Report #44 – The Wines of Sonoma County - Double Issue - (71pp)

• Introduction
• Top-Rated Producers
• Highlights of Sonoma's Wine History
• Geography, Climate and Soils
• Vineyards, Vines and Vintages
• The AVAs of Sonoma County
• Coastal Cool Climate AVAs and Their Wines
• Coastal Warm Climate AVAs and Their Wines
• Future Challenges and Opportunities
• Annexes
  
  1. Wine Map of Sonoma County
  2. The Soils of Sonoma County

Wines Reviewed

Read the free introduction to the Wines of Sonoma County report.

Report #43 – Wines of Rioja - A New Look - (43pp)

• Introduction
• A Brief History of Wine in Rioja
• The Region
  • Rioja Alavesa
  • Rioja Alta
  • Rioja Baja
• Soils and Climate
• The Grapes of Rioja
• The Vineyard
• Winemaking
• Styles of Rioja
• Rioja Wine and Tapas
• The Market for Rioja Wine
• Winery Profiles, Tasting Notes and Ratings
• Annex
  Top Rated Wines

Wines Reviewed

Read the free introduction to the Wines of Rioja report.

Report #42 – Wines of Catalonia - (39pp)

• Introduction
• Geography, Climate and Soils
• A Brief History of Wine in Catalonia
• Viticulture and the Grapes
• The Appellations, Producers and Their Wines
  • Penedès
  • Cava
  • Priorat
  • Montsant
  • Terra Alta
  • Costers del Segre
  • Empordà
  • Other DO’s of Catalonia
• Catalonia’s Cuisine
• Tasting Notes and Ratings: Still Wines and Cava
• Annex
  Indigenous Grapes of Catalonia

Wines Reviewed

Read the free introduction to the Wines of Catalonia report.

Report #41 – The Amarones of Valpolicella - (27pp)

• Introduction
• Amarone's Terroir: Soils and Climate
• A Brief History of Amarone
• The Grapes of Amarone
• The Vineyard
• Winemaking
• Styles of Amarone
• Amarone and Food
• The Market for Amarone
• Tasting Notes and Ratings
• Annexes
  1. Vintages 2000-2013
  2. Cooperatives in Valpolicella

Wines Reviewed

Read the free introduction to the Amarones of Valpolicella report.

Special Report – Exciting Sparkling Wines of South Africa - (9pp)

• A Brief History
• Chefs de Cave
• Appellations
• Vintages
• Styles
• Prices and Availability
• The Wines

Read the free introduction to the Exciting Sparkling Wines of South Africa report.

Report #40 –
Consumer's Guide to Rosé Champagne and Sparkling Wine - (22pp)

• Introduction
• A Consumer's Guide
• Making Rosé: The Méthode Champenoise
• Top Rated Rosés Around the World
  • Champagne
  • Crémants and French Sparkling
  • Cava Rosado
  • Franciacorta and Other Italian
  • US Sparkling
  • Best Under $30
• Pairing Rosé with Food
• Tasting Notes and Ratings

Wines Reviewed

Read the free introduction to the Rosé Champagne and Sparkling Wine report.

Special Report – The Wines of Montefalco in Umbria - (6pp)

• Introduction
• The Region
• Sagrantino: The Grape
• Winemaking
• The Wines
• Pairing Sagrantino with Food
• Wine Reviews and Ratings
• Annex: Map of Montefalco

Read the free introduction to the Wines of Montefalco in Umbria report.

Report #39 – The World of Grenache - (37pp)

• Introduction
• History of Grenache
• Grenache Today
• In the Vineyard
• In the Winery
• Styles and Flavor Profiles
• Food and Wine Pairing
• Wine Reviews and Ratings
  • France
  • Spain
  • United States
  • Australia

Wines Reviewed

Read the free introduction to the World of Grenache report.

Report #38 – Wines of Washington State - Double Issue - (51pp)

• A Brief Wine History
• Geography, Climate & Soils
• The Vineyards of Washington
• Grapes and Wines
  • Bordeaux Reds
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Rhone Reds
  • Riesling
  • Chardonnay & Other White Varieties
• The Market for Washington Wine
• Tasting Notes and Ratings
• Annexes
  1. Columbia Valley Map
  2. Major Washington Vineyards

Wines Reviewed

Read the free introduction to the Wines of Washington State report.

