Struggling with my favorite wine?
March 11th, 2025
It's a question I keep encountering from people I meet along the way and in every interview, but the truth is, I don’t have an answer. Sure, I’ve tried wines from around the world, especially when I studied winemaking. One of my fondest memories is working in the vineyards at sunrise, feeling the warmth of the sun drying the vines, and reflecting on whether these vines, these living beings, could somehow communicate through the way they feel. It may sound crazy, but when they’re sick, they speak. Take powdery mildew, for example—when the vines are infected, they show clear signs. The white, powdery coating on the leaves and young shoots signals distress. It’s a fungal disease, and when it takes hold, it stunts the vine’s growth and affects the fruit's quality. You can't ignore it—it's the vine’s way of crying out for help.
What I miss is the certainty of the vines—their quiet, steadfast communication. The vines don’t lie. They tell you exactly what they need and when they’re struggling. I remember my professor often saying that walking every row of vines is the best way to understand them. You can’t assume or rush in with pesticides that may provide short-term solutions but weaken the vine in the long run. It’s about listening to the land, respecting it, and allowing the vines to show their resilience. They offer an honest, unspoken certainty, one that can never be replaced by technology or trends. That’s why, even when faced with challenges like mildew, the vines remain a guide—they remind you that the best wine comes from a place of deep connection to the land and an understanding of its needs.
As I’ve learned more about wine, it’s become something more elusive. The more I study, the less certain I am about what defines a "favorite wine." I’ve tasted incredible wines that have changed my perspective. Sometimes, the simplest wines—those that express the true character of the vineyard—are the ones that resonate the most. Life, like wine, teaches me that less often means more. But technology has undeniably transformed winemaking, and understanding the chemistry behind it is essential. Yet, my favorite wine? That’s harder to pinpoint.
What I truly value is the story behind the wine—the vineyard, the winemaker, the viticulturist. I learned from my mentor, Marcus, that you have to intimately know each vine, each row, each moment of the growing season to make exceptional wine. The relationship with the land and the vine is sacred. I have deep respect for those who work the vineyards, especially in places like California, where Mexican immigrants—masters of their craft—bring their expertise and care to the vines. Similarly, I’ve spent a vintage working alongside immigrants from all over Europe, pruning vines, learning from their perspectives on wine. The way they describe their wines—rich, full-bodied, and earthy—adds another layer to my understanding of this craft.
When it comes to remembering wines, I have a selective memory. The ones I love stay with me, while the ones I dislike fade away. It’s like searching for the love of your life—you don’t know what’s right for you until you experience it. I’m still on that journey, looking for the wine that encompasses everything I believe in.
The truly best wine is the one that touches my hands—the juice that shows me its imperfections as a beautiful struggle. It’s the wine that carries the essence of a place I’ve been, with a scent that reminds me of the earth’s bark and soil, of the warmth of sunlight that nourishes life. It’s the wine that speaks of existence long before human hands ever touched the land—a reminder of nature’s quiet, timeless rhythm. That’s the wine I seek: imperfect, raw, yet deeply meaningful.
And maybe, just maybe, that perfect wine is waiting for me in Colombia. It’s a country with a nascent wine industry, particularly in the high-altitude regions. Could this be the place where I finally find that perfect wine? A wine that tells a story of land, people, and passion—a wine that combines everything I value: simplicity, authenticity, and a deep connection to its roots.
What is your favourite wine?
From Walla Walla to East Anglia: A Winemaker’s Journey Through Climate, Terroir, and Grape Diversity
March 7, 2025
Moving to the other side of the world has given me the opportunity to explore wineries that showcase a completely different expression of cool-climate grapes.
Back home in Walla Walla, Washington, I was used to working with warm-climate varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Syrah, Merlot, and Mourvèdre. Walla Walla has a semi-arid climate, with hot, dry summers reaching up to 38°C (100°F) and cold winters that can drop as low as -10°C (14°F). Rainfall is low, around 300–500 mm annually, so vineyards rely heavily on irrigation. The long, warm growing season allows grapes to ripen fully, creating wines with high tannins, deep color, and bold flavors.
