Decanter
Articles about Decanter
Katherine Cole: Why Boulder in Colorado is a ‘secret’ wine haven
‘Do I go to Boulder for wholesome things like farmers’ markets? Er, no. I go there to drink wine,’ writes our US columnist, Katherine Cole, who lifts the lid on this mountain city’s thriving scene.
Editors’ picks: A range of great wines to try – October 2026
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.
Prosecco: The ultimate buyer’s guide
Top-choice party fizz it may be, but there’s far more to northern Italy’s tank-method Prosecco when you delve into the complexities of its origins.
Ribera del Duero vintage report: Brilliant wines of all hues
This year’s Ribera del Duero vintage report saw our experts blind taste 342 wines from the region. Here we present their pick of the crop.
Côte-Rôtie’s conundrum: Could a Burgundy-style cru system ever work?
With 73 lieux-dits and a complex landscape, the northern Rhône’s Côte-Rôtie has long debated whether to introduce a Burgundy-style cru system. Matt Walls explores what that might look like, and leading producers weigh in on the debate.
Panel tasting results: Stunning southern Rhône cru whites
These southern Rhône cru whites perfectly encapsulate why the style is growing both in popularity and availability, backed up by increasing quality.
Expert’s Choice: 18 wines to toast the revival of German and Austrian fizz
Top-tier Germanic sparkling wines are challenging Champagne’s hegemony. Caro Maurer MW catches up with the best of German and Austrian Sekt.
Pinotage Day: 10 award-winning wines to try
Pinotage is a bold, smoky red wine known for its ripe plum and blackberry flavours, robust structure and unmistakable South African character. Wine lovers toast the Cape’s homegrown grape on International Pinotage Day, held on the second Saturday of October each year.
Salon of DWWA 2026: Slovenia celebrates its medal winners
Indigenous grapes, ageworthy sweet wines and a strong showing from across the Balkans took centre stage at the 12th Salon of DWWA medal winners in Slovenia.
Mezcal: Terroir vs varietal – which is more important?
The agave spirit itself may be clear, but the answer to this conundrum is less so, writes Chris Madigan in this article exploring the influence of terroir and varietal on mezcal.
Andrew Jefford: ‘What struck me was the creativity of Germany’s younger winemakers’
Our award-winning columnist meets members of Germany’s Generation Riesling, and finds young winemakers demonstrating what can be achieved with the power of imagination
11 top fine wine releases from the US this fall
Worth buying: age-worthy Sauvignon Blanc, Napa mountain Cabernets, Bordeaux blends from Sonoma County, Rhône reds and whites and decade-old Oregon Pinot Noir
Pitch-perfect Austrian white wine stars
Winning Terroir: Why Austria’s white wines took centre stage at Decanter World Wine Awards 2026.
Louis Roederer celebrates 250 years and release of Cristal 2018
As the famous Champagne house celebrates its 250th anniversary and 150 years of Cristal, Tom Hewson tastes the brand new 2018 release and looks at how independence, organic farming and a visionary cellar master continue to shape its success.
Spot the fruity sake – a wine lover’s guide
Love sake’s fruitier side but less keen on rich umami and soy-like savouriness? These are the styles to look for
Decanter magazine October 2026 issue and Italy guide: See what’s inside
Take a sneak peek at what’s inside the Decanter magazine October 2026 issue, from great Barossa Shiraz to top German and Austrian sparkling wines, plus see our latest expert guide to Italy.
Fried chicken and raves: How Gen Z is getting the wine bug
From chicken nuggets to DJs, a younger generation is finding new ways to embrace the world of wine, reports Marianna Hunt.
‘Historic’ Château Haut-Brion auction back to 1935 hits €3.4m
Bordeaux first growth Château Haut-Brion released wines from its cellars back to 1935 for a special Sotheby’s auction that saw thirsty bidders smash price estimates on legendary vintages.
5 Indigenous-Owned California wineries you should get to know
These producers are redefining a ‘sense of place’ with a perspective shaped by generations of land stewardship. Here are 7 of their wines to try.
World Vranec Day: 10 award-winning wines to try
Learn more about Vranec and celebrate this grape day with a selection of awarded wines from DWWA.
Château Calon Ségur preserves its heart in a changing climate
Twenty years after arriving at this famous St-Estèphe third growth, director Vincent Millet is looking beneath the gravel as Calon Ségur confronts the challenges of a warmer, drier Bordeaux.
Barossa Shiraz 2024: 20 wines that show-off the region’s fresh new approach
After tasting more than 100 wines for the annual Barossa Shiraz vintage report, our resident South Australia expert shares a personal selection of 20 excellent wines and reflects on the new face of Barossa.
Barossa Shiraz 2024: Wines of elegance and poise from a low-yielding year
In a year of low yields, there are fewer superstar wines, but the best 2024 Shirazes are still shining examples of this well-known regional style.
