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Club Oenologique

@cluboenologique.bsky.social

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The world, through the lens of wine and spirits. With insights and recommendations from The IWSC. Subscribe to our magazine http://cluboenologique.com/shop.

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Club Oenologique @cluboenologique.bsky.social · Apr 28

ISSUE 18 is out now and we are delighted to welcome Hélène Darroze as guest editor 🌟

From the avant-garde spirit of Bordeaux to the cocktail bars experimenting with French brandy, this issue celebrates France in all its glory.

Explore now: bit.ly/Issue18CO3

Club Oenologique @cluboenologique.bsky.social · 19d

In the space of just ten vintages, Zuccardi Finca Canal Uco has evolved to become one of Argentina's standout Malbecs. Alistair Cooper MW explores how the producer's innovative, dedicated approach has created a wine with 'transparency of place': cluboenologique.com/report/zucca...

Zuccardi Finca Canal Uco 2012-2022

Zuccardi Finca Canal Uco has rapidly evolved to become one of Argentina's standout Malbecs. Alistair Cooper MW explores how the producer's thoughtful, dedicated approach has created a wine showcasing…

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Club Oenologique @cluboenologique.bsky.social · 26d

Sarah Heller MW explores the perception of vintage quality while delivering her pick of the wines among the new releases from Brunello di Montalcino - with a particular focus on how 2020's Brunellos are shaping up against those of the 'spectacular' 2019 vintage:

The Brunello di Montalcino Report 2025

Sarah Heller MW reviews more than 160 of the latest Brunello di Montalcino wine releases as part of The Italy Report 2025

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Club Oenologique @cluboenologique.bsky.social · 27d

In an extract from her new book, The Wines of Beaujolais, Natasha Hughes MW introduces a group of rebellious winemakers who have had a lasting effect on wines made in the region: cluboenologique.com/story/the-wi...

The winemakers that rebelled against Beaujolais Nouveau

In an extract from her new book, The Wines of Beaujolais, Natasha Hughes MW introduces a group of rebellious winemakers who have had a lasting effect on wines made in the region

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Club Oenologique @cluboenologique.bsky.social · Sep 11

Yuri Shima celebrates the pink Champagne category at prestige cuvée level, thanks to an epic tasting across many houses and vintages – including some real rarities by the magnum:

Prestige pinks: exploring the finest rosé Champagne

Yuri Shima celebrates the rosé Champagne category at prestige cuvée level, thanks to an epic tasting across many houses and vintages

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Club Oenologique @cluboenologique.bsky.social · Sep 3

We are delighted to announce that our first ever South Africa Report is now live! Including tasting notes and scores of over 150 outstanding wines, Victoria Mason MW provides us with a snapshot of the finest releases from across the country:

The South Africa Report 2025

Victoria Mason MW tastes and rates some of the Western Cape's most collectable wines in the South Africa Report 2025

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Club Oenologique @cluboenologique.bsky.social · Aug 27

Having lived in southwest France for 28 years, Armagnac consultant and educator Amanda Garnham has brandy running through her veins. Here she shares her favourite places to drink the spirit across the globe: cluboenologique.com/story/best-p...

Where to drink Armagnac with Amanda Garnham

Armagnac consultant and educator Amanda Garnham reveals her best places to drink the spirit across the globe

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Club Oenologique @cluboenologique.bsky.social · Aug 25

A new wave of non-alcoholic spirits is enabling top bartenders to create 'low and no' cocktails that are bolder and more sophisticated than ever - not just imitations of the classics. Anthony Gladman discovers more:

The death of the mocktail

Anthony Gladman speaks to the bartenders and drinks producers helping to create a wave of innovative new non-alcoholic cocktails

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Club Oenologique @cluboenologique.bsky.social · Aug 23

Peter Kwok now owns seven châteaux in Bordeaux, having moved to France looking for nothing more than a holiday home. From a brush with the Viet Cong to receiving the Légion d'Honneur, he talks to Adam Lechmere about his journey to a life in wine: cluboenologique.com/story/peter-...

Bordeaux business: Peter Kwok on a life in claret

Billionaire businessman Peter Kwok, owner of seven châteaux in Bordeaux, talks to Adam Lechmere about life and wine

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Club Oenologique @cluboenologique.bsky.social · Aug 20

Speciality malts have long been an essential flavour-driver in craft beer. However they have never meaningfully caught on in whisky-making – until now. Kristiane Westray tastes her way through this new wave of whiskies: cluboenologique.com/report/speci...

Magic in the malt

Kristiane Westray tastes her way through a new wave of speciality malt whiskies that lean on malt as an essential flavour-driver

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Reposted by Club Oenologique

Jacopo Mazzeo @jacopomazzeo.bsky.social · Aug 9

My latest piece for @cluboenologique.bsky.social explores why #Valpolicella is the perfect destination for lovers of #history, #architecture, nature, exceptional #food, and #fine #wine

#vino #wines #verona #veneto #italy

cluboenologique.com/story/discov...

Discovering Valpolicella: A haven for wine lovers

Home to Verona and just a stone's throw from Lake Garda, Jacopo Mazzeo explores what makes Valpolicella the perfect region for lovers of historic architecture, verdant landscapes, great food and fine ...

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Club Oenologique @cluboenologique.bsky.social · Aug 11

Sarah Heller MW takes a deep dive into the esoteric world of Nebbiolo biotypes to explore how careful vine selection is allowing winemakers in Barolo to shape and future-proof their wines: cluboenologique.com/report/nebbi...