During my time in Walla Walla, I had the incredible opportunity to work as an intern winemaker at L’Ecole No 41, where I gained hands-on experience with Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux blends. Through this journey, I also had the privilege of getting to know Chris Figgins, the winemaker behind Leonetti Cellar and Figgins Family Wine Estate. His expertise and dedication to crafting age-worthy, structured reds gave me a deep appreciation for warm-climate winemaking and the legacy of Walla Walla’s top wines.
In contrast, East Anglia, England, where I now work, presents a completely different viticultural challenge. The cool, maritime climate is heavily influenced by the North Sea, with mild summers averaging 13–16°C (55–61°F) and winters that rarely drop below freezing. Rainfall is higher, between 600–700 mm annually, and humidity creates a greater risk of fungal diseases like powdery mildew and botrytis. The shorter growing season and cooler nights help grapes retain high acidity, making this region ideal for crisp, aromatic whites and sparkling wines.
That said, I’ve never been a fan of directly comparing wine regions. Each land has its own uniqueness, shaped by its terroir, climate, and culture. Rather than focusing on which is “better,” I prefer to appreciate the distinct personality of each region and the incredible diversity that comes from working with different varieties in different conditions.
Recently, I had the opportunity to taste Cabernet Noir—a remarkable hybrid that blends the best of both worlds. It showcases deep dark fruit flavors like blackcurrant and blackberry, with small, thick-skinned berries contributing to its structure. I found it surprisingly expressive, exceeding my expectations. It also made me wonder: why not focus on planting varieties that ripen earlier? This could ensure the grapes reach full maturity before October’s rains, reducing the risk of disease pressure late in the season. However, early budding varieties still face challenges, as spring frost remains a major concern in East Anglia.
Tasting Regent further broadened my perspective on the diversity of grapes that can thrive in this climate. Originally from Germany, Regent is a cross between Silvaner, Müller-Thurgau, and Chambourcin. It produces a wine with a delicate, light color, thanks to gentle skin maceration that preserves freshness without over-extraction. The result is a beautifully balanced wine with notes of black cherry, plum, and spice.
But the real surprise of the day was Solaris, another German-born variety (a cross between Merzling, Saperavi Severnyi, and Muscat Ottonel). Its aromatic profile is highly expressive, with delicate floral notes and refreshing vibrancy. If you enjoy wines like Picpoul or Pinot Grigio, Solaris is a must-try—especially given its growing popularity in the UK wine scene.
This experience reinforced how climate and grape selection are deeply interconnected. In Walla Walla, winemakers focus on low-yield, high-concentration reds due to the warm climate and volcanic soils. Meanwhile, in East Anglia, producers must carefully manage disease risk while crafting elegant, high-acid wines, often using chalky soils that help retain heat. These differences showcase the beauty of terroir-driven winemaking, proving that each region offers something truly unique.
Best Wineries for These Grape Varieties
If you want to experience Cabernet Noir, Regent, and Solaris in East Anglia, these wineries are leading the way:
Winbirri Vineyard (Norwich, Norfolk) – Famous for Bacchus, but also producing Solaris and Pinot Noir.
Burn Valley Vineyard (North Norfolk) – A family-run estate with Regent and Solaris plantings.
Chet Valley Vineyard (Bergh Apton, Norfolk) – Specializing in Pinot Noir and Solaris, with award-winning wines.
For exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon from Walla Walla Valley, these wineries are at the forefront:
Leonetti Cellar (Walla Walla, WA) – The first winery in Walla Walla, known for producing deep, age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon.
L’Ecole No 41 (Lowden, WA) – A family-owned estate with elegant, balanced Cabernet Sauvignon, where I had the honor of working as an intern winemaker.
Figgins Family Wine Estate (Walla Walla, WA) – Founded by Chris Figgins, producing premium Cabernet Sauvignon that reflects the best of Walla Walla terroir.
Woodward Canyon Winery (Touchet, WA) – A long-established winery with highly acclaimed, complex Cabernet Sauvignon.
