Vernaccia di San Gimignano – ancient wine rediscovered

“A white island of wine in a sea of red,” some describe the Vernaccia white wine of San Gimignano, surrounded as it is by red Chianti vineyards. When young, it’s fresh, floral and pleasant – a cool kiss on a warm summer’s day. When older, its mineral notes mature and become more complex without losing…

Vendanges – Grape picking in France

Tessa Laroche stands in the fermentation room, surrounded by stainless steel tanks and pours us a glass of the 2015 Domaine aux Moines. The pneumatic press behinds us makes some peculiar sounds. She raises her arms, like a conductor, moves her hands in time with the noise and with a slight bow emphasises the last commotion of the press.

Tessa is the maestro and the wine is her symphony.