Wojciech Bońkowski
Master of Wine

Clos Bagatelle 2010

What France does well: a supremely drinkable, terroir-driven wine for just 8€.

Franciacorta: love at second sight

Ever had a Franciacorta? This Italian sparkler is seeking new openings. I explore its pros and cons.

Tricky timing

Two bottles of good Bordeaux changed beyond recognition overnight.

The wines of Kai Schubert

Six fine New Zealand wines by Kai Schubert. Burgundy is closer than you’d think.

Pichler-Krutzler: high fly

In four vintages Elisabeth Pichler and Erich Krutzler have risen from zero to the status of undisputed stars. Meet Austria’s hottest double name.

Flowery wine

Sicily’s rising star Arianna Occhipinti makes controversial wines. After lukewarm impressions from the 2007 vintage I have a look at the 2009 Il Frappato and man, this wine rocks!

Barato feast

Why are cheap Spanish wines better than the more expensive ones?

Stadlmann Mandel-Höh 2005

Obscure or not, Zierfandler is one of Austria’s most historical and distinctive grapes. The very best is made by the Stadlmann family.

Wine racism?

A prestigious wine award went to China. Why is this causing so much stir? Isn’t there a hidden racist agenda in the wine world?

Jaboulet upswing

After a period of poor performance the Rhône house of Jaboulet is going from strength to strength.