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The Dirt - September Edition

Sep 10, 2026

Stock up on the 2025 Goldilocks Vintage in New Zealand

After a good year in 2024, the 2025 vintage hit the sweet spot right across New Zealand delivering a vintage that is easily as good as the famous 2019 season with steady warmth and a dry autumn. In particular, what sets 2025 apart from other lauded vintages is its overarching harmony, natural power and fine detail. Without doubt, 2025 is a vintage to buy with confidence.

Chardonnay - Australia’s greatest gift to the wine world

Shiraz became the international face of Australian wine, but Chardonnay first turned heads. Today, it is back on top with heavy red wines losing popularity, while Australian Chardonnay keeps getting better. Fashions come and go, but Australian Chardonnay will forever remain a cornerstone of fine wine.

Exploring Magic Barolo through Giuseppe Mascarello e Figli Monprivato

For those who enjoy the structure, power and soaring aromatics of ageworthy Pinot Noir, Barolo is a natural next step in any serious fine-wine journey with Mascarello’s Monprivato offering a high peak.

Why aren't we all drinking more Beaujolais?

For decades, Beaujolais was considered to be a second-class wine region. But over time the attraction of Gamay has become better understood with its subtle and more savoury fruit profiles gaining significant traction. Today, top wines from the best producers in Beaujolais are now as highly sought as the greatest wines from Burgundy and discovering its gems is a journey worth taking.

Getting to grips with Burgundy

For the uninitiated, Burgundy can be a difficult region to get your head around with numerous villages and vineyards. If you are looking to explore Burgundy, here is our simple guide to a region that many people regard as the holy grail.

Exploring benchmark Nebbiolo with Produttori del Barbaresco

The Produttori del Barbaresco is a benchmark producer of Nebbiolo at remarkably good prices. Its leading Riserva wines from Crus such as Asili, Rabaja and Montestefano in great vintages showcase all that is great in this world-class wine region.