IN THE PRESS
Serbian Wine Is Hitting Its Stride
Up until the beginning of 2000’s, when Serbia’s democratic government was elected, independent producers were rare and practically didn't exist on the commercial market. But the new government began giving out subsidies for winegrowing. As a result, there has been a resurgence of Serbian wine in the past two decades, driven by a new generation of winemakers.
Aleks Zecevic - WINEENTHUSIAST.COM
Up until the beginning of 2000’s, when Serbia’s democratic government was elected, independent producers were rare and practically didn't exist on the commercial market. But the new government began giving out subsidies for winegrowing. As a result, there has been a resurgence of Serbian wine in the past two decades, driven by a new generation of winemakers.
Aleks Zecevic - WINEENTHUSIAST.COM
Volcanic Wines of Hungary
Hungary may no longer have active volcanoes, but it does have a spectacular volcanic history, which continues to shape its wines to this day. The Pannonian Basin, nestled in the Carpathian Mountains, was an area of intense volcanic activity from shortly after the time of the dinosaurs to just a few million years ago – and you don’t need to travel far in Hungary to find volcanic terroir.
Volcanic Wines of Hungary - A Decanter guide produced in partnership with Wines of Hungary
Hungary may no longer have active volcanoes, but it does have a spectacular volcanic history, which continues to shape its wines to this day. The Pannonian Basin, nestled in the Carpathian Mountains, was an area of intense volcanic activity from shortly after the time of the dinosaurs to just a few million years ago – and you don’t need to travel far in Hungary to find volcanic terroir.
Volcanic Wines of Hungary - A Decanter guide produced in partnership with Wines of Hungary
Water of Life
Eau de vie (French for water of life) is quite the dramatic name for a colorless fruit brandy. Maybe the German name, schnapps, which signifies consumption in a snap, is more appropriate. The Balkan synonym rakija, derived from an Arabic word for perspiration, or the Hungarian palinka, which refers to the burning process during distillation, also work. The list of synonyms goes on, but the French term gives it some air, a sophisticated ring even, while also best describes this underappreciated group of spirits.
Aleks Zecevic FULL-POUR.com
Eau de vie (French for water of life) is quite the dramatic name for a colorless fruit brandy. Maybe the German name, schnapps, which signifies consumption in a snap, is more appropriate. The Balkan synonym rakija, derived from an Arabic word for perspiration, or the Hungarian palinka, which refers to the burning process during distillation, also work. The list of synonyms goes on, but the French term gives it some air, a sophisticated ring even, while also best describes this underappreciated group of spirits.
Aleks Zecevic FULL-POUR.com
Grunspitz O'clock ft Edgar Brutler
Edgar Brutler, the first modern natural winemaker in Romania sat down with John to discuss his work, the history of wine in Romania, German enclaves, and the differences between grandfather and natural wines. Edgar is so cool, buy and drink his wines.
Disgorgeous PATREON.COM
Edgar Brutler, the first modern natural winemaker in Romania sat down with John to discuss his work, the history of wine in Romania, German enclaves, and the differences between grandfather and natural wines. Edgar is so cool, buy and drink his wines.
Disgorgeous PATREON.COM
Disorderly Wines of a Hungarian Girl at the Ukrainian Border
Réka Koncz dared to make natural wines where no professional winemakers labelled wine ever before. In this episode, she tells us her story how working in a Danish natural wine bar changed her approach towards wine and winemaking. I also tasted 3 of her vivid wines during the conversation and we talked Kékfrankos, Furmint, PIWI varieties, oak usage and so much more. I really enjoyed our dialogue and the way how her free spirit unfolded in these 50 minutes. Enjoy!
Wine Ghosts PODDTOPPEN.SE
Réka Koncz dared to make natural wines where no professional winemakers labelled wine ever before. In this episode, she tells us her story how working in a Danish natural wine bar changed her approach towards wine and winemaking. I also tasted 3 of her vivid wines during the conversation and we talked Kékfrankos, Furmint, PIWI varieties, oak usage and so much more. I really enjoyed our dialogue and the way how her free spirit unfolded in these 50 minutes. Enjoy!
Wine Ghosts PODDTOPPEN.SE
Discovering an ancient land’s modern wines
Understanding the nuances of Croatian wine history and its current renaissance requires a crash course in the politics of the Balkans, but falling in love with the wines themselves only takes a single sip, whether or not they’re served with a view of the country’s glittering Adriatic coastline.