Report #37 – Wines of Sicily - (30pp)

• A Brief Wine History
• Geography
• Improvements in Viticulture and Winemaking
  • The Vineyard
  • The Winery
• The Grapes and Wines
• Sicilian Food and Wine Pairing
• The Market for Sicilian Wine
• Tasting Notes and Ratings

Wines Reviewed

Read the free introduction to the Wines of Sicily report.

Report #36 – Wines of Santa Barbara - (46pp)

• Introduction
• Santa Barbara's Top Producers
• The Geography of Santa Barbara
• Historical Highlights
• Climate and Soils
• Viticulture and the Vineyards
• The Grapes and Wines
• Chardonnay
• Pinot Noir
• Syrah
• Sauvignon Blanc
• The Restaurants of Santa Barbara Wine Country
• Tasting Notes and Ratings
• Annexes
  1. The Vineyards of Santa Barbara
  2. Map of Santa Barbara County Wine Regions

Wines Reviewed

Read the free introduction to the Wines of Santa Barbara report.

Special Report – South African Chenin Blanc - (9pp)

• Introduction
• History of Chenin Blanc in South Africa
• Wine Growing Regions for Chenin Blanc
• Chenin Blanc, The Grape
• Leading Producers of South African Chenin Blanc
• Tasting Notes and Ratings

Read the free introduction to the South African Chenin Blanc report.

Report #35 – The Wines of Soave - (40pp)

• Introduction
• The New Wines of Soave
• Geography and the Vineyard
• Viticulture
• Winemaking
• Producers of the New Wines of Soave
• Soave and the Foods of the Veneto
• Soave in the US Market
• Tasting Notes and Ratings
• Annexes:
  • Soil Map of Soave
  • The Crus of Soave

Wines Reviewed

Read the free introduction to The Wines of Soave report.

Report #34 – Champagne Revisited - (40pp)

• Introduction
• Background
• The Regions of Champagne
• In the Vineyard
• In the Winery (Méthode Champenoise)
• Producer Houses, Growers, and Cooperatives
• Styles of Champagne
• Champagne with Food
• How to Read a Champagne Label
• The Market for Champagne
• Tasting Notes and Ratings
• Annexes:
  • Dosage Levels in Champagne
  • Map of Champagne

Wines Reviewed

Read the free introduction to the Champagne Revisited report.

Report #33 – The Wines of Paso Robles - (38pp)

• Introduction
• A Brief Wine History
• Geography and Terroir
• Viticulture in Paso Robles
• Wines of Paso Robles
• Fine Dining in Paso Robles
• Marketing Paso Robles Wines
• Tasting Notes and Ratings
• Annexes:
  • Map of Paso Robles Wineries
  • The Vineyards of Paso Robles

Wines Reviewed

Read the free introduction to the Wines of Paso Robles report.

Report #32 – The New Wines of Israel - (34pp)

• Introduction
• Acknowledgements
• Wine in the Land of Israel: A Brief History
• Wine Regions
• The Vineyards and Grapes of Israel
• Winemaking
• Wine Tourism
• The Market for Israeli Wines
• Tasting Notes and Ratings
• Annex I:   Israel's Young Winemakers
• Annex II:  Israel Wine Map

Wines Reviewed

Read the free introduction to the New Wines of Israel report.

Report #31 – Brunello di Montalcino - (30pp)

• Introduction
• Acknowledgements
• History of Brunello di Montalcino
  • Biondi Santi: The Beginnings
  • Modern History: Expansion and Investment
• Brunello di Montalcino: The Region and the Wine
  • The Sub-Regions of Montalcino
• In the Vineyards
  • Sangiovese, The Grape
  • Vineyard Management
  • Vintage
• Winemaking
  • Styles and Types of Brunello
  • Single Vineyard and Riserva Brunellos
• Pairing Brunello with Food
• The Market for Brunello
• Tasting Notes and Ratings

Wines Reviewed

Read the free introduction to the Brunello di Montalcino report.

