Current Report
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Report #91 – The Wines of Central Greece, Epirus, Thessaly, and the Ionian Islands - (30pp)
- Introduction
- Noteworthy Producers
- Central Greece
- Geography & Terroir
- Grapes: Savatiano & Roditis
- Making Savatiano
- Making Retsina
- Wineries and Wines
- Epirus
- Debina Grape
- Wineries and Wines
- Thessaly
- Limniona Grape
- Wineries and Wines
- Ionian Islands
- Robola Grape
- Wineries and Wines
- Annex 1: Greek Wine Laws
- Annex 2: Winery Map of Cephalonia
Read the free introduction to The Wines of Central Greece, Epirus, Thessaly, and the Ionian Islands.
Previous Reports
2022
Report #90 – Santa Barbara’s Sta. Rita Hills: An Update - (27pp)
- Introduction
- Winery Profiles and Tasting Notes
- Annex 1: Vineyards of the Sta. Rita Hills
- Annex 2: Map of Sta. Rita Hills
Read the free introduction to Santa Barbara’s Sta. Rita Hills: An Update.
Report #89 – The Wines of Jumilla: Monastrell and More - (20pp)
- A Brief History
- Geography and Climate
- The Vineyards
- Making Monastrell
- Whites, Rosados & Dulce Monastrell
- Cuisine of Jumilla and Murcia
- Winery Profiles and Tasting Notes
- Annex: Mountain Ranges of Jumilla
Read the free introduction to The Wines of Jumilla: Monastrell and More.
Report #88 – The Wines of Greece: Macedonia and Thrace - (22pp)
- Preface
- Introduction
- Acknowledgements
- Macedonia & Thrace: Noteworthy Producers
- History of Greek Wine
- Terroir of Macedonia & Thrace
- The Grapes
- Winemaking: Innovation and Change
- Profiles and Tasting Notes
- Annex 1: Greek Wine Statistics
- Annex 2: Greek Wine Appellations
Read the free introduction to The Wines of Greece: Macedonia and Thrace Report.
2021
Report #87 – California Chardonnay: Terroir & Winemaking in Sonoma - Double Issue - (54pp)
- Introduction
- California and Sonoma Chardonnay History
- Sonoma County Terroir
- Making Premium Chardonnay Today
- Sonoma County Growing Regions
- Styles of Sonoma Chardonnay
- West Sonoma Coast
- Russian River Valley & Its Neighborhoods
- Los Carneros
- Sonoma Valley & the Petaluma Gap
- Alexander Valley
- Winery Profiles & Tasting Notes
- Annex: Premier Grower Vineyards of Sonoma Chardonnay
Read the free introduction to California Chardonnay: Terroir & Winemaking in Sonoma Report.
Report #86 – Rosés from Around the World: 2021 Annual Report - (37pp)
- Introduction
- The Best of the Year
- The World of Rosé
- The Grapes
- Making Rosé
- French Rosés
- Provence Bandol, Tavel & Other
- Marsannay, Sancerre, Les Riceys
- Rosés Around the World
- The New World
- Spanish Rosado
- Italian Rosato
- Sparkling Rosé
- North America
- Spanish Cava
- Italy
- French Crémant
- Tasting Notes and Ratings
- Annex 1: The Denominations de Terroir of the Côtes de Provence
- Annex 2: Rosé Champagne
Read the free introduction to Rosés from Around the World: 2021 Annual Report.
Report #85 – The Revival of Garnacha in Spain - Double Issue - (29pp)
- Introduction
- Acknowledgements
- Garnacha in Spain
- A Brief History of Garnacha
- Growing Garnacha
- Vinifying Garnacha
- Styles of Spanish Garnacha
- Garnacha Regions, Noteworthy Producers and their Wines:
- Sierra de Gredos
- Vinos de Aragon
- Rioja
- Navarra
- Priorat
- Catalonia
- Jumilla
Read the free introduction to The Revival of Garnacha in Spain Report.
