Wine Spectator Magazine - December 15, 2024

In this issue

Michael Batterberry opened windows for chefs and others in the hospitality community.
He worked to celebrate and elevate the status of American chefs and international cuisine.

War in Middle East Affects Vintners

The 2024 harvest at Israel’s Dalton Winery was punctuated by nonstop rocket and drone attacks launched from just across the border in Hezbollah-controlled southern Lebanon.

2 mins

Wineries Sue Napa County in Federal Court

Three Napa wineries filed a joint lawsuit in federal court in September alleging that Napa County officials violated their constitutional rights.

1 min

Openings: The Latest in Napa Tasting

Several new tasting options have opened in Napa Valley, particularly in downtown Napa where wineries are launching satellite tasting rooms. Standing out from the crowd means trying new approaches. Here are some highlights:

1 min

Savoring Persimmon Season

For many, persimmons are an enigma ingredient. Chef David Nayfeld of Award of Excellence-winning Che Fico in San Francisco and its Best of Award of Excellence sibling dangling persimmons off the tree with a stick at a childhood friend's house before realizing what they were. \"I remember his parents saying, 'Hey, don't hit the persimmons, those are food!\"\"

2 mins

Tasting Plate: A German Six-Pack

Though it boasts Western Europe’s largest population and biggest economy, Germany is nowhere near the cheese juggernaut its neighbors Switzerland and France are. That said, the Germans love their fine cheeses, and they do turn out some excellent ones, fortunately including more than a handful that are currently available here in the U.S.

2 mins

Gigondas Blanc Est Arrivé!

Ask winemakers in the Southern Rhône to name the most exciting white grape in their region and you will hear a growing number of them say \"Clairette.\"

3 mins

MICHAEL BATTERBERRY: 1932-2010 Gourmet, Journalist, Gentleman

Before Food Network, Top Chef or Yelp ... before the term “foodie\" ... before tomatoes were heirloom and sushi was fast food... back when fancy restaurants were always French... Michael Batterberry and his wife, Ariane, were working to celebrate and elevate the status of American chefs and international cuisine. Julie Mautner, Food Arts' former executive editor, looks at the life and legacy of her late mentor, affectionately known as The Bat.

10+ mins

THE SPLENDOR OF CHAMPAGNE

THE REGION'S LEADING PRODUCERS DELIVER HIGH QUALITY AMID A DIVERSE RANGE OF STYLES

9 mins

Kistler's DARKER SIDE

Russian River Valley Pinot Noir ups the ante at the house that Chardonnay built

6 mins

Shipwrecked Champagne Hoard Discovered Near Sweden

It sometimes feels like wine has a habit of falling into the briny deep. On July 23, Polish wreck diver and underwater photographer Tomasz Stachura announced that he and his Baltictech team had discovered the wreck of a 19th-century sailing ship near Öland, an island off the coast of Sweden—and it was crammed with bottles of Champagne and mineral water.

2 mins

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Wine Spectator Magazine Description:

Don't make another wine-buying decision without it!

Wine Spectator rates over 15,000 wines per year, in every price range, to fit every occasion. Read about the world's great wineries and winemakers and visit restaurants with outstanding wine lists. Plus, each issue features delicious recipes and pairs them with the perfect wines.