Special Report – South African Value Wines - (15pp)

• Introduction
• Chardonnay
• Chenin Blanc
• Sauvignon Blanc
• White Blends & Other White Wines
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Merlot
• Pinotage
• Syrah
• Bordeaux and Other Red Blends
• The Market for Value Wines

Wines Reviewed

Read the free introduction to the South African Value Wines report.

Report #30 – The Wines of South Africa - (58pp)

• Introduction
• A Brief History of South African Wine from 1652
  • Modern Times
• The Diverse Regions of South Africa
  • Constantia and Cape Point
  • Stellenbosch
  • The South Coast
  • The Center
  • Swartland and Tulbagh
  • The West Coast
• The South African Vineyard
  • Production of Table Wine
  • Challenges in the Vineyard
  • Bio-Diversity and Environmental Protection
  • Vintages
• South Africa's Grapes and Wines
  • Chenin Blanc
  • Sauvignon Blanc
  • Sparkling Wine
  • Diverse Whites
  • Pinotage
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Syrah
  • Bordeaux Blends
  • Pinot Noir
• The Wine and Food Paradise of the Western Cape
  • Cuisine of the Cape
  • Fine Restaurants in Wine Country
• The Market for South African Wine
  • Prospects for US Exports
• Tasting Notes and Ratings
• Annex 1: Appellations and Labels

Wines Reviewed

Read the free introduction to the Wines of South Africa report.

Report #29 – The Wines of Monterey County - (38pp)

• Introduction
• Acknowledgements
• The Wine History of Monterey County
• Monterey: The Region
  • The AVA's
• Viticulture
  • Trends in Viticulture
  • Managing the Wind
  • The Clones of Monterey
• Monterey Wines
  • Chardonnay
  • Pinot Noir
  • Other Varieties
• Tasting Notes and Ratings
• Annex: Selected Estate and Single Vineyards
• Annex: Monterey's Innovative, Young Winemakers

Wines Reviewed

Read the free introduction to the Wines of Monterey County report.

Report #28 – The Wines of Priorat - (23pp)

• Introduction
• Acknowledgements
• A Brief History of Priorat
• The Region
• The Grapes
• In the Vineyard
• Winemaking
• Wine Styles
• Priorat in the Market Place
• Annex: Map of the Priorat DOQ
• Tasting Notes and Ratings
• Previous Wine Reports

Wines Reviewed

Read the free introduction to the Wines of Priorat report.

Report #27 – Sweet Wines of the World - (39pp)

• Introduction
• History of Sweet Wine
• The World of Sweet Wines
• Types of Sweet Wines
  • Botrytis Affected
  • Wines from Dried Grapes
  • Late Harvest
  • Muscat and Brachetto
  • Icewine
  • Fortified Whites
  • Fortified Reds
• Pairing Sweet Wines and Food: The Basics
  • Serving and Storing Sweet Wines
  • Sweet Wine and Food PairingRecommendations
• Purchasing Sweet Wines
• Tasting Notes and Ratings

Wines Reviewed

Read the free introduction to the Sweet Wines of the World report.

Report #26 – The Diverse Wines of Argentina - (54pp)

• Introduction
• History of Wine and Winemaking in Argentina
  • The Revolución Vitivinicola
  • Modern Pioneers
  • Today's Winemakers and Consultants
• Argentina's Major Wine Regions
  • Climate, Soils and Production
  • The Regions
• The Grapes and Wines of Argentina
  • Malbec
  • Bonarda
  • Torrontés
  • Other Varietals
• The Market for Argentina's Diverse Wines
• Tasting Notes and Ratings
• Annexes
  • Top Rated Wines by Price Category
  • Technical Note on Malbec

Wines Reviewed

Read the free introduction to the Diverse Wines of Argentina report.

Report #25 – The Wines of Austria - (56pp)

• Introduction
• Acknowledgements
• Terroir: Geography, Climate, Soils
• The Regions and Appellations of Austria
  • Niederösterreich
  • Wien
  • Burgenland
  • Steiermark
• A Brief History of Wine
• Austrian Wine Labels
• The Grapes and Wines of Austria
  • Grüner Veltliner
  • Riesling
  • Other White Wines
  • Blaufränkisch
  • Zweigelt
  • Other Red Wines
  • Ruster Ausbruch and TBA
• The Food and Wine of Austria
• Tasting Notes and Ratings
• Annex I Austrian Vintages 2006 – 2010

Wines Reviewed

Read the free introduction to the Wines of Austria report.

