Decanter Magazine - December 2024

In this issue

TOP BUYS FOR THE HOLIDAYS - Bordeaux, Chablis, Tokaji, Port, whisky and more...

The Margaux man - Meet the new generation at the Bordeaux first growth.

'A Christmas wine should be one to spend time over'

I've let you down: more than 250 columns for Decanter, and not one on Christmas wine. There is an urgent topic to address; it's not, though, so urgent that it can't wait until January. I've also got an undiscovered jewel among Big Reds to describe: provocative and challenging, but rich with excitement... and still affordable. That will do nicely for February's chilly nights. Now, though, it's Noël.

3 mins

'Dosage is like a sprinkle of salt'

Of all the questions to ask a sparkling winemaker, there's one which always tends to draw out the most reluctant answer: 'What's the dosage?\"

3 mins

Alexis Leven-Mentzelopoulos

The new CEO of family-run Médoc first growth Château Margaux interrupted his busy schedule to reflect on his path to the top job, and his plans for the estate's future direction

7 mins

25 TOP SYRAH/SHIRAZ REDS

Two names, a multitude of personalities. For almost two centuries, Syrah has been woven into the fabric of the southern hemisphere's wine world. Today, it makes some of the most exciting and terroir-expressive wines to be found south of equator, with a growing shift towards single-site bottlings

10 mins

Looking BACK, looking AHEAD

As 2024 draws to a close, we asked eight of our regular contributors to nominate their most memorable wine experiences of the year and to reveal what they're anticipating most in their plans for 2025

7 mins

Chablis 2023

Variable weather made it challenging at times, but a late hot spell came to the rescue, resulting in plenty of good wines for drinking and for keeping. Having tasted almost 400 Chablis 2023 wines, our expert selects 30 of his favourites, along with five from top producers in neighbouring crus

10 mins

WHITE CHATEAU

Hitherto a bit-part player, the white wines of this celebrated southern Rhône region are well placed to find themselves increasingly in the spotlight, as a result of the changing climate conditions. Our Rhône expert recommends 20 of his favourite examples to seek out

10 mins

Perfect whiskies for wine lovers at Christmas

What better gift could there be for a wine and whisky lover than a whisky matured in barrels previously used for wine? Our selection of 12 great bottles shows just why it can be a match made in heaven

6 mins

José Pizarro does Christmas Spanish style

In a Decanter exclusive, the celebrated chef offers up an alternative menu for the seasonal celebration

7 mins

Wine lover's guide to ALSACE

Pretty postcard villages, delicious food, fascinating history and, of course, excellent wines - this beautiful northeastern corner of France has everything a wine lover could ask for

4 mins

Read all stories from Decanter

Decanter Magazine Description:

Indulge in a world of fine wines and epicurean delights with Decanter Magazine. your ultimate guide to the intricate world of wines, from grape to glass. Uncover the stories behind the labels, explore tasting notes, and gain insights from experts.

Decanter Magazine, by Future, is a prestigious publication that has been the voice of the wine industry for wine lovers, enthusiasts, and experts alike. With a history spanning decades, it continues to be the go-to source for those who appreciate the art and science of wine.

Within the pages of Decanter, you'll embark on a sensorial journey through the world of wine:

* Wine Reviews: Explore in-depth wine reviews and tasting notes from around the globe, uncovering the nuances of different varietals, regions, and vintages.

* Wine and Food Pairing: Learn the art of pairing wines with exquisite culinary creations, enhancing your dining experiences.

* Winemaking Insights: Gain a deeper understanding of the winemaking process, from vineyard to cellar, and discover the stories behind renowned wineries.

* Expert Advice: Benefit from expert tips and advice on wine selection, storage, and serving, ensuring you enjoy every bottle to the fullest.

* Wine Travel: Embark on virtual wine journeys through articles on wine regions, vineyard tours, and wine-related travel experiences.


Whether you're an experienced oenophile or just beginning your wine journey, Decanter Magazine is your companion for exploring the world of fine wines. Subscribe now and unlock the beauty, culture, and science of wine. Sip, savor, and appreciate the world of fine wines like never before. Cheers to your wine adventures!