Chardonnay. (Wikimedia)

In TRINK, Christoph Raffelt explores the evolution of German Chardonnay. “Chardonnay is a newcomer to the German grape canon. Any vines planted before 1991 were either registered as an experiment or declared to be Weißburgunder (a.k.a Pinot Blanc)…To me, it is symbolic of the significant changes underway on the German grape variety landscape. In the face of climate change, German Chardonnay is poised to assume the role that Weißburgunder has held for decades. In 2005 there were just 1,018 hectares of Chardonnay in Germany. In 2020 that number had jumped to 2,558, and the trend continues to point up.”

In the San Francisco Chronicle, Jess Lander reports that Carlo Trinchero, a member of the Napa Valley family that owns Sutter Home and other brands, faces three potential felony gun charges and a misdemeanor drug charge after authorities seized 11 guns from his Napa property.

“Valdemar Estates, a Walla Walla Valley winery established in 2019 by Spain’s Valdemar family, has purchased the 40-acre V2 Vineyard in Walla Walla Valley. The property was previously owned by Woodinville’s Betz Family Winery and Chelan’s Siren Song Vineyard Estate and Winery,” reports Sean P. Sullivan.

In Wine-Searcher, Tom Hyland talks to Chianti producers about their thoughts on the 2019, 2020 and 2021 vintages.

Ray Isle recommends 15 American wines for under $20 to serve this holiday season in Food & Wine.

In Bloomberg, Brad Japhe and Elin McCoy also have some wine (and spirits) recommendations for the holidays.

In Wine Enthusiast, Kara Newman tackles fortified wine cocktails.