Report #24 – The New Wines of Portugal -Double Issue- (61pp)

• Introduction
• The Geography and Wines of Portugal
• Portugal’s Wine History
• The Pioneers of Wine
• Portugal’s Consulting Winemakers
• The Vines and Wines of Portugal
• Portugal’s Regions and Their Wines
• Portuguese Food and Wine Pairing
• Economics and the Market
• Tasting Notes and Ratings by Region
  • Vinho
  • Verde
  • Douro
  • Beiras
  • Lisboa
  • Tejo
  • Setúbal Peninsula
  • Alentejo

Wines Reviewed

Read the free introduction to the New Wines of Portugal report.

Report #23 – Wines of Ribera del Duero Revisited (23pp)

• Introduction
• Acknowledgements
• Ribera del Duero: Top Producers and Their Wines
• The Mighty Duero
• Tempranillo: The Grape
• Regulations and Classifications
• In the Vineyard
• Winemaking: The Quality Revolution
• Wine Tourism in Ribera del Duero
• The US Market for Spanish and Ribera del Duero Wines
• Tasting Notes and Ratings
• Special Supplement: Ribera del Duero Wines Available for Import

Wines Reviewed

Read the free introduction to the Ribera del Duero Revisited report.

Report #22 – Grapes and Wines of the Western Loire (31pp)

• Introduction
• Geography, Climate and Soils
• The Regions and Appellations of the Loire
• The Grapes and Wines of the Loire
  • Chenin Blanc
  • Cabernet Franc
  • Melon de Bourgogne
  • Other Reds
• Food and Wine of the Western Loire
• Wonderful Wine Values of the Loire
• Tasting Notes
• Annex 1: Map of the Loire
• Annex 2: The Appellations, Varietals, and Wine Styles of the Western Loire

Wines Reviewed

Read the free introduction to the Grapes and Wines of the Western Loire report.

Report #21 – The Chilean Wine Revolution (47pp)

• Introduction
• Acknowledgement
• Santa Lucia Highlands: The Region
• A Brief History of Chile’s Wine Revolution
• The Search for Terroir
• Viticulture and Winemaking
• Chile’s Grapes
  • Sauvignon Blanc
  • Chardonnay
  • Carmenere
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Red Blends
  • Syrah
  • Pinot Noir
• Pairing Carmenere with Dishes from Around the World
• The Market for Chilean Wine
• Tasting Notes and Ratings
• Annex 1: Chile’s Search for Terroir: From North to South

Wines Reviewed

Report #20 – The Wines of Santa Lucia Highlands: Unique Terroir, Marvelous Wines (31pp)

• Introduction
• The Highlands and Monterey: An Historical Note
• Santa Lucia Highlands: The Region
• Viticulture in the Highlands
• The Vineyards of the Highlands
• Wines of the Santa Lucia Highlands
• Economics of SLH Wines
• Tasting Notes and Ratings
• Annexes:
  • Selected Vineyard Profiles
  • Table–SantaLuciaHighlandsVineyards
  • Map of Santa Lucia Highlands Vineyards

Wines Reviewed

Report #19 – The Wines of Greece: Santorini and Assyrtiko (15pp)

• Introduction
• The Island
• Viticulture
• The Grapes
• Winemaking
• Assyrtiko and Food
• The Future for Santorini and Assyrtiko
• Tasting Notes and Ratings
• Wine Reports

Report #18 – The Wines of Navarra (27pp)

• Introduction
• Acknowledgements
• History of Wine in Navarra
• Navarra: The Region

• Navarra Wines: Variety and Style
• The Navarra Vineyard
• Pairing Navarra's Rosés with Food
• The Market for Navarra Wine
• Tasting Notes and Ratings

Informe #18 - Vinos de Navarra

Wines Reviewed

Report #17 – Sauvignon of the Loire (23pp)

• Introduction
• The Loire: A Brief History
• Geography, Climate and Soils
• Sauvignon Blanc: The Grape
• The Loire and its Appellations
• In the Vineyard
• Making Sauvignon Blanc
• Vintages in the Loire
• Pairing Sauvignon Blanc and Food
• The Market for Sauvignon
• Tasting Notes and Ratings

