The Dirt - July Edition

Jul 22, 2026

2023 Margaret River - A Defining Vintage

The isolated Margaret River wine region has a well-earned reputation for world-class Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. In 2023, the wine gods were kind to Margaret River with a temperate and dry season. The result is some of the best wines ever to come out of this already very special corner of Western Australia.

The Essence of Rioja

Spain is one of the world’s most exciting wine destinations with dozens of regions to explore. But its most famous export is without doubt the highly unique Rioja, which comes under the influence of both warmer Mediterranean and cooler Atlantic climates. For anyone looking to take their first steps into Spanish wine, there is no better place to start. And with the Thienpont family of Le Pin fame now entering the region, the future is very bright.

Don’t Forget Valpolicella

The mere mention of Amarone is enough to raise the heart rate of Italian wine fans. This iconic wine, from North-Eastern Italy, sits comfortably among the country’s leading and most ageworthy wines while its little brother Valpolicella still often flies under the radar. However, with more and more consumers now seeking out lighter red wines, Vapolicella is primed for a resurgence.

The Masters of Cote-Rotie

Cote-Rotie in the northern Rhone Valley has over two thousand years of winemaking history. Here elegant Syrah hits its absolute peak with echoes of the finest Burgundies. Much of the credit to putting this region on the fine wine map in recent times must go to the Guigal family who have elevated its reputation into the stratosphere. Today, Guigal’s cuvees are joined by a whole host of boutique winemakers who are now crafting some of France’s most fascinating wines.

CEO'S PICK - WINE OF THE MONTH

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Peak Tuscany from MontalcinoSesti Rosso di Montalcino 2023

Montalcino is an ancient town and a magnet for tourists - it must be the most beautiful town in Tuscany which also happens to craft Italy’s top Sangiovese, Brunello di Montalcino. I have just tasted the Sesti Rosso di Montalcino from 2023 and it has my heart racing. If you love Sangiovese like me, then this will be a hit.

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