Report #84 – The Wines of Bierzo - (17pp)
- Introduction
- Acknowledgements
- Historical Highlights
- The Geography of Bierzo
- The Grapes
- Vineyards & Vintages
- Winemaking
- The New Classification System
- Winery Profiles & Tasting Notes
- Annex: Map of Central Bierzo
2020
Report #83 – Rías Baixas: Albariño and More - (27pp)
- Introduction
- cknowledgements
- A Short History of Rías Baixas
- Albariño: The Grape
- Climate and Geography
- Viticulture
- Winemaking
- The Wines Food & Wine in Rías Baixas
- Winery Profiles & Tasting Notes
- Annex Principal Grape Varieties
Report #82 – Sta. Rita Hills: A New Look - (22pp)
- Introduction
- The Sta. Rita Hills AVA
- Climate and Soils
- The Vineyards
- Winemakers & Their Wines: Then and Now New Investors
- Recent Vintages
- Winery Profiles, Tasting Notes and Ratings
- Annex Selected Sta. Rita Hills Vineyards
Read the free introduction to Sta. Rita Hills: A New Look Report.
Report #81 – American Rosé: The 2019 Vintage - (11pp)
- Introduction
- Rosé of Pinot Noir
- Other Rosés
- Sparkling Rosés
- Pairing American Rosés with Food
- Tasting Notes
Read the free introduction to American Rosé: The 2019 Vintage Report.
Report #80 – South Africa's Outstanding Sparkling Wines - (18pp)
- Introduction
- Recommended Producers
- A Short History of South African Bubbles
- The Geography of MCC
- Amazing Progress in a Short Time
- The Next Generation
- Recommended MCC Producers
- Winery Profiles and Tasting Notes
- Annex: IWR Reports & Articles on South African Wine
Read the free introduction to South Africa's Outstanding Sparkling Wines Report.
Report #79 – The Wines of Anderson Valley - (41pp)
- Introduction
- Acknowledgements
- Anderson Valley Geography
- The Sub-Regions
- Recent History
- The New Generation
- The Vineyards
- Pinot Noir Styles
- Marketing
- Winery Profiles and Tasting Notes
- Annexes:
- Navarro River Watershed
- Main Vineyards of Anderson Valley
Read the free introduction to the Wines of Anderson Valley Report.
2019
Report #78 – Champagne: Diversity and Change - (52pp)
- Introduction
- Invention of Champagne
- The Champagne Vineyard
- The Grapes of Champagne
- The Producers: Houses, Growers, and Cooperatives. Making Champagne: From the Vineyard to Disgorgement
- Styles of Champagne
- Champagne and Food
- The Market for Champagne
- Producer Profiles and Tasting Notes
- Annexes:
- Map of Champagne
- Viticulture in Champagne
- The Méthode Champenoise
- Vintages
Report #77 – The West Sonoma Coast: The Region and its Wines - (28pp)
- Introduction
- Acknowledgements
- The Region
- Recent History
- The Vineyards
- Winemaking
- The West Sonoma Coast Vintners (WSCV)
- Challenges and Opportunities
- Winery Profiles and Wine Reviews
- Annexes:
- Soil Map of Sonoma County
- Selected Sonoma Coast Vineyards
Report #76 – The Wines of North Carolina - (21pp)
- Preface: North Carolina and the Transformation of East Coast Wine
- Introduction
- Top-Rated Producers
- History and Legal Framework
- Geography and Climate
- The North Carolina Vineyard
- Making Wine: North Carolina’s Human Resources Looking to the Future
- North Carolina’s Producers and Their Wines
Read the free introduction to the North Carolina Wine Report.