A decade of change: How Italian winemaking evolved between 2006 and 2016
Two vintages, 10 years apart. During the intervening decade, forward-thinking winemakers ushered in changes and progress that would leave lasting stylistic imprints on wines from across Italy.
Forgotten France: The electric wines of Irouléguy
Tucked away in the Pyrenees on the Spanish frontier, a tiny Basque appellation in a forgotten corner of France is making wines as elemental as the land and seascape that shape them.
Spirits briefing: New ‘mini aperitivo’ glasses tap trend for smaller serves
Our latest round-up of spirits trends features a new range of smaller-sized ‘Welcome Drink’ glasses and expert guidance on how to make a Bitter Nights Dream cocktail.
Decanter Rising Star 2026: ‘Jerez mavericks’ Ramiro Ibáñez and Willy Pérez
Meet Ramiro Ibáñez and Willy Pérez, the charismatic duo sharing Decanter’s Rising Star award for 2026 who represent a ‘quiet revolution’ in Jerez
Decanter Hall of Fame and Rising Star 2026 winners revealed
Burgundy wine pioneer Lalou Bize-Leroy has been named the latest recipient of Decanter’s Hall of Fame prize, while ‘Jerez mavericks’ Ramiro Ibáñez and Willy Pérez have shared the 2026 Rising Star award.
Lalou Bize-Leroy: Decanter Hall of Fame 2026
One of the best known and most revered names in Burgundy, Lalou Bize-Leroy, the 2026 Decanter Hall of Fame recipient, has left an indelible imprint on the world of wine.
On the rack: Pro golfer Matt Wallace reveals his favourite wines
English professional golfer Matt Wallace talks to Decanter about the unusual tournament prize that fuelled his love for wine, where he eats ‘the best steak in the world’ and the bottles on his all-time wish list
Terra rossa Australia
Australia’s rich diversity of vineyard sites and dynamic winemaking scene offer a mouthwatering prospect for collectors of fine wine.
Italianity: This book will ‘enchant lovers of Italian wine’, says our reviewer
A new book that explores the concept of ‘Italianity’ charms our regular reviewer, and will leave you thirsty for a trip
What’s on Decanter Premium this October
Left Bank Bordeaux: When it comes to discussions about changing styles in the region, St-Emilion’s modern evolution is referenced a lot. Less discussed are the changes that have happened on the Left Bank.
Meet Au Bon Climat’s second generation
How are Jim Clendenen’s children honouring his legacy at the legendary Santa Barbara winery? Knox Alexander and Isabelle Clendenen each found their own way.
What to drink with Peruvian food: Brilliant pairings to try
From piquant cebiches to dishes inspired by Japanese and Chinese cuisines, Peruvian food is a veritable playground for gastronomes, writes Sorrel Moseley-Williams in this expert guide on what to drink with your meal.
Eight producers leading Pommard’s winemaking renaissance
From historic domaines under fresh leadership to ambitious new estates, these eight producers are making engaging wines that don’t require decades in the cellar to enjoy.
Carso-Kras: The windswept plateau home to one of Italy’s most unique wine regions
It is not just Carso’s compact dimensions that make it special. Richard Baudains explores the various indigenous grapes grown in this bijou region.
Expert’s Choice: 18 scintillating South American sparkling wines
South American sparkling wines offer a revealing lens onto how these wine regions have developed, and how their styles continue to evolve.
The smart buyer’s guide to... Malbec
A variety, not a style Malbec is mostly associated with the steak-friendly, sweet-fruited, often heavily oaked styles that became a staple in pubs and steakhouses in the early 2000s. This is not, however, a true representation of the variety’s character and potential. It can deliver beautiful aromatic nuances, with herbal and savoury touches over crunchy fruit, that make it delicious and elegant. Elegance beyond wood
The beauty of balance: Get to know equal-parts cocktails
Mixing a drink in exactly equal measures is one of the easiest ways to make a cocktail. But what makes these even ratio drinks so delicious – and enduring? Alicia Miller speaks to top bartenders to find out, with recipes to try at home.
Boisset acquires Artesa as California wine history repeats itself
The owner of a portfolio of Napa and Sonoma wineries just made a significant investment in wine amid falling consumption. He has a vision
Wine investment: ‘A great time to be a Champagne buyer’
Prestige Champagne and US fine wine auction sales have been among recent bright spots on the secondary market, but merchants say buyers still hold a strong hand as autumn arrives.
Discovering Canada’s Annapolis Valley
Influenced by the dramatic tidal swings in the Bay of Fundy, the Annapolis Valley is a rewarding region to explore, full of creative, passionate winemakers.