Wines Reviewed

Report #16 – Oregon Pinot Noir (31pp)

• Introduction
• A Very Brief History of Oregon Pinot Noir
• Pinot Noir: The Grape
• Geography, Climate and Soils
• In the Vineyard
• In the Winery
• The Styles of Oregon Pinot Noir
• Oregon Pinot Noir and Food Pairings
• The Market for Pinot Noir
• Tasting Notes and Ratings

Wines Reviewed

Report #15 – The Wines of Chianti Classico (28pp)

• History of Chianti Classico
• Chianti: The Region and the Wine
• Sangiovese the Grape
• In the Vineyard
• Winemaking in Chianti Classico
• Chianti Classico, The Wine
• Vintages
• Pairing Chianti Classico with Food
• The Market for Chianti Classico
• The Tasting Notes and Rating (250 wines)

Wines Reviewed

Report #14 – The World of Sparkling Wines and Champagne (40pp)

• Types and Styles of Sparkling Wines
• Our Selection of Top Sparkling Wines and Champagne
• Factors that Contribute to Quality Sparkling Wine
• Sparkling Wine Production Methods
• How to Taste Champagne and Sparkling Wine
• Pairing Sparkling Wine and Food
• Sparkling Wines and Champagne Tasting Notes and Ratings (250 wines)

Wines Reviewed

Special Report – Introduction to Sherry (20pp)
Informe Especial -Introducción al Sherry (20pp)

• The Sherry Triangle
• The Consejo Regulador
• Climate and Soil The Grapes and Viticultural Practices
• How Sherry is Made
• Shades and Styles of Sherry
• Tasting Notes and Ratings (75 sherries)
  

Wines Reviewed

Report #13 – The Wines Of Rioja: Classical and New Wave (35 pp)

• 30 Noteworthy Classical and New Wave Producers
• History of Modern Winemaking
• The Region
• Rioja’s Classification System
• The Grapes, The Vineyard, Winemaking
• Styles of Rioja Wine: Classical and New Wave
• Pairing Rioja Wine and Food: A Tasting at Jaleo Restaurant
• The Market for Rioja by Price and Ratings
• Tasting Notes and Ratings (350 wines)

Wines Reviewed

Report #12 – California Petite Sirah II
Syrah Update:
California and the Northwest
Selections from California and Washington State (27pp)

• To-Rated Producers
• The Grape
• Petite Sirah in the Vineyard, Winemaking
• Durif in Australia
• Serving and Pairing Petite Sirah with Food
• Petite Sirah in the Markplace
• Tasting Notes and Ratings (175 wines)

Wines Reviewed

Report #11 –2005 Bordeaux Crus Bourgeois (20pp)

• Top Rated 2005 Crus Bourgeois
• Overview of Bordeaux
• How Bordeaux Has Changed
• The Style and Drinkability of 2005 Crus Bourgeois
• The Classification system: Then and Now
• The Cru bourgeois Market
• The Bordelaise Culinary Scene
• Tasting notes and ratings (200 wines)

Wines Reviewed

Report #10 – Unoaked Chardonnay: It’s More Than Wood (24pp)

• Chablis: The Classic Model for Unoaked Chardonnay
• Characteristics of Chardonnay without Oak
• Chardonnay in the Vineyard
• The Winemaker’s Toolbox
• Unoaked Chardonnay with Food
• The Market for Unoaked Chardonnay
• Unoaked Chardonnay: by Sandy Block
• Tasting Notes and Ratings (110 Wines)

Wines Reviewed

Report #9 – Champagne (24pp)

• Champagne: An Overview
• The Evolution of the Champagne Method
• The Regions of Champagne
• The Vineyard Classification System
• Vintages
• The Grapes
• In the Vineyard
• In the Winery: Méthode Champenoise
• Styles of Champagne
• Grower Champagne and House Champagne: Different Paths to Quality
• Champagne with Food
• The Label: What to Look for
• The Market
• Tasting Notes and Ratings (100 champagnes)

Wines Reviewed

Report #8 – The Wines of Ribera del Duero (28 pp)

