Distilled

Your guide to the latest trends in spirits and cocktails

DARK RUM revolution

People who like rum tend to really love it. The unrestrained nature of the spirit means that the pace of innovation among producers is fast, with new cask-ageing techniques and flavour styles emerging all the time, notably among the dark rums

Catalonia's exciting winemakers

Independent thinking and a fearless vision characterise this region in Spain's far northeast, where many producers are pushing the boundaries in Spanish wine. Meet 14 at the forefront of the action

6 REGIONS DISHES WINES

Join us on a region-by-region trip through some of the very best food and wine Spain has to offer

RIAS BAIXAS

Spain's 'top left corner' stands out for its verdant countryside and dramatic Atlantic coastline, its calling card the increasingly popular Albariño whites. Here are the essentials on the region, its producers and wines

EXPLORING SPAIN Day trips for wine lovers

North to south, Spain truly does have something for everyone - from its monumental and groundbreaking architecture to charming villages, splendid beaches and rugged countryside

Victoria Mulu-Munywoki

Kenya-based sommelier, consultant and retailer

Blistered green bean tacos with tomato pico & toasted almonds

Meat-free, the dynamic flavours of fresh veg, herbs, nuts and chillies call for an equally fresh and fruity dry white to bring it all together

Mexico’s other agave spirits

There’s more to Mexican spirits than tequila, so start exploring the territory of mezcal, raicilla and bacanora and discover a whole new dimension to the agave plant

Willamette Valley PINOT GRIS

Pinot Gris has found the perfect home in Oregon’s well-known Willamette Valley region, but it’s only now starting to reach its full potential – in affordable, easy-drinking styles as well as more serious, ageworthy bottlings

País in Chile

For centuries it was written off as a variety destined only for rustic wines, but today País is enjoying a new lease of life in southern Chile. And some much needed TLC from a few key winemakers is revealing its full potential

Uruguay’s COASTAL WHITES

Over the past two decades, white wine has been gaining ground in this red-dominated country, as inventive winemakers explore different terroirs – and varieties – to great (and delicious) effect

A fork in the wine road

Wineries across Napa and Sonoma are elevating the average tasting experience by pairing wines with chef-driven, multi-course menus served in spectacular settings. We’ve picked out 10 of the best to try

Alejandro Vigil

Inside a professional’s everyday life | Winemaking director, and Wines of Argentina president

Rasteau’s NEW LOOK

Thanks to changes in both consumer tastes and the climate, a gentler, more considered style of winemaking has led to a fresher, more elegant interpretation of this former powerhouse

The rise of CALIFORNIA CABERNET FRANC

Move over Cabernet Sauvignon. The savoury, herbal intrigue of Cabernet Franc is now the grape on everyone’s lips in California. Here we chart its history and ascendancy in the Golden State, recommending 20 top wines to try from a comprehensive tasting of 60 wines

French influence in ARGENTINA

From the 1850s until today, a host of innovative, risk-taking French winemakers and entrepreneurs have crossed the Atlantic to make their mark on Argentinian wine

A welcome return to our global judging panels

It was the DWWA’s first time back at full strength since 2019, and it broke all records. An astonishing 18,244 wines were assessed by 237 judges, but the selection process was as tough as ever. Our Co-Chair explains the process of awarding the sought-after medals

Hermione Ireland

Wine book publisher, Académie du Vin Library | Inside a professional’s everyday life

FIVE OF THE BEST: REPOSADO TEQUILAS

Tequila has different age classifications – blanco, reposado, añejo and extra añejo – depending on how much time the spirit spends in barrel. Blancos spend no time in oak, while añejos spend at least one year, and extra añejos a minimum of three years. Reposado translates as ‘rested’, and is defined as being aged in oak for at least two months but less than a year. This means reposados are versatile tequilas that you can either use in cocktails or sip neat.

Predicted growth for UK wine due to climate change

A warmer climate may further boost UK wine production in the next two decades and Pinot Noir is a grape variety to watch, new ‘near-term’ modelling has found.

Walla Walla Valley for wine lovers

Mainly in Washington State but crossing into Oregon, too, the Walla Walla Valley AVA is an exciting place to explore, with a wide choice of tasting rooms to visit and places to eat

EUROPE in 12 top winery visits

If you’re clever about it, you can have some amazing holiday winery experiences, and keep your non-wine-loving partner happy too. These estates really do offer something for everyone

Anglesey salt & pepper fritto misto

A summer holiday classic, these mouthwateringly crispy, salty bites of tender vegetables and delectable seafood will pair perfectly with a very dry sparkling or minerally white, served nice and cold

Gin cocktails for summer

Ah, gin: as if you needed an excuse. But now’s the perfect season for experimenting with crisp, refreshing gin cocktails to enjoy at home on warm sunny evenings and lazy weekends

THE OTHER NECTAR OF THE GODS

Olive oil and wine have long defined the gastronomic cultures and trading ties of the Mediterranean basin. Why are they such inseparable companions?

Wood and winemaking

Spice, smoke, vanilla, coconut... wood can be a game-changer for a wine. Producers who use it face myriad decisions: specific type, place of origin, size of vessel, toasting level – all key to what you smell and taste

Tasmania

The wines coming out of this unique island state today are fresh, complex and lively. Their quality is testament to the winemakers who spotted its potential in the 1980s, overcoming serious climatic challenges to produce some exemplary wines

WHITE BURGUNDY in three steps

Its slopes and villages inspire respect, adoration, awe and sometimes frustration. But what's unarguable is that Burgundy is seen as the world's greatest territory for Chardonnay, if not white wine as a whole. Discovering its complex geography, its myriad styles and subtle expressions is likely to involve a lifetime's passionate dedication - so where to begin such a fascinating journey?

Ricotta ice cream with magnolia syrup

Wine and magnolia? Not a pairing challenge you come across every day, but this show-stopping dessert will taste even more delicious enjoyed with one of the styles we suggest here