Report #75 – Virginia Wine: Moving Forward - (39pp)
- Preface: Virginia and the Transformation of East Coast Wine
- Introduction
- Top-Rated Producers
- The Evolution of Virginia Wine Geography and Climate Viticulture
- The Grapes of Virginia Winemaking
- The New Generation
- The Virginia Wine Market
- Virginia’s Producers and Their Wines
- Annexes
- Map of Virginia Wine Regions
- Temperature and Rainfall Maps
- Principal Virginia Appellations
Report #74 – Pennsylvania Wine: Fifty Years of Progress - (26pp)
- Preface: Pennsylvania and the Transformation of East Coast Wine
- Acknowledgements
- Introduction
- A Brief History
- Principal Growing Areas
- The Vineyard
- Pennsylvania’s New Generation The Wines
- Winery Profiles & Tasting Notes
- Annex: Pennsylvania AVA Map
Report #73 – The Wines of New Jersey - (16pp)
- Preface: The Transformation of East Coast Wine
- Acknowledgements
- Introduction
- A Brief History
- Growing Areas
- The Vineyard
- New Jersey’s New Generation
- The Wines
- Winery Profiles, Tasting Notes & Ratings
Report #72 – The Wines of Maryland - (20pp)
- Preface: Maryland and the Transformation of East Coast Wine
- Acknowledgements
- Introduction
- A Brief History
- Principal Growing Areas
- The Vineyard Maryland’s New Generation
- The Wines
- Winery Profiles, Tasting Notes & Ratings
Report #71 – The Wines of Washington State Revisited - (75pp)
- Introduction
- The Washington Wine Industry
- Geography, Soils, Climate
- Appellations and Vineyards
- Grapes and Wine Styles
- Building for the Future
- The Market for Washington Wine
- Looking to the Future
- Winery Profiles and Tasting Notes
- Annexes
- Washington Wine Map
- Washington’s AVAs
- Principal Washington Vineyards
Read the free introduction to the Washington State Revisited Report.
Report #70 – The Rocks District: America’s Unique Terroir - (10pp)
- Introduction
- The Unique Wines of The Rocks District
- Wine Chemistry of The Rocks District
- Getting Rid of the Funk
- Tasting Notes and Ratings: The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater
2018
Report #69 – Wines of the Finger Lakes - (28pp)
- Preface: The Transformation of Eastern Wine
- Introduction: The Finger Lakes
- Top Rated Wines
- Acknowledgements
- History
- The Institutional Environment
- Unique Terroir
- The Grapes & Wines
- The New Generation
- Looking to the Future
- Winery Profiles & Tasting Notes
- Annex: New York AVA Map
Report #68 – Austrian Wine - (89pp)
- Introduction
- Acknowledgements
- Top Producers
- Austria's Terroir & Grapes
- The Road to Quality
- The New Generation
- Regions, Vineyards & Wines
- Niederösterreich (Lower Austria)
- Burgenland
- Steiermark (Styria)
- Wien (Vienna)
- Austrian Food and Wine
- Austria's Export Market
- Winery Profiles & Tasting Notes
- Annex: Wachau Vineyard Map
Report #67 – The Wines of Bulgaria - (63pp)
- Introduction
- Acknowledgements
- Bulgaria's Wine History
- Wine Growing Regions
- Vineyards and Winemaking
- Wine Personalities
- Grapes and Wines
- Traditional Bulgarian Cuisine
- The Market for Bulgarian Wine
- Winery Profiles, Tasting Notes and Ratings
- Annex
- Wine Maps of Bulgaria
Report #66 – The World of Rosé - (60pp)
- Introduction
- Acknowledgements
- Top Rated Rosés of 2018
- The World of Rosé
- Rosé Over Time
- Making Rosé
- The Grapes & Wines
- Provence Blends
- Grenache
- Mourvèdre & Cinsault
- Pinot Noir
- Bordeaux Varieties
- Italian Varieties
- Iberian Varieties
- Other Varieties
- Sparkling Rosé
- Rosé and Food
- The Market for Rosé
- Tasting Notes and Ratings
Report #65 – The Vines and Wines of Lodi - (48pp)
- Introduction
- Acknowledgements
- Lodi's Wine History
- Geography, Soils & Climate
- The Vineyard
- Grapes and Wines
- Lodi's Talented Winemakers
- Looking to the Future
- Winery Profiles, Tasting Notes and Ratings
- Annexes
- Map of Lodi
- Lodi's Seven Sub-AVAs
- Lodi's Vineyards of Note
- Lodi Appellation Wines
Read the free introduction to the Vines and Wines of Lodi Report.
2017
Report #64 – Selections For The Holidays And The New Year: The Best Wines Tasted In 2017- (24pp)
- Introduction
- Sparkling Wines
- Champagne
- Prosecco
- White Wines
- Chilean Sauvignon Blanc
- Friuli White Blends & Others
- California Chardonnay
- Red Wines
- Paso Robles Red Blends
- Chile’s World Class Reds
- California Cool Climate Pinot Noir
- Zinfandel
- Beaujolais Climats of Moulin-à-Vent
- Other Categories
- Natural Wines.
