Tenuta di Arceno and its plot to plant parcels with the perfect variety 

Committee member Liz Sagues reports on the emergence of micro crus at the ancient 1,000-hectare estate that can help to place similar emphasis on both savouring Sangiovese and producing stunning Super Tuscans. Whither the future of Tuscany? In Chianti Classico or in Super Tuscans? That was one of the questions posed as participants in a recent ‘CWW Let's talk about...’ webinar toured the hills, a...
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The ALCS and PLR: are you missing out?

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Champagne vs. ‘Champagne’

Markus Hungerbühler reports from Switzerland on the Swiss Federal Supreme Court’s rejection of the Protected Designation of Origin ‘AOC Commune de Champagne’. In March 2022, another case concerning the use of the designation ‘Champagne’ for wine from the municipality of Champagne in the Canton Vaud in Switzerland ended. The Federal Supreme Court, the highest court of the country, terminated the d...
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Ambassadorial knowledge acquisition

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What’s in a label and the EU’s new laws

Lawyer cum sommelier Dominic Buckwell gets inspiration from the Institute of Masters of Wine webinar on Labelling rules and transparency, detailing a complex past and giving the lowdown on proposed new and potentially game-changing legislation. Laws ensuring adequate packaging and labels for food and drink to protect consumers have existed since time immemorial. Weights and measures rules date fr...
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The Future of Wine Tastings – Industry survey results

Charlotte Hey reports on the findings of The Future of Wine Tastings survey held by various communications teams in the wine industry.  The Future of Wine Tastings research, carried out by a collection of the UK's leading wine PR agencies and generic wine bodies surveyed 1500+ wine trade professionals, buyers, press and influencers in the UK and abroad over period of a month from the 11th June- 7...
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Let’s talk about… CWW webinars!

Robert Smyth recaps the Circle's new way of doing tastings — virtually. He shares how it has changed his experience as an overseas member, and reflects on one of his favourite sessions from this month. As an overseas member of the CWW, it has always been a challenge for me to participate in many ‘live’ Circle events, which often take place in the London area. For example, as much as I’ve always...
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Circle Tasting: 20th anniversary of Minervois-La Lavinière

Neil Fairlamb and Richard Lane (a guest at the tasting) collaborate to celebrate the progress made in 20 years of Minervois-La Lavinière in bringing elegance to the Languedoc. The tasting took place on June 16 at the Naval Club in Mayfair. The Naval Club in London`s Mayfair seemed a world away from the craggy windswept foothills of the Montagne Noire in Languedoc`s Aude Valley that Richard Lane ...
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Time and terroir: A study of South African Chardonnay

John Downes MW reflects on the changing face of South African Chardonnay and how winemakers are searching for cooling climates for this demanding variety. He reports on the Circle's special wine tasting presented by Bouchard Finlayson, Paul Cluver and De Morgenzon Estate at this year's London Wine Fair. There was a first day buzz as Lia Poveda, the global ambassador for Bouchard Finlayson; Andrie...
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