Biondi-Santi's Brunello di Montalcino Riserva has only been produced in 43 vintages since 1888. The tasting in Montalcino highlighted the elegance and style of these historic wines and the excellent evolution potential. The whole series presents itself very consistent on a high quality level, although the vintages have been very different and therefore the stylistic differences are quite important. However, the tasting proved that the respect of the terroir and a philosophy which promotes this specific terroir is of great importance. It was very exciting to see that all the wines displayed an unparalleled vibrancy and excellent length.

The Torre Mora estate on Sicily has presented two new arrivals.

Founded in 1956 by his father, Paolo Marchi took over Isole e Olena in 1976. He transformed the estate to one of the leading wine producers in Italy. The observation of his vineyards, the promotion of Sangiovese as the estate's leading variety, lower yields, denser plantation and Massale selection for the Sangiovese were his key to success. As the DOC rules of the time did not allow to produce a Chianti Classico with 100% Sangiovese he invented Ceparello, a Super-Tuscan but pure Sangiovese, unheard at that time. 2022 was the last vintage of Paolo Marchi, he sold the estate to the French EPI group, also owner of -amongst others- Champagne Piper Heidsieck and the Tenuta Biondi-Santi. In 2023 Emanuele Reolon took over the management of the estate, a gifted vintner with the aim to continue the extraordinary work which as done by Paolo Marchi.

Thomas Cheurlin is deeply rooted in the magnificent wine landscape of Champagne. Here, where Jura limestone shapes the landscape and the terroir, he produces Champagne at a high level. He relies on his diverse vineyards, which are located in the small valleys known as “Vaucelles”. These valleys also served as the inspiration for the name of his new line.

The new range of Champagne Frerejean Frères showing the unique style of the the house.

Cloudburst has just presented its new collection.

Mariona Alabau and Gergö Borbély are the founders of LegaSea, a wine project to mature wines under water. Both are passionate divers and the idea of combining diving and wine production ended with the foundation of LegaSea. They are not only maturing their own wines in the Mediterranean sea but also bottles from other wineries. The estate of Witwe Thanisch has shared this extraordinary experience.

The new collection of Martin Korrell showed excellent qualities although the vintage was quite challenging.

Today's tasting features wines from the coastal region of Liguria and from the mountains of the Alto Adige. A "surf and turf" of two different terroirs yet two great wine experiences. 

The second part of the primeur tasting was held in Essen. A number of Châteaux have sent their samples and were tasted on arrival. The trend of wines with a lot of fruit in a slightly lighter style yet with very good persistence on the palate which was already observed during the primeur tasting in Bordeaux was confirmed.

The third tasting of the primeurs was held on May 8th and 9th in Essen. Over a hundred samples have been sent by the Châteaux. Now there will be some few wines announced for next week so that the final tasting notes will be online towards the end of the coming week.