Vineyards in Slovakia.

After a checkered recent history in which mediocrity reigned, Slovakia, one of the few truly cool-climate zones in Europe, is finally emerging as a fine-wine region, thanks to the work of its vibrant small-producer scene, says Simon J. Woolf in the World of Fine Wine.

In the San Francisco Chronicle, Jess Lander looks into why Cakebred Cellars is betting on an underdog region — Carneros — as the threat of climate change heightens. “Known for producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay instead of Napa’s cash cow, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carneros has always flown under the radar of Napa Valley wine drinkers. But Cakebreak, which now owns six estate vineyards in Carneros, believes that as Earth continues to warm, this underdog will emerge as one of Napa’s most sought-after regions.

In the Wine Independent, R.H. Drexel catches up with winemaker Ketan Body of Beta Wines. “Where I’m at in my life right now is refinement. And, paying attention to the natural world around me. Wanting to have a relationship to that. I’m trying to get what I perceive to be the best I can out of a piece of ground, which has very little to do with me, and everything to do with refinement, observation, and the earth itself. It’s a meditative practice; a cutting away of everything else, so one can see what is actually there. That’s what I’m interested in.”

On JancisRobinson.com, Samantha Cole-Johnson delves into the growing grazing-based viticulture movement.

In the Buyer, Leona De Pasquale explains the differences between Asolo and other wines in the premium Prosecco category, most notably Conegliano Valdobbiadene, and examines Asolo’s potential.

In National Geographic, Jacqui Agate explores Portland’s urban winemaking scene.

In Vinous, Eric Guido offers notes on the 2020 and 2019 vintages in Washington State.