- Rosé of Pinot Noir.
- Best of the Rest
Read the free introduction to the Selections For The Holidays And The New Year Report.
Report #63 – The Wines of Friuli: Collio's Special Whites - (39pp)
- Introduction
- Acknowledgements
- History of Wine in Collio
- Soils and Climate
- The Grapes and Wines of Collio
- Pinot Grigio
- Friulano
- Ribolla Gialla
- Malvasia Istriana
- Picolit and Verduzzo
- The Collio Bianco Blend
- Vintages
- Food and Wine
- Tasting Notes and Ratings
- Annexes
- Map of Friuli Venezia-Giulia Region
- Communes, Villages & Producers of Collio
Report #62 – Paso Robles: Cabernet Sauvignon & Other Bordeaux Varieties from the CAB Collective - (34pp)
- Introduction
- Acknowledgements
- Bordeaux Varieties in Paso Robles: The Pioneers
- Terroir: The Districts of Paso Robles
- The Paso Robles Vineyard
- Cabernet Sauvignon and Other Wines
- Looking to the Future
- Tasting Notes and Ratings
- Annexes
- The Sub-AVAs of Paso Robles
- The CAB Collective Members
Report #61 – California Zinfandel: A New Look - Double Issue - (63pp)
- Foreword by Joel Peterson
- History of Zinfandel in California
- Zinfandel in the Vineyard
- Winemaking
- Main Zinfandel Growing Regions
- Napa
- Sonoma
- Sierra Foothills & Amador County
- Lodi
- Paso Robles & San Luis Obispo County
- Mendocino County
- Contra Costa County
- Pairing Zinfandel with Food
- Zinfandel: Producer Pro les and Tasting Notes
- Annexes
- Major California Wine Appellation
- Old Zinfandel Vineyards of California
Read the free introduction to the California Zinfandel report.
Report #60 – Chile's Premium Wine Revolution - (43pp)
- Introduction
- Acknowledgements
- The Search for Terroir
- Extreme Terroir North and South
- Extreme Terroir East and West
- Itata: Chile's Original Vineyard
- The Winemakers of Chile
- The Grapes of Chile
- Chile's Red Varieties
- Chile's White Varieties
- Chile's Traditional Varieties
- Best of the Best
- Chile's Wine Market
- Tasting Notes and Ratings
- Annexes
- The Wine Valleys of Chile Map
- The New Coastal and Andes Appellations Map
Read the free introduction to Chile's Premium Wine Revolution report.
2016
Report #59 – Wines of the Piedmont:
Arneis and Nebbiolo from Roero - (33pp)
- Introduction
- Acknowledgements
- A Brief History
- Geography, Soils and Climate
- Vineyards of Roero
- Arneis
- Nebbiolo
- Barbera & Other Varieties
- Cuisine of Roero
- Marketing
- Winery Profiles and Tasting Notes
- Annex: Map of Roero
- Annex: Crus of Roero
Read the free introduction to the Wines of the Piedmont report.
Report #58 – Beaujolais in Transition - (35pp)
- Introduction
- Acknowledgements
- A Brief History
- The Appellations of Beaujolais
- Geography, Soils and Climate
- The Beaujolais Vineyard
- Winemaking and Wine Styles
- Beaujolais and Food
- Beaujolais: The Market
- Winery Profiles and Tasting Notes
- Annex: Soil Map of the Beaujolais Crus
Read the free introduction to the Beaujolais in Transition report.
Report #57 – Tannat and Other Wines of Uruguay - (30pp)
- Introduction
- A Brief History
- Geography, Soils and Climate
- The Vineyard
- Making Tannat
- Styles of Tannat
- The Market for Uruguayan Wines
- Winery Profiles and Tasting Notes
- Annexes
- Map of Uruguay
- Uruguay Vineyard Plantings, 1898-1930
- Principal Winegrowing Regions
Read the free introduction to the Tannat and Other Wines of Uruguay report.
