Decanter May 2019

The joy of terroir Soave, Veneto, Italy The small commune of Soave, in northern Italy’s Veneto region, has recently hit the headlines after being included on a list of ‘Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems’ by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations. This FAO recognition acknowledges the special characteristics of the Soave region, including its terraced vineyards, the unique pergola Veronese training system and the appassimento technique for producing Recioto di Soave. This image shows a typical Soave landscape in the district of Castellaro, with its characteristic patchwork of vineyards.…

The small commune of Soave, in northern Italy’s Veneto region, has recently hit the headlines after being included on a list of ‘Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems’ by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations. This FAO recognition acknowledges the special characteristics of the Soave region, including its terraced vineyards, the unique pergola Veronese training system and the appassimento technique for producing Recioto di Soave. This image shows a typical Soave landscape in the district of Castellaro, with its characteristic patchwork of vineyards.…

John Stimpfig ‘In war and peace, de Nonancourt led from the front with panache’ OVER THE PAST 30 years, I have had the immense privilege of meeting and interviewing many of the great and the good in the fine wine world. Sadly though, some giants got away. One of them was undoubtedly Bernard de Nonancourt, who died in 2010 at the ripe old age of 90. The aristocratic, down-to-earth de Nonancourt rebuilt Laurent-Perrier from scratch just after World War II to what became – and remains – the fourth largest house in Champagne. During that time, just some of his pioneering achievements were the introduction of stainless-steel vats, the re-introduction of L-P’s Ultra Brut, and the creation of its magnificent Rosé and the great Grand Siècle. It really was a…

OVER THE PAST 30 years, I have had the immense privilege of meeting and interviewing many of the great and the good in the fine wine world. Sadly though, some giants got away. One of them was undoubtedly Bernard de Nonancourt, who died in 2010 at the ripe old age of 90. The aristocratic, down-to-earth de Nonancourt rebuilt Laurent-Perrier from scratch just after World War II to what became – and remains – the fourth largest house in Champagne. During that time, just some of his pioneering achievements were the introduction of stainless-steel vats, the re-introduction of L-P’s Ultra Brut, and the creation of its magnificent Rosé and the great Grand Siècle. It really was a glittering career studded with success. Not least because de Nonancourt knew everyone from Rostropovich to de…

John Shafer 1924-2019 NAPA VAllEy PIONEER and winemaker John shafer died on 2 March at the age of 94. shafer was part of the early influx of winemakers who saw the potential of Napa in the 1970s. ‘The world of wine always inspired Dad, and he loved nothing more than to work with the shafer team to improve quality, enhance everything we do and to discuss future projects,’ said his son Doug shafer, president of shafer Vineyards, in a statement. ‘He also loved Napa Valley and worked to make it a better place for everyone. We’re receiving amazing messages from a huge number of people whose lives he touched with his generous spirit.’ shafer was formerly a successful publishing executive in Chicago, but in 1973 he decided to buy a vineyard in stag’s…

A month in wine All the important issues affecting you across the globe, compiled by Laura Seal John Shafer 1924-2019 NAPA VAllEy PIONEER and winemaker John shafer died on 2 March at the age of 94. shafer was part of the early influx of winemakers who saw the potential of Napa in the 1970s. ‘The world of wine always inspired Dad, and he loved nothing more than to work with the shafer team to improve quality, enhance everything we do and to discuss future projects,’ said his son Doug shafer, president of shafer Vineyards, in a statement. ‘He also loved Napa Valley and worked to make it a better place for everyone. We’re receiving amazing messages from a huge number of people whose lives he touched with his generous spirit.’…