These wineries showcase the incredible potential of both cool- and warm-climate viticulture, offering a fascinating contrast between the structured reds of Walla Walla and the vibrant, high-acid wines of East Anglia.
Tuesday, 25th February, 2025
BEHIND THE SCENES - The demand for wine in general
Who among us hasn't felt a bit lost in the wine section of a supermarket? This is a common experience for many, especially younger consumers who may not fully appreciate the rich cultural significance of wine. This beverage, deeply intertwined with human history for centuries, carries with it a sense of tradition and heritage that we can all connect to.
Different factors influence choosing a particular bottle of wine and not another, such as country, favorite grape variety, price, social, economic, legal, and political factors that are distinctive to the customer, are corrected for choosing the right bottle of wine.
As new countries enter the world of wine, the market is undergoing a significant growth phase. Consumption in countries such as China, the USA, and Colombia is on the rise, as I witnessed during my recent visit to Bogotá. Witnessing my country's progress in the wine industry is truly exhilarating. The top five countries for wine consumption from 2003 to 2019 are the USA, France, Italy, Germany, and China, with the latter leading in recent years.
Social factors, particularly culture, profoundly influence wine consumption. We are witnessing a significant shift as we introduce wines popular among younger generations to emerging regions. For example, wine is a common choice in a Chinese restaurant in Madrid. I found it hard to resist a complimentary glass of wine on the cheapest airline, on the national train, or in this Chinese restaurant. More than quality, it's the rich cultural aspect that drives consumption, and understanding this can help us make more informed choices.
As we see more often, non-alcoholic wines are being normalized, and health concerns are taken into account for consumers. The alcohol percentage on the labels and the trends, now sparkling and rosé wine, will be considered more.
Economic factors play a significant role in determining which wine is more convenient. For wine enthusiasts, the price of a bottle of wine can influence their decisions, making them more informed and strategic in their choices.
In the exchange of currency, how much did I pay for those fantastic bottles of wine I got in Florence two days ago? A deal price on an Enoteca in the center of Florence called 'Enoteca Pura Passione Paolino.' Still, my experience of tasting a range of Chianti Classico and Chianti Classico- Gran Selezione at Vallepicciola, a wine producer with a rich history and diverse vineyards, has dramatically enhanced my understanding of wine choices. Price vs quality? There is a tiny correlation, but maturation, the process of aging the wine to improve its flavor, is the main factor leading to the prices of a bottle of wine. Even though each person is willing to pay more or less, cultural aspects also influence this.
Finally, Political and legislation. The government is a force of control that has built systems such as monopolies or the three-third system in the USA, which mandates that one-third of all wine sold in the US must be produced in the country. Understanding these complexities can make us more aware of the industry's intricacies and the efforts that go into bringing a bottle of wine to our table.
Wine laws and Meticulous legislation also control wine production from the grape-growing point to the winemaking and trade markets, especially in Europe. These laws, often called 'appellations, 'regulate where and how specific wines can be made, allowing producers to enter the market without paying giant expenses and not receiving enough within the current exchange.
While wine consumption is falling, we still have enough choices in the market, and with it, we can easily access them since they might be competing in the market. This is a testament to the rich and diverse world of wine, where a single sip can convey more about its history, culture, and quality than a thousand words.
Cheers from Italy,
Juanita Diusabá.Y.
Thursday, 20th February, 2025
EXPLORING WINE KENT REGION
Embarking on a captivating journey to the uniquely distinctive Kent wine region, I was brimming with curiosity. What mysteries would this one-of-a-kind land, renowned for its vineyards, reveal? Would I be fortunate enough to witness the grapes luxuriating in the warm sunlight? As I set out, I was welcomed by expansive, level lands, adorned in vibrant greenery and pine trees that infused a sense of tranquility into the landscape, guiding me to the vineyards.
Under the guidance of Scott, the esteemed head winemaker at Mereworth Winery, I was granted my first view of the vineyards. Seeing the chardonnay grapes in their robust clusters was a testament to their vigor and potential, instilling a profound confidence in the quality of the wine they would produce.