• Spain and Castilla y León
• The Grape: The Many Faces of Tempranillo
• The Classification System in Ribera del Duero
• The Region Climate and Soil
• The Growing Cycle and the Harvest
• Recent Vintages in Ribera del Duero
• In the Vineyard and Irrigation
• Vine Pests: Voles
• Winemaking
• The Use of Oak
• Variations in Style: Vine Age,
• Phenolic Ripeness and Maturation
• A Study in Style: Vega Sicilia and Dominio de Pingus
• Pairing Ribera del Duero Wines with Food
• Marketing the Wines of Ribera del Duero
• The Producers: iWineReview’s 30 to Watch
• Tasting Notes and Ratings (200 wines)

Wines Reviewed

Report #7 - New Zealand's Exciting Pinot Noirs (28pp)

• The Grape: The Elusive Magic of Pinot Noir
• The Region: Pinot Noir in New Zealand
• History
• Important Regions for Pinot Noir
• Climate
• In the Vineyard: Taming a Temperamental Grape
• The Soils and Trellis Systems
• Planting Material and Clones
• Phylloxera, Fruit Damage and Vine Age
• In the Winery: Making Pinot Noir
• Determining Ripeness and Harvesting Pinot Noir
• Fermentation Practices and Fruit Handling
• Cellar Conditions and Bottle Closures
• The Style of New Zealand Pinot Noir
• Pairing New Zealand Pinot Noir with Food
• In the Marketplace: The Outlook for Exports
• A Bright Future for New Zealand Pinot Noir
• The Producers: i-WineReview's 25 to Watch
• The Wines: Tasting Notes and Rating  (85 wines)

Wines Reviewed

Special Report - Red Wines of Portugal: the Douro Boys and Barca Velha (11pp)

• The Douro Region
• The Grapes
• The Wines
• Resources

Wines Reviewed

Report #6 - The Wines of Southern Italy: From Quantity to Quality (40pp)

• Towards Wine Quality in Southern Italy
• The Grapes
• The Role of Consulting Enologists
• The Classification System
• The Producers
• Marketing Southern Italian Wines
• Pairing Southern Italian Food and Wine
• Tasting Notes and Ratings (275 Wines)

Wines Reviewed

Report #5 - Argentina’s Magnificent Malbec (35pp)

• The Tasting
• Malbec and Mendoza
• Malbec: The Grape
• Malbec in the Vineyard
• Winemaking
• The Argentine Wine Industry 1
• The Export Market
• Marvelous Malbec and Food
• Tasting Notes and Ratings
• Malbec Wines By Rating and Pricing (150 wines)

Wines Reviewed

Report #4 - Syrah from California and the Northwest - Red Hot and Cool (25pp)

• The Origin of Syrah
• Syrah in the US
• Acreage Reports, Trends and Important AVAs
• Working with Syrah in the Vineyards
• of California, and the Pacific Northwest
• Climate and Styles of Syrah
• Ripeness, Harvest Parameters, and the
• Issue of Alcohol
• Working with Syrah in the Winery
• Pairing Syrah with Foods
• The Future: Whither Syrah from California and the Pacific Northwest
• Tasting Notes for California and Pacific Northwest Syrah (250 wines)

Wines Reviewed

Report #3 - Grenache Wines of Australia, California, France and Spain (28pp)

• Background and History of Grenache
• Food and Wine Pairing
• Styles
• California-WA State Grenache Tasting Notes
• Australian Grenache Tasting Notes
• French Grenache Tasting Notes
• Spanish Grenache (Garnacha) Tasting Notes
• Italian Tasting Notes
• Grenache Wines by Rating and Pricing

Wines Reviewed

Report #2 - Red Table Wines of Portugal (26pp)

• The Portuguese Wine Scene
• Classifications of Portuguese Wine
• Most Important Red Wine Regions of Portugal
• The Principal Red Wine Grapes of Portugal
• Portuguese wine Styles: Traditional and Modern
• Vintages
• Marketing Portuguese Wines in the US
• Portuguese Wine and Food
• References and Further Reading
• Red Table Wines Tasting Notes (190 Wines)

Wines Reviewed

Report #1 - California Petite Sirah (8pp)

• The IWR Tasting
• The Results
• Background on the Grape
• Petite Sirah in the vineyard
• Severing and Pairing with Food
• Tasting Notes (35 Wines)

Wines Reviewed