Christmas is around the corner and despite the many things from geological tensions, to ecological crisis to challenging markets, I believe we have plenty of reasons to celebrate and be thankful. Thus, not disregarding the issues the wine industry faces, I continue to see the glass half full. With that being said, let’s dive into this year’s final edition of the Jolly Cellar Master weekly.
A Toast to History and Modernity: Unwrapping the Wine World’s Latest Tales
Unearthing Vino’s Past: A 1,900-Year-Old Winery in France’s Rhône Valley
In a discovery that marries history with enology, archaeologists have unearthed an astonishing testament to wine’s age-old legacy in France’s Rhône Valley, famed for its illustrious Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Cornas, and Condrieu. This past November, under the watchful eyes of the Institut National de Recherches Archéologiques Preventives (INRAP), an ancient winery surfaced near Laveyron. This remarkable find, dating back to the first century A.D., lies hidden beneath a soon-to-be industrial site.
In the vestiges of this ancient winery, we find echoes of the Iron Age’s La Tène culture and Roman influences, revealing a saga of winemaking that predates our modern palates. From terracotta dolia to wooden casks, these ruins whisper tales of a time when vinum picatum graced the tables of Roman epicureans. Alas, with progress marches on, and the winery, after its archaeological revelations, faces the inevitability of modern development. As we raise our glasses to this historical marvel, the authors of the piece at Wine Spectator remind us: Tempus fugit! Indeed.
Adjusting to New Realities: Europe’s Ingredient Labeling Laws
Shortly after announcing a new owner, the Wine-Searcher reported on the upcoming changes in the EU on wine labelling: Transitioning from ancient cellars to contemporary labeling dilemmas, Europe finds itself grappling with new EU ingredient labeling laws. One week into their enforcement, the mandate, predominantly executed through QR codes, has stirred a potpourri of reactions. French vineyards, long toiling under the banner of ‘natural’ wines, now confront a newfound transparency that’s met with both acclaim and skepticism.
In the heart of the Côtes de Gascogne, voices like Kévin Gessler’s resonate with concern over the potential stigmatization of an industry already under scrutiny. This new transparency, revealing every additive from sulfur to tartaric acid, may not only perplex consumers but also inadvertently tilt the scales in favor of conventional farming practices, overshadowing the unspoken narrative of pesticide residues.
Crossing Borders: A Tale of Alleged Wine Fraud
In a twist that seems lifted from a crime novel, the world of fine wine investment becomes the backdrop for an alleged $99 million fraud scheme. British citizen Stephen Burton, now extradited to the US, faces charges that paint a picture of deceit involving non-existent wine collectors and phantom loans. As the legal gears grind, the saga unfolds, mirroring the complexities and vulnerabilities of an industry where opulence often intersects with opacity, writesDecanter.
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As we wrap up this edition, we’re reminded of the multifaceted nature of the wine world. It’s a realm where history is unearthed, modern regulations reshape perceptions, and the occasional scandal reminds us of the human element in this ancient craft. From the dust-laden ruins of an ancient winery to the digitized labels of modern bottles and the courtrooms echoing with charges of fraud, the wine world continues to be a tapestry rich with stories, each thread weaving a narrative of tradition, transformation, and tenacity. I hope you enjoyed reading this weekly roundup as well as the other content the Jolly Cellar Master brought you this year. In the meantime, as always, if you have an interesting story to tell though or simply want to chat about wine as a guest on the Podcast, connect on Twitter or drop me a line. And if you want to stay in the loop about things happening at the JollyCellarMaster and the world of wine, make sure you sign up to our newsletter.
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Disclaimer: As always, I’d like to be completely transparent about affiliations, conflicts of interest, my expressed views and liability: Like anywhere else on this website, the views and opinions expressed are solely those of the original authors and other contributors. The material information contained on this website is for general information purposes only. I endeavour to keep this information correct and up-to-date, I do not accept any liability for any falls in accurate or incomplete information or damages arising from technical issues as well as damages arising from clicking on or relying on third-party links. I am not responsible for outside links and information is contained in this article nor does it contain any referrals or affiliations with any of the producers or companies mentioned. As I said, the opinions my own, no liability, just thought it would be important to make this clear. Thanks!
