An introduction to non-saccharomyces yeast (external article)
Why we use S. cerevisiae in the winery, and how winemakers are changing the yeast game.
Acceptably festive (mostly) wine cocktails to (mostly) survive Thanksgiving
This Thanksgiving, if you can’t bathe in the blood of your enemies, try this delightful spiced sangria.
See my winning photos from the Wine Scholar Guild’s Burgundy photo contest (also, a very important fossil)
I cannot emphasize enough that I found a fossil. On the ground. Forget the photos. I found a fossil. Guys. Check it out.
Wine Flavors 101: What does it mean for a wine to be “savory”? (Plus, a tasting of two terrific pinot noirs)
Bite into the wine term “savory,” featuring reviews of Crossbarn and La Follette Pinot Noirs.
Read my article on British sparkling wine at Hudin.com
“Britagne”? “Celebritain”? A look at proposed names for British sparkling wine over the years.
Dispatches from Japan: Meiji Jingu’s Burgundy barrels
A wine-loving emperor and a few hundred gallons of wine donated in his honor.
Dispatches from Japan: The wonderful world of 7-11 branded wine
What kind of store brand wine can you get at one of Japan’s favorite mini marts?
Read my article on hybrid grapes at GuildSomm
A deep dive into North American wine history, grape breeding, and the future of hybrids on the wine market.
Why are Americans missing out on so much amazing grower champagne?
The other 90% of grower Champagnes, and why you’ve never tasted them.
Review: “Wine: A Graphic History”/“L'Incroyable histoire du vin”
Finally, a graphic novel for wine history buffs. There are literally dozens of us!
VinExpo recap: Fun stuff (shiny containers!) but also serious stuff (workers’ cooperatives!)
Some highlights from VinExpo/DrinksAmerica, from undersea wines to shiny pineapples.
Weird grape spotlight: Delaware and Concord from Chëpìka (Or: Why hybrids deserve another look)
Why you should give hybrid grapes a try—and why Chëpìka’s wines might be the perfect way to do it.
Top value picks from the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux tasting
Read about my top value recommendations from 2021’s difficult Bordeaux vintage.
The state of the Big Ol’ Cali Red
What to drink when you’re craving big flavors but tired of overoaking, overextraction, and overripeness.
Read my Loire article at the Wine Scholar Guild’s blog
Read about my summer study trip to the Loire Valley on the WSG’s blog.
Supermarket wine fraud: Yes, it’s a thing, pt. 3: The rise of fake wine in China
In the world’s largest market for fake wines, what’s a drinker to do?
Weird grape spotlight: Marselan from Bodegas Enguera
This little-known blast from the past is making a global comeback.
Supermarket wine fraud: Yes, it’s a thing, pt. 2
Who’s watering down your wine?
Weird Grape Spotlight: Tinta de Toro from Bodega Matsu
Try Toro’s native grape with this powerful, savory, surprisingly affordable offering from Bodega Matsu.
Northern Italy spotlight: Alto Adige
A region that has all the grapes, but you might need a tram to get to them.