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Uncorked
Extreme weather has jeopardised Italy’s status as the world’s biggest wine producer, according to one forecast of 2023 harvest size, as winemakers across the northern hemisphere size up prospects for their new vintage.
Italy was set to produce approximately 43 million hectolitres (4.3bn litres) of wine in 2023, down 14% on last year, said farming group Coldiretti in an initial August forecast.
Extreme weather linked to climate change, from storms to intense heat, significantly impacted some producers’ potential grape harvest in central and southern regions, it said.
The 2023 harvest could join 1948, 2007 and 2017 as one of Italy’s smallest in the last century, said Coldiretti, although quality was still expected to be high.
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Andrew Jefford
‘Is there any duty on finewine producers to “be accessible” in some way?’
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NAPA CABERNET 2020
After what turned out to be a difficult and traumatic growing season across California, those who were able to did manage to produce many high-quality wines, albeit often in small quantity, as our expert summary reveals. Follow advice where you can, and consider drinking rather than keeping long term
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Cristaldi’s 40
Wines are listed by points scored, then alphabetically by producer. The appellations given are those marked on the label; many producers choose to use the generic Napa Valley AVA even though their wines could be classified under one of the 16 sub-AVAs. Stockists and prices are shown where available – some UK allocations may not have been set, some wines will not be exported, and some may have already sold out. For latest availability updates, contact specialist merchants.
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South America’s WINEMAKERS TAKE FLIGHT
Across the continent, an outdated ‘one size fits all’ approach to wine has given way to a detailed regional focus, with terroir expression the top priority. These are the worldly winemakers charting South America’s new path of self-discovery…
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High-altitude Malbec
Argentinian Malbec’s association with the Andes is firmly established. But in recent years wine-growers are going even higher in their quest for freshness and precision. Our expert’s selection of top reds well illustrates the benefits of these high-altitude terroirs
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Brazil: nation of innovation
A groundbreaking new DO for sparkling wines, pioneering viticultural techniques, a greater willingness to experiment and improved marketing beyond its borders mean Brazilian wines are currently making waves
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CONDRIEU
Too richly flavoured for some, nectar to others, Viognier finds its apotheosis in Condrieu. Here in this far-northern Rhône region, up-and-coming winemakers are meeting with aplomb the challenges posed by shifting tastes and rapidly changing climate
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Mind the GENDER GAP
Wine collecting has long been seen as a predominantly male domain, but women are becoming increasingly visible in the field – even if they may have different driving forces
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White rum – the next tequila?
It’s long been regarded in some quarters as an uninteresting, even low-quality mixer spirit. But could white rum finally now capture the attention of flavour-loving white spirits drinkers?
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PERFECT PAIRINGS for mature Burgundy
Take one Cordon Bleu-trained chef-turned Master of Wine, add a good selection of well-cellared Burgundy, mix well. Combine with the finest seasonal ingredients – and enjoy…
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Five stunning days in MENDOZA
Wineries of every size and style, breathtaking Andes views, mouthwatering fire-pit cooking, horseback adventures and Malbec, glorious Malbec – you’ll find all this and more in Mendoza. The only question is: how much can you pack in?
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Wine wisdom
Our regular learning section helps you get more from your glass
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The sommelier suggests...
We invite a leading sommelier to pick a go-to, favourite grape variety or wine style
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Editors picks
Each month our editorial team tastes a lot of wine, but not all of it makes it onto the page. So here’s our in-house pick of other great wines we’ve tried
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American Cabernet Franc
An impressively wide-ranging tasting, and the ‘other’ Cabernet’s keen band of admirers will be delighted with the quality and diversity to be discovered
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US Chardonnay
Oregon in the northwest and California’s Sta Rita Hills and other coastal regions stood out particularly in this enjoyably broad and high-scoring assessment of what remains a hugely popular range of wine styles
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URUGUAY
A strong coastal character runs through many of the wines of this small but welcoming South American nation. Tannat is its red calling card, and Albariño is coming up fast among the whites
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WEEKDAY WINES
The Decanter in-house tasting team spends an awful lot of time out and about at tastings, finding new and exciting wines, or new vintages of existing wines, for everyday drinking. On these pages we bring you 25 top picks that are all ready to drink now, available in the UK and priced at £20 or less
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WEEKEND WINES
Get through the working week, and it’s time to crack open something a little bit more special. As a companion selection to our 25 wines under £20, the Decanter team has selected seven standout bottles that are sure to impress, all available in the UK and priced between £20 and £50
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Growing pains for California on the market?
A steady five-year positive trend has fallen away since late in 2022, although buyers are keen on older wines and big sizes
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Americas on La Place
Bordeaux’s long-established marketplace for wines is increasingly being chosen by producers in the Americas, north and south, as the release platform for their top-flight and often cult-status wines. How does it work, and what are the impacts for potential collectors and investors?
