and pasta: Antinori launches its London Cantinetta

Amanda Barnes sits down to taste a vertical of Solaia as the Antinori family launches its latest restaurant in the heart of London. “Having 630 years of history helps us to be patient,” says Allegra Antinori, 26th generation of the Antinori wine dynasty and the middle of the three sisters gradually taking over from their father, Marchese Piero Antinori.  “This is not a soft launch, but a long la...
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Tasting through Tokaj

Amanda Barnes takes to the hills of Tokaj to learn about the fascinating history and art of sweet, sparkling and still wines in the region from László Mészáros, director of Disznókõ. “We are the oldest wine region, but still a very young one,” this simple statement made by László Mészáros, director of one of Tokaj’s most esteemed estates, Disznókõ, became increasingly poignant and meaningful to m...
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Delving into the different vinous chapters of Klein Constantia

Amanda Barnes takes a taste and read through Klein Constantia: The home of Vin de Constance. Books are always better when they’re enjoyed with wine — especially when they’re wine books. Even more so when you can drink the very wine described in the book — and so was my experience with the latest release from John Stimpfig’s First Press Editions’ Klein Constantia: The home of Vin de Constance. The...
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