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IN BRIEF
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2020 claret RETASTED IN BOTTLE
Another vintage of extremes in Bordeaux, with both challenging weather and pandemic lockdowns sparing few. Yet 2020 has produced a number of excellent wines and in parts can be confirmed as the conclusion of a great trilogy
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Bordeaux 2020: an early taste of 40 top-scorers
Wines are ordered first by score according to Decanter Bordeaux correspondent Georgina Hindle’s ratings, then alphabetically by producer. Where no UK stockist is specified, the price guides shown are approximate at the time of writing: wines will generally be widely distributed, so there will be availability across the market – consult specialist merchants for latest availability and prices
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Southern Rhône 2021
In the 2021 growing season the region’s south was as badly hit by weather extremes as its north, if not more so in places – yet there are many excellent wines to enjoy if you know where to look. Here’s our expert’s guide, with 40 choice wines
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A taste of the top 2021 southern Rhônes
These 40 wines are listed by commune, then by score, then alphabetically by producer. Some 2021s are still being barrel aged or are not yet bottled, hence some prices, stockists and alcohols are not yet confirmed. Contact specialist merchants for latest pricing an en primeur offers
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EMPIRE & VINE
The death knell of the old British empire was sounded in 1947, but its influence continues in many of its former colonies – including some of the vineyards that still flourish in what we now call the New World. Discover six surprising ways in which the British empire made wine history
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Orin Swift
Inspirational winemaking and groundbreaking presentation led to this Californian producer quickly catching the eye of one of the biggest US wine groups. While its ownership has changed, the creative drive behind the label remains in place
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Six to seek out from Dave Phinney & Orin Swift
Go to decanter.com/premium for Jonathan Cristaldi’s full tasting notes including five more wines from Orin Swift, L’usine Cellars (including the Manqué, Mazis-Chambertin Grand Cru) and Department 66
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TROPHY TEQUILAS
Want to explore one of the fastest growing spirits categories in the world? Look no further than superpremium tequila… if your wallet can withstand the hit
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Loaf-baked whole cheese with girolles
It’s the ultimate sharing treat: rich, melted cheese and garlicky mushrooms oozing out of warm, crusty bread. Tear and share with a glass of Chenin Blanc, Pinot Noir or Gamay
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CHICAGO
If you’re planning a trip to the windy city in 2023, you’re in luck. Not only is the food scene more exciting than it’s ever been, but both bar and restaurant wine lists have expanded to include a diverse crop of wines to match. Here we share eight exciting destinations for wine lovers
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Food & wine wisdom
Decanter’s contributing editor Fiona Beckett shares her food and wine pairing expertise
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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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South African Chenin Blanc
This three-day tasting was a resounding success, with 28 wines scoring 95pts or more, showing the quality and consistency across the Cape
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Cru bourgeois 2018
Across all the Bordeaux cru bourgeois levels, value and drinkability shone through in a pleasingly consistent tasting of this revitalised category. The line-up also showcased the strengths of the excellent 2018 vintage
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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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Bordeaux resurgence in 2023?
Relative value and forward thinking may see the market pendulum swing back towards Bordeaux
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Exploring village wines
The names of Rioja’s distinctive villages were never celebrated on wine labels – until recently. New legislation is changing the game, giving due recognition to the villages and their producers, and highlighting the diversity of the region as a whole
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RIOJA ALAVESA Six names to know
Small but influential Rioja Alavesa is home to some of Spain’s most forward-thinking, terroir-driven winemakers. The passionate producers profiled here are among those helping to make it such a special place
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RIOJA ORIENTAL
Previously known as Rioja Baja, Rioja Oriental is emerging from the shadows of its high-profile neighbours and overcoming its unfavourable reputation, producing wines of real character and quality
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Where to stay in RIOJA
Visitors flock to the region not only for its bodegas and vineyards, but also for the landscape, historic sites, picturesque villages and restaurants – and now its accommodation options are equally impressive
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Perfect pairings
If you fancy eating like a Riojano at home, why not treat yourself to one of the region’s distinctive wines too? Here are four classic local recipes that cry out for a decent bottle of Rioja on the side
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Hake with garlic chips and white beans
Hake is Spain’s absolutely favourite fish, made extra delicious with a scattering of crisp garlic chips and creamy white beans. Perfect with an oaked white Rioja.
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White asparagus with tuna and mayonnaise
More of an assembly job than a recipe, making the best use of Spain’s fantastic canned produce.
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Mushroom tapas, Logroño-style
I had a dish like this at Bar Soriano in Logroño’s Calle Laurel, which offers only garlicky mushrooms to eat. You can serve it on a fresh or lightly toasted baguette – Imarginally prefer the crunch of the latter. Either way, it sets off a good red Rioja perfectly.
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THE SWEET SPOT: £20-£40 reds
The hunt was on for red Rioja that offers both quality and value, and the wines in this tasting did not disappoint, with plenty of diversity on offer, too
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2004 and 2005*
This tasting of two excellent vintages almost two decades on proves that great Rioja wines are made to be enjoyed for many more years to come
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Graciano, Mazuelo & Maturana
Tempranillo remains the signature grape of Rioja, yet other red varieties play a key role in blends – and these three are increasingly making their mark as single varieties
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Marketwatch
News from the world of investments and auctions
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COMING OF AGE
How long should you keep your Rioja before drinking it? Here’s what you need to know