The vineyards are nestled in a maritime climate heavily influenced by the North Sea. This unique climate, a key player in the quality of the wine, enables the growth of grapes in this area. The southeast aspect of the vineyards allows the vines to capture the morning sunlight and dry out, a necessary process due to the high humidity levels at night. This creates a risk for a fungus called Botrytis, which is not beneficial for sparkling wine production, except in regions such as Germany that are bringing to the market a 'stylistic off-dry wine' thanks to this Noble Rot, which brings up flavors of honey and sweetness on the palate.
Other wineries, such as Chapel Down and Balfour Winery, make outstanding wine with high-skill production (around 3,811 tonnes) compared with emerging UK companies (less than 100 tonnes of grapes) yearly. The wineries that have been established for longer have the artistic possibility of blending and releasing NV wines (Non-vintage ), which helps to evolve the texture of the wines due to the high acidity levels of the grapes that cannot develop fully due to the lack of sunshine—highlighting the maturation process of those wines that usually happens on the oak French barrels. The time spent with the "lees" (sediments of the grapes that fall by gravitation) is crucial for the evolving process called autolysis (dead yeast cells), bringing up the characteristics of almonds, biscuits, and smoothness, making the wine more round with softer taste. Even though the most essential characteristic of sparkling wines is to maintain freshness and a good amount of acidity, that is the reason for picking the grapes earlier than still wines. There's another process in winemaking that can also help elevate the texture of the wine, such as Malolactic fermentation (a process in winemaking in which tart-tasting malic acid, naturally present in grape must, is converted to softer-tasting lactic acid) which can be encouraged for some winemakers but, again, can overshadow the intensity. Still, each winemaker has the freedom and creativity to share the wines the way they want. Making each wine unique and, for me, demanding to compare it with when land strongly influences the development of the grapes.
The Kent region is a treasure waiting to be discovered. There is a growing interest in the international market, a testament to the region's rising prominence. While UK and German customers buy affordable wines rather than expensive wines, Kent's wines have gained recognition in recent years. They are now competing with renowned regions such as Champagne.
From youthful, unmatured wines to outstanding wines, make it on the Ridgeview Vineyards, for example. Crafted at their estate in Sussex, it uses a blend of the best grapes for traditional sparkling wines: chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier.
Have you had the pleasure of experiencing Rondo?
Cheers,
Juanita Diusabá.Y.
Saturday, February 15th, 2025
The connection between language, wine, and food is a source of endless fascination
They are inextricably linked, with each influencing the other. The history of wine is a living, evolving story, with emerging regions playing a significant role in redefining themselves and introducing new flavors that challenge the traditional old-world wines. This dynamic shift sparks excitement and hope for the future of wine, a future that promises to be as diverse and rich as the regions that shape it.
Consider the champagne region and the UK wine industry. These are not just places of production but cultural and historical landmarks. The champagne region, in particular, is where the traditional method of wine production was born. This method, also known as the 'Méthode Champenoise ', involves a secondary fermentation in the bottle, and it continues to produce some of the world's finest wines, if not the best. On the other hand, in the UK, we have the climate conditions and the soils that are similar to those in the champagne, but they are still not the same. What I cannot personally find in the UK wine industry is that passion for the place where the grapes belong, and that may be the losing point in my fascination for the storytelling of the wine in the world.
Language plays a crucial role in the world of wine and food. Its unique ability to deliver knowledge and understanding allows us to explore emerging regions that could redefine the wine landscape. Through language, we can understand the unique terroir of a region, the specific grape varieties grown, and the winemaking techniques used. This understanding allows us to appreciate the diversity and complexity of the wine world. Wine, as a form of food, carries the essence of its place of origin, and the sensory experiences it evokes become ingrained in our memory.
My personal journey with wine and food has been a transformative one. I've had the privilege to taste wines from different regions, each carrying the essence of its place of origin. The sensory experiences these wines evoke have become ingrained in my memory, shaping my understanding and appreciation of the world. I long to smell the earth, taste the soil, walk through the vineyards, sample the grapes, and visit wineries that are like Disneyland to me. I want to fully commit to this world of joy, with no room for regrets, only passion.
Cheers,
Juanita Diusabá.Y.