At the table with Yalumba’s Lucy Hill-Smith: Top Barossa wine ‘can age almost indefinitely’
Ahead of hosting a lunch at Decanter’s Fine Wine Encounter London, Lucy Hill-Smith, sixth-generation family member at leading Australian winery Yalumba, offers insider tips to Barossa’s wine scene, names her top dinner pairings and recalls the sophisticated palates of her grandma’s kangaroos
My other passion: Flying with Veuve Clicquot’s Didier Mariotti
The cellar master at Veuve Clicquot loves his job. But, Didier Mariotti confesses, a part of him always needs to be in a plane
Adrianna Catena: Challenging colonial-era thinking in wine
‘Far too often I have reason to roll my eyes at a world that still lives and breathes in colonial terms,’ writes fourth-generation Argentine vintner Adrianna Catena, who highlights ongoing Eurocentrism in wine – and the possible way forward.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2016: ‘This vintage’s extraordinary power is worth experiencing’
Despite modern moderation trends, Matt Walls argues that powerful, high-alcohol, complex wines such as those from Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s 2016 vintage still deserve a place in our cellars.
Why Le Mesnil-sur-Oger yields Champagnes of mythical renown
The village of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger produces Champagne’s greatest blanc de blancs wines. Tom Hewson explores its secrets.
Polish wine: Five things to know – and 17 wines to try
After a turbulent history, the nation’s small but fast-growing cool-climate wine scene is finding its feet.
Beyond the Paardeberg: Meet the winemakers shaking things up in Swartland’s rugged north
It’s South Africa’s largest region, yet all we ever seem to talk about is the southern half. Far beyond the famous granite hills of the Paardeberg, northern Swartland is stirring. Malu Lambert takes a road trip to find out more
Panel tasting results: Incredible value white wines from South America
From four countries, in a wide range of varietal and blended styles, this fascinating selection of South American value whites offered wines full of character.
The beauty of blends: A whisky renaissance tale
Single malt Scotch may grab all the glory, but a well-made blend can offer whisky lovers more creativity in the glass.
Gen Z Wine Challenge: Anabel, 25
Decanter asks 18- to 29-year olds around the world to give their honest opinion about a wine they've splashed out on – and if it was worth the cash.
Orange wine quiz: How much do you know?
Despite its association with trendy natural wine bars, orange wine – essentially skin-contact white wine – is not new, but represents one of the world's oldest winemaking traditions.
International Grenache Day
Grenache is a smooth red wine that offers ripe strawberry and raspberry flavours, gentle tannins and warming spice. Wine lovers salute one of the world’s great unsung grapes on International Grenache Day each year.
Dream Destination: Lanzerac Hotel & Spa in Stellenbosch wine country
Set on one of South Africa’s oldest wine estates, Lanzerac hotel and spa offers an enticing blend of history and contemporary comfort in the heart of Stellenbosch.
Michelin ranks Bordeaux châteaux in new ‘grapes’ selection
A first guide to Bordeaux châteaux by Michelin’s wine inspectors has offered a fresh interpretation of the region’s famous estates.
A wine lover’s guide to a perfect weekend in London
With Decanter Fine Wine Encounter returning to The Landmark London this November, Gareth Birchley shares his insider guide to a weekend in the capital – from where to dine and stay around Marylebone to the producers and wines he’ll be seeking out at the Grand Tasting.
A guide to Bordeaux’s intriguing vintages ending in ‘6’
Not as splashy as vintages ending in ‘5’ or ‘9’ but with more oomph than some meagre ‘4’s or ‘7s’ – Gareth Birchley looks at the Bordeaux vintages ending in ‘6’.
Going native: Indigenous grapes lead a banner year for the Balkans at DWWA 2026
From a first-ever Best in Show for Plavac Mali to Platinums for Prokupac and Refošk, the Balkans' own grape varieties stole the show at Decanter World Wine Awards 2026. Here's why they belong on your radar – and in your glass.
Single-vineyard Tokaji Aszús: A preview of Royal Tokaji’s 2019
Sylvia Wu tries the soon-to-be-released 2019 aszús from Royal Tokaji, and discovers a diverse world of flavour and site expression from a vintage that almost didn’t happen.
New names: Eight exciting Chilean producers you need to know about
Chile’s wine scene is bubbling with emerging names keen to embrace new ideas and techniques that express their terroirs. Our expert picks eight.
‘It has been a defining decade for the Cape’s wine industry and the next 10 years are even more exciting’
Victoria Mason MW reflects on the changing wine scene in South Africa during a decade of buying bottles from the Cape.
Forgotten France: The Provençal vineyards that inspired Van Gogh
With vines rooted in the same landscape painted by Van Gogh, it’s easy to understand why Les Baux has long captivated artists and vignerons alike.
Cru Mendoza: Three terroirs where Argentine wine is being taken to new heights
Three areas in Mendoza’s Uco Valley are developing their own voice, and producers and geologists are actively debating how best to designate the places where some truly great wines are being made.
Editors’ picks: A range of great wines to try – September 2026
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.