Biotypes in Barolo: selecting the 'perfect' Nebbiolo vine

Sarah Heller MW takes a deep dive into the esoteric world of Nebbiolo biotypes to explore how careful vine selection is allowing winemakers in Barolo to shape and future-proof their wines

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Club Oenologique @cluboenologique.bsky.social · Aug 5

From top tapas in New York to sky-high fine-dining in Sydney, these are the best new restaurants to visit this month: cluboenologique.com/story/new-re...

The hottest new restaurants to visit in August 2025

From top tapas in New York to sky-high fine-dining in Sydney, these are the best new restaurants to visit this month

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Club Oenologique @cluboenologique.bsky.social · Aug 2

Joel Harrison presents a brief history of the famed house of Hélène Darroze’s family, before offering his notes on a tasting that goes back as far as the 1960s:

Ode de vie: A celebration of Darroze Armagnac

Joel Harrison looks at the history of Darroze Armagnac before offering his notes on a tasting that goes back as far as the 1960s

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Club Oenologique @cluboenologique.bsky.social · Jul 29

Once defined by imported ingredients and cuisines, Bangkok’s fine-dining scene is being reformed by a new generation of chefs showcasing Thailand's culinary heritage on their own terms. Joel Hart investigates:

The Bangkok fine-dining restaurants embracing the authentic

Joel Hart visits some of Bangkok's best restaurants to see how a new generation of chefs is embracing and celebrating authentic Thai cuisine

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Club Oenologique @cluboenologique.bsky.social · Jul 26

Dave Broom analyses the future for old and rare whisky, and offers advice to traditional collectors looking for value and drinking pleasure:

Old gold? What next for extra-aged whisky?

Dave Broom analyses the extra-aged whisky sector to see what the future holds for old and rare bottlings and how whisky lovers can find value

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Club Oenologique @cluboenologique.bsky.social · Jul 21

Traditionally, Cognac and Armagnac had their place as digestifs at the dinner table. But as Clinton Cawood uncovers, leading international cocktail bars are now holding these French spirits central to their philosophy:

Brandy at the bar

Traditionally, Cognac and Armagnac were digestifs at the dinner table. Now bars are putting brandy cocktails centre stage

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Club Oenologique @cluboenologique.bsky.social · Jul 20

The Cameroonian artist talks with Adam Lechmere about his work for Ornellaia’s Vendemmia d’Artista series and the challenge provided by the tiny canvas that is the wine bottle:

‘My tradition is the human condition’: Pascale Marthine Tayou on dressing Ornellaia

Artist Pascale Marthine Tayou speaks with Adam Lechmere about his recent work for Ornellaia's Vendimmia d’Artista series and the 2022 vintage

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Club Oenologique @cluboenologique.bsky.social · Jul 17

Kristiane Westray explores how distillers in France are harnessing the country's rich history in wine and brandy to create French whisky capable of winning fans around the world... and gold medals at this year's IWSC:

The rise of French whisky

Kristiane Westray explores how French distillers are harnessing flavour and heritage to become a heavyweight whisky nation

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Club Oenologique @cluboenologique.bsky.social · Jul 10

Alistair Cooper MW reports on a vertical tasting of Clos des Papes with winemaker Vincent Avril, highlighting some of the best wines from the estate over the last 20 years and explaining why they are must-haves for Rhône collectors : cluboenologique.com/report/clos-...

Clos des Papes 2005-2023

Alistair Cooper MW tastes a vertical of Clos des Papes, highlighting the best of the recent red and white wines from the Châteauneuf-du-Pape estate

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Club Oenologique @cluboenologique.bsky.social · Jul 10

Tina Meyer steps aboard with sustainable fisherman Mathieu Chapel to learn the techniques that set him apart and to hear his thoughts on Mediterranean terroir: cluboenologique.com/story/mathie...

Mathieu Chapel: fisherman friend

Tina Meyer meets Mathieu Chapel, a fisherman who has quickly become supplier to some of the finest chefs in France

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Club Oenologique @cluboenologique.bsky.social · Jul 9

With summer upon us, David Kermode selects ten red wines that are perfect for drinking in the warmest months. Just make sure you have your cooler to hand:

Ten red wines made for summer days

David Kermode selects ten of the best red wines for summer – just make sure you have your cooler to hand

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Club Oenologique @cluboenologique.bsky.social · Jul 5

From a celebration of Latin cocktail culture in Hong Kong to a New York spot inspired by an old whaling tavern, these are the best new bars to visit this July:

The most exciting new bars to visit in July 2025

From a celebration of Latin cocktail culture to an homage to an old whaling tavern, these are the best new bars to visit this July

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Club Oenologique @cluboenologique.bsky.social · Jul 2

Body, complexity, an undeniable artisanal appeal… It’s no wonder the aromatic beverage is reaching boiling point in luxury hotels and on the global fine-dining scene. Alice Lascelles spills the tea on the finest and rarest of blends: cluboenologique.com/story/artisa...

Alice Lascelles reports on artisanal tea, and the blends gracing both luxury hotels and the global fine-dining scene

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Club Oenologique @cluboenologique.bsky.social · Jun 29

Connecting wine to its origins enriches it. However, after at least two decades of terroir triumphalism, our discourse around it is probably due a tune-up. Read the latest column from Sarah Heller MW:

Is terroir ripe for re-evaluation?

Sarah Heller MW takes a fresh look at the concept of terroir and suggests that this notion alone isn't enough to help us understand a wine

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Club Oenologique @cluboenologique.bsky.social · Jun 27

England may be known for producing award-winning fizz from Champagne grapes but several estates are now making still wines with some surprising varieties. Henry Jeffreys investigates:

Grape expectations: English wine turns to exotic varieties

Henry Jeffreys takes a look at the English wine producers who have championed unusual grape varieties in recent years

cluboenologique.com