Editor's Comment Archives - Circle of Wine Writers

Tasting through Tokaj

Posted on May 18, 2023May 18, 2023 by Amanda Barnes

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...

Delving into the different vinous chapters of Klein Constantia

Posted on April 30, 2023April 30, 2023 by Amanda Barnes

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...

Seeing beyond Semillon

Posted on March 29, 2023 by Amanda Barnes

Amanda Barnes hones in on Hunter Valley, finding a fine spread of varieties and styles, including fresh takes on its signature grape. It may be Semillon that Hunter Valley is best known for, but as a recent New South Wales tasting set out to prove — the region can do a whole lot more. Australia’s first Albariño was planted here, in the Hunter Valley, back in 2014, which spurred on a bit of an A...

Exploring the diversity of Los Chacayes

Posted on February 27, 2023 by Amanda Barnes

Amanda Barnes tours us through the new, but highly sought-after, appellation of Los Chacayes in the Uco Valley. This article and video first appeared in The South America Wine Guide. Since the first pioneer of the wine region, François Lurton and his family, planted here in 1996, Los Chacayes has exploded to become one of the hotspots of the Valle de Uco today with over 1,800 hectares of vi...

Mountains, coffee, and vinho

Posted on December 28, 2022December 31, 2022 by Amanda Barnes

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Wine between the dunes: A guide to Ica, Peru

Posted on November 27, 2022 by Amanda Barnes

Peru's wine regions, by Amanda Barnes. The South America Wine Guide

Block by block: Planting Jardin Altamira

Posted on October 23, 2022October 25, 2022 by Amanda Barnes

Amanda Barnes visits one of Mendoza's fascinating new vineyards, Altos Las Hormigas' Jardin Altamira, which is being planted by soil blocks. A version of this article was originally published on SouthAmericaWineGuide.com There's something quite fascinating about new vineyards being planted in Mendoza. Rather than the regular square blocks of vines, you are increasingly seeing vineyard...

Turning the earth upside down in Uruguay

Posted on September 23, 2022September 24, 2022 by Amanda Barnes

Rebuilding La Pousse d’Or

Posted on August 25, 2022August 26, 2022 by Amanda Barnes

Virtually sipping Spain

Posted on July 11, 2022July 19, 2022 by Amanda Barnes

Amanda Barnes embraces the opportunity to electronically engage with exciting wines from España at the annual Wines of Spain tasting. I know some people are over the virtual tastings, and others are not getting back into in-person tastings yet. I’m personally keen on both, and — most of all — keen to visit the vineyards while I can. But while I’m in the UK, chained to my desk prepping for MW exam...