Laura Burgess LUXURYDEFINED.COM
Understanding the nuances of Croatian wine history and its current renaissance requires a crash course in the politics of the Balkans, but falling in love with the wines themselves only takes a single sip, whether or not they’re served with a view of the country’s glittering Adriatic coastline.
Laura Burgess LUXURYDEFINED.COM
About Natural Wines
There is no other wine style, wine region or grape variety that gets as much attention per litre as natural wines. If we look at the market share of natural wines, we are rightly amazed at how much press there is for this subject. I have been scratching my head for years as to what all the fuss is about. By now, perhaps everyone has had their say on natural wines. So I thought it was time I shared what I know and think about the issue.
Zoltan Balogh (Somló Apátsági Pince) SOMLO.SUBSTACK.COM
There is no other wine style, wine region or grape variety that gets as much attention per litre as natural wines. If we look at the market share of natural wines, we are rightly amazed at how much press there is for this subject. I have been scratching my head for years as to what all the fuss is about. By now, perhaps everyone has had their say on natural wines. So I thought it was time I shared what I know and think about the issue.
Zoltan Balogh (Somló Apátsági Pince) SOMLO.SUBSTACK.COM
Szekszárd: The Creation of a Hungarian Appellation
The wines regarded as the flagships of Hungary are the sweet styles of Tokaj PDO and, increasingly, the dry Furmints from the same region. But their fame often means that wines from the rest of the country are overlooked. In Szekszárd, one of Hungary’s smallest appellations, and probably one of the least known globally, winemakers are quietly producing some of the country’s finest red wines.
Elizabeth Gabay GUILDSOMM.COM
The wines regarded as the flagships of Hungary are the sweet styles of Tokaj PDO and, increasingly, the dry Furmints from the same region. But their fame often means that wines from the rest of the country are overlooked. In Szekszárd, one of Hungary’s smallest appellations, and probably one of the least known globally, winemakers are quietly producing some of the country’s finest red wines.
Elizabeth Gabay GUILDSOMM.COM
A Talk with Eric Danch
Eric Danch started his life in wine working in restaurants in the US and abroad and being part of a circus and cabaret show during an amazing 6 years. Together with his business partner Catherine Granger, "Danch and Granger Selections" have taken over the legacy of former "Blue Danube Wine Co." focusing on family estates from Central and Eastern Europe. Let's take a look on how Eric sees the dynamic wine market in his beloved San Francisco Bay Area!
TOA - TASTES OF AUSTRIA
Eric Danch started his life in wine working in restaurants in the US and abroad and being part of a circus and cabaret show during an amazing 6 years. Together with his business partner Catherine Granger, "Danch and Granger Selections" have taken over the legacy of former "Blue Danube Wine Co." focusing on family estates from Central and Eastern Europe. Let's take a look on how Eric sees the dynamic wine market in his beloved San Francisco Bay Area!
TOA - TASTES OF AUSTRIA
19 Of The Top Winemakers In Tokaj
Wineries are the heart and soul of Tokaj — meet some of the region's top winemakers.
No doubt, the highlight of a Tokaj trip is the winery visits: You get to meet passionate winemakers and taste excellent wines. I included below a list and a short profile of my favorites.
OFFBEATBUDAPEST.COM
Wineries are the heart and soul of Tokaj — meet some of the region's top winemakers.
No doubt, the highlight of a Tokaj trip is the winery visits: You get to meet passionate winemakers and taste excellent wines. I included below a list and a short profile of my favorites.
OFFBEATBUDAPEST.COM
Big Leaps -- After more than a decade in Napa, Keep Wines expand across the pond
On a breezy spring day, I drove to Napa to meet Johanna Jensen and Jack Roberts of Keep Wines. When I arrived at their beautiful home Johanna greeted me with a huge smile and a sweet old dog, Bebita.
As the couple finished prepping our lunch, they started their story from the beginning.
WINEANDPEACE.COM
On a breezy spring day, I drove to Napa to meet Johanna Jensen and Jack Roberts of Keep Wines. When I arrived at their beautiful home Johanna greeted me with a huge smile and a sweet old dog, Bebita.
As the couple finished prepping our lunch, they started their story from the beginning.
WINEANDPEACE.COM
Magyar Wines -- The Legend and the Future
The story of Hungarian wines is one of my favorite ones. It is deeply rooted in history and folk tradition where facts, myths and legends intermingle and coexist in harmony, giving it both historic bearing and poetic flare. It is a story of defiance and integrity, a story of rebirth and reemergence after over a century of irrelevance and inconsequence.
