John Downes

A FEAR IN PROVENCE

Côtes de Provence boasts pretty landscapes and pretty rosés. But can it push the boat out and make serious wine? JOHN DOWNES MW finds out

Producers of Argentine: The Fab Four

When four of Argentina’s leading producers travelled to Luxembourg to take part in a four-day festival, JOHN DOWNES MW took the opportunity to hear the stories behind their success, and to taste some of the country’s best wines

Ribera del Duero has Wines with Altitude

Keeping up with Spanish wine these days is like scanning the pop charts. New faces are appearing all the time and though much of their material is predictably derivative, some is surprisingly catchy. Iberian wine regions could almost be a source of names for new acts. One can easily imagine Ribera del Duero topping the charts around the world for a couple of weeks. But can the wines from this slice of northern Spain, having reached such dizzy heights, stay there for a prolonged period of time?

Beaune for beginners

Understanding the Côte de Beaune can help you get to grips with the whole of Burgundy, says JOHN DOWNES MW

Bodegas y Bebidas: Grand designs

Spanish giant Bodegas y Bebidas is creating a special brand to help consumers better understand the country's wine regions. JOHN DOWNES MW reports

It's all in the soils

Burgenland: Seeing Red

National Pride: Port

Hallowed spaces: Argentinean wineries

Promised Land: Argentinean Wine

Argentina is attracting more and more international investors. JOHN DOWNES MW explains why it's such a draw

More than Malbec

'Malbec, Malbec, Malbec.' This is the common call as soon as the word Argentina is mentioned, but although this classic French variety has found its true home in this baking region of South America, the call should really be 'diversity, diversity, diversity', as the list of varieties grown successfully there reads like a Who's Who of grapes. You name it and it's probably grown in Argentina. With the reds accounting for about 80% of production, the French classics of Malbec, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are the most popular, but again Argentina shows its versatility – and history – by having the best of Spain and Italy in its pack. Sangiovese and Tempanillo are major players and only a fool would ignore Bonarda, the big-volume Italian workhorse that has been rediscovered under the 'low yield' flag.The varieties of Chardonnay, Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc are the popular white choices, with Torrontés, the most planted variety, losing ground by the minute as it is grubbed up to make way for the reds. Torrontés is indigenous to Argentina and has a spicy floral character, but it is unloved. 'People like it but won't buy it; it's an enigma,' says Diego Correas of Bodegas Correas.

Valdepeñas

Valdepeñas reds have a rather unglamorous image but, as JOHN DOWNES MW discovers, the value and improving quality of these wines make this a region for closer attention

A sense of South African place

South African winemakers are now planting the right grapes in the right locations. JOHN DOWNES MW returns after 20 years and notices the difference

Lesser known grapes: Touriga Nacional

In the first series of features on the world's lesser known grape varieties, JOHN DOWNES MW introduces the Jekyll and Hyde character of Touriga Nacional, Portugal's premier grape.

Hunter gatherers

Making wine in the Hunter Valley can be quite a challenge. JOHN DOWNES MW meets a band of winemakers who are set on quality

Rising above Rose: Red wines

The reputation of the Côtes de Provence is entrenched in its rosés. JOHN DOWNES MW goes in search of red wines with top-quality terroir credentials

Honeyed words: a sweet wine future

JOHN DOWNES MW talks to Bernard Germain, sweet wine evangelist and owner of the revered Loire estate Château de Fesles

Alentejo: A place in the sun

Traditionally one of the poorest areas in Europe, the south of Portugal is now one of the richest in local colour. John Downes MW heads down to the Alentejo to investigate the region's change of fortunes