(Journal) Judging @ Citadelles du Vin 2017 - Bordeaux, France

Paul Caputo

18 Jun 2017 — 1 min read

There's a fantastic atmosphere in Bordeaux just before Vinexpo. Wine people from all over the world descend on the city to meet clients and do business. This year, I had the opportunity to start the buildup with a four day competition in Blaye, just across the Garonne from Bordeaux city centre.

The Citadelles du Vin competition has been running for nearly 20 years now. It's well known locally and respected as one of the long standing OIV competitions in France.

JURYS-2017

🍇 Grape guide: Ciliegiolo

Ciliegiolo is a very old red grape variety grown in central Italy, most notably in Tuscany. For a long time it was used as a blending variety in the two Chianti appellations, but there is now a growing list of mono-varietal wines produced exclusively from Ciliegiolo, particularly close to the

💯 Tasting: The Historical SuperTuscans

Earlier this year, I attended a rare tasting of wines from members of the Association of Historical SuperTuscans. Predominantly hailing from the 2016 vintage, these were a joy to taste and and a reminder that they remain some of the finest wines in the world. As Tuscany’s wine scene

🇬🇪 Reflections on the Gurjaani Wine Festival

It’s mid afternoon in Eastern Georgia and an October sun loiters in the boundless blue sky. A shimmering heat haze lingers over the Alazani river plain, distorting the vast snow capped profile of the Caucusses. We’re just over 100km from Tbilisi, in the Kakheti region’s principle winemaking

💯🌋 Tasting report: Etna Bianco

Etna’s evocative landscapes conjure thoughts of vibrant wines that bristle with energy, tart fruit and fiery acidity. The territory is in vogue right now and even with rapidly rising prices the wines are an easy sell. Reds from Nerello Mascalese have driven the recent renaissance, but I predict it

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🍇 Grape guide: Ciliegiolo

💯 Tasting: The Historical SuperTuscans

🇬🇪 Reflections on the Gurjaani Wine Festival

💯🌋 Tasting report: Etna Bianco