Daily Wine News: Shifting Chenin

Posted by | Posted in Wine News | Posted on 03-09-2023

Chenin Blanc.

In Wine-Searcher, Margaret Rand explores the changing face of Chenin Blanc in the Loire Valley. “What we can say for certain, however, is that Chenin Blanc from the Loire is much, much nicer than it used to be. It is riper, cleaner, better made, more concentrated, more precise, more reflective of its terroir than it has ever been in living memory.”

In Wine Spectator, Robert Camuto visits with the three sisters behind Soave’s Suavia winery. “Over the years, the sisters have more than tripled their vineyards, from about 20 acres to more than 66—all within the boundaries of Fittà. They did this by doubling down on their commitment to high-quality hillside terroirs. As many of their neighbors decided to step away from farming or abandoned Fittà for the easier-to-cultivate valley floor, 1,000 feet below, the sisters bought up those old vineyards.”

“While Disney-like experiences will be big attractions for many visitors, I believe this is not good for the soul of Napa and the Wine Country. The race to build bigger and arguably gaudier palaces to an owner’s ego will backfire. While it may artificially increase the reputation of a winery’s offering, it’s artificial and not realistic.” Chris D. Craiker shares his gripes with Napa’s race to build up in the North Bay Business Journal.

In Imbibe Magazine, Jennifer Fiedler charts the rise of Mexican wine. “A new generation of Mexican wine is turning the heads of importers, sommeliers, wine store owners, and, most importantly, consumers…Buoyed by an anything-goes mentality when it comes to wine, an enduring fascination with Mexican cuisine and spirits abroad, the rise of culinary travel to destinations like Mexico City and Baja, and a rapidly expanding number of wineries throughout the country, Mexican wine’s newfound popularity offers an intriguing case study in how tipping points happen in emerging regions.”

In Decanter, Andrew Jefford ponders the future for Georgian wine and its many characterful styles.

In InsideHook, Josh Sims explores the ice wines of Canada’s Niagara region.

Mike Veseth, the wine economist, explains how the classic game Chutes and Ladders can teach us a lot about the premiumization game that is a stint characteristic of the wine industry today.

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