Report #56 – Chianti Classico: Exciting Times - (31pp)
- Introduction
- Acknowledgements
- Producers of Top-Rated Chianti Classico
- A Brief, Up-to-Date History
- Chianti Classico: The Region
- In the Vineyard
- Winemaking
- Chianti Classico: The Wine
- The Sub-Regions/Communes of Chianti Classico
- Marketing Chianti Classico
- Winery Profiles and Tasting Notes (organized by Commune)
- Annex: Chianti Classico Producers and Their Communes
Read the free introduction to the wines of Chianti Classico: Exciting Times report.
Report #55 – Wines of South Africa: White Blends & Old Vine - (14pp)
- Introduction
- Wine Regions of the Western Cape
- South African White Blends
- Old Vine Wines
- Tasting Notes
Read the free introduction to the wines of South Afirca: White Blends & Old Vine report.
2015
Report #54 – The Wine of Mount Veeder - (22pp)
- Introduction
- Acknowledgements
- History
- Geography, Soils and Climate
- The Mount Veeder Vinyard
- Wisse and Winemaking
- Summary
- Winery Profiles & Tasting Notes
- Annex: Mount Veeder Appellation Map
Read the free introduction to the wines of Mount Veeder report.
Report #53 – The American Sparkling Wine - (38pp)
- Introduction
- Acknowledgements
- The History of American Sparkling
- The Grapes of the Sparkling Vineyard
- Terroir and Viticulture
- Making Sparkling Wine
- Sparkling Wine Style
- Pairing Food and Sparkling Wine
- Sparkling Wine Producers and Their Wines
- Annex: Producers by Region
Read the free introduction to the America Sparkling wine report.
Report #52 – The Best of Sherry - (13pp)
- Introduction
- Our Favorite Sherry Producers
- Styles of Sherry
- Winery Profiles and Tasting Notes
- Annex: The Sherry Triangle
Report #51 – The Best Indigenous Wines of Sicily - (8pp)
- Introduction
- The Grapes and Appellation
- Our Favorite Sicilian Producers
- Wine Profiles and Tasting Notes
- Map: Principal Wine Regions of Sicily
Read the free introduction to the Best indigenous wines of Sicily report.
Report #50 – The Wines of Chablis - (34pp)
- Introduction
- Selected Top Producers
- History
- Grand Cru
- Premier Cru
- Chablis & Petit Chablis
- Soils and Climate
- The Chablis Vineyard
- Making Chablis
- Food and Wine
- Pairing Chablis and Food
- Restaurants of Chablis
- Aging Chablis
- Winery Profiles & Tasting Notes
- Annexes
- Map of Chablis
- Premiers Crus
Report #49 – The Best of Spain - (20pp)
- Introduction
- Top-Rated Producers
- Rioja and the Ebro River Valley
- Ribera del Duero and the Duero River Valley
- Priorat and Catalonia
- Sierra de Gredos
- Annex
- Map of Spain
Report #48 – The Wines of Los Carneros - (31pp)
- Introduction
- A Brief History
- Geography, Soils and Climate
- The Vineyards
- The Grapes
- The Sparkling Wines of Los Carneros
- Los Carneros Producers and their Wines
- Annexes
- Map of Los Carneros
- Selected Vineyard Profiles
Read the free introduction to the Wines of Los Carneros report.
Report #47 – The Best of Tuscany - (19pp)
In this Tenth Anniversary Special Report we revisit our favorite producers from throughout Tuscany, including Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Classico, and the Maremma.
Report #46 – The Best of Soave - (6pp)
In this Tenth Anniversary Special Report we focus the spotlight on the new and improved Soaves of our favorite producers.
Report #45 – Virginia Wine Comes of Age - (43pp)
- Introduction
- Top-Rated Producers
- The Evolution of Virginia Wine
- Geography and Climate
- Viticulture
- The Grapes of Virginia
- Winemaking
- Virginia Wine and American Cuisine
- The Virginia Wine Market
- Virginia's Producers and Their Wines
- Annexes
- Map of Virginia Wine Regions
- Principal Virginia Appellations
- Temperature and Rainfall Maps
- Barboursville Octagon Vertical Tasting
Read the free introduction to the Virginia Wines Come of Age report.