Reading between the vines

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Wine appellations: friend or foe?

From Tutankhamon's sealed jars to today's crowded "wine wall," appellations were built to guarantee origin and style. Diego digs into why the system is now under strain—and what could save it.

Beyond sustainability: the rise of Regenerative viticulture

Regenerative viticulture goes beyond sustainability by treating the vineyard as a living ecosystem, farming soil first so vines follow. From Champagne's Mumm to Provence's Domaine Mirabeau, Diego explores how growers worldwide are rebuilding soil life to face a changing climate.

Lamaison&Velier: rums from another world

A deep dive into Lamaison&Velier's uncompromising world of rum, from Luca Gargano's terroir-driven classification system to tasting notes on Haiti's wild Clairins and Jamaica's Hampden range.

Is Wine a Social Evil?

From the French Paradox to Dry January, wine has long been caught in the crossfire of health debates. Diego makes the case that wine, enjoyed with knowledge and moderation, is culture and connection—not a social evil.

Brandies in France under the threat of climate change: issues and ways ahead

Rising temperatures are quietly reshaping Cognac and Armagnac—pushing alcohol up, acidity down, and forcing growers and distillers to rethink everything from clones to cellar humidity. Here's how the industry is adapting.

Expensive Doesn’t Mean Better

Price and quality aren't always linked in wine. Diego explains why sky-high prices often reflect rarity and prestige rather than what's in the glass—and where to find real quality instead.

Calvados: an unknown tiny, secret gem in the heart of Normandie

Apples, pears and centuries of craft: Calvados's history, orchards, appellations and label terms, plus tasting notes from five Normandy houses.

Does the glass matter?

Shape, size, thickness, even the way you hold it: why the glass changes how a wine tastes, and a lesson from sommelier Philippe Faure-Brac.

Armagnac, a small region producing big spirits

Seven centuries of history, four grape varieties and a single distillation: what makes Armagnac, Gascony's grape spirit, so distinctive.

Can You Age Supermarket Wine?

Most supermarket wines are made to drink on release. But what does “ageing” really mean — and where can you find bottles that genuinely improve with time?