POLOLIFESTYLES.COM
The story of Hungarian wines is one of my favorite ones. It is deeply rooted in history and folk tradition where facts, myths and legends intermingle and coexist in harmony, giving it both historic bearing and poetic flare. It is a story of defiance and integrity, a story of rebirth and reemergence after over a century of irrelevance and inconsequence.
POLOLIFESTYLES.COM
Stranger Grapes with Eric Danch of Danch & Granger Selections (#WinePW)
One of the beautiful things about working in wine is getting to hear all the amazing stories behind the bottles you’re selling/repping/sharing/drinking on a daily basis. When you get to hear about those wines from a really great wine storyteller, it, in turn, makes you excited to want to try that new bottle and learn more about it.
Eric Danch is one of those great wine storytellers in my book. When I was working at Bay Grape, I always knew that there’d be something delicious to try with an awesome story to go with it whenever he’d stop by to share the wines he was repping. I’ve heard him talk on panels and poured next to him during wine events at the store, and always walk away feeling like I’ve learned something new and pumped about it. It’s easy to tell that he’s very passionate about the wines he imports and that enthusiasm is infectious.
SOMMSTABLE.COM
One of the beautiful things about working in wine is getting to hear all the amazing stories behind the bottles you’re selling/repping/sharing/drinking on a daily basis. When you get to hear about those wines from a really great wine storyteller, it, in turn, makes you excited to want to try that new bottle and learn more about it.
Eric Danch is one of those great wine storytellers in my book. When I was working at Bay Grape, I always knew that there’d be something delicious to try with an awesome story to go with it whenever he’d stop by to share the wines he was repping. I’ve heard him talk on panels and poured next to him during wine events at the store, and always walk away feeling like I’ve learned something new and pumped about it. It’s easy to tell that he’s very passionate about the wines he imports and that enthusiasm is infectious.
SOMMSTABLE.COM
Wine After War in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Just over 25 years ago, American diplomacy helped end almost four years of war in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the bloodiest conflict in Europe since World War II, one marked by ethnic cleansing and war crimes. For winemaker Josip Brkić, the adversity of war in his homeland means he is little fazed by a challenging growing season or the difficulties of bringing his wines to market. He recalls the shells that fell on his hometown, Čitluk, in the country's southwest, as his first vintage of wine awaited delivery in 1992. "All the money I had lay in the back of that truck," he said. Fortunately the consignment made it to market.
WINESPECTATOR.COM
Just over 25 years ago, American diplomacy helped end almost four years of war in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the bloodiest conflict in Europe since World War II, one marked by ethnic cleansing and war crimes. For winemaker Josip Brkić, the adversity of war in his homeland means he is little fazed by a challenging growing season or the difficulties of bringing his wines to market. He recalls the shells that fell on his hometown, Čitluk, in the country's southwest, as his first vintage of wine awaited delivery in 1992. "All the money I had lay in the back of that truck," he said. Fortunately the consignment made it to market.
WINESPECTATOR.COM
How to find and import Eastern European wines to the USA?
This time, I had the great fortune to finally talk to Eric Danch, wine importer from the U.S. I first got in contact with Eric when he wrote me a kind e-mail encouraging me to keep up with the podcast. After telling us his colorful way of getting into Eastern European wine importing, he shares valuable insights about his way of looking for authentic producers in places where basically no one speaks English. WINE GHOSTS
This time, I had the great fortune to finally talk to Eric Danch, wine importer from the U.S. I first got in contact with Eric when he wrote me a kind e-mail encouraging me to keep up with the podcast. After telling us his colorful way of getting into Eastern European wine importing, he shares valuable insights about his way of looking for authentic producers in places where basically no one speaks English. WINE GHOSTS
From the circus trapeze to wine importing (Importer of the Week)
Have you ever received a Danch & Granger newsletter? If you have, you know it, because those are the ones to remember. Fresh and unique style, heart warming stories of artisan winemakers, much more than the usual wine news. An interview with Eric Danch, co-owner of the company. HUNGARIAN WINES
Have you ever received a Danch & Granger newsletter? If you have, you know it, because those are the ones to remember. Fresh and unique style, heart warming stories of artisan winemakers, much more than the usual wine news. An interview with Eric Danch, co-owner of the company. HUNGARIAN WINES
Creating a Wine World Without Borders
While participating in the ROI Community Summit, an annual networking event for young members of the Jewish community hosted by the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Foundation, Weltman was surrounded by innovative thinkers discussing the world’s major issues. But sitting there, as the token “wine guy” at the conference, Weltman found himself wondering: Does wine really matter? This moment of self-reckoning sent him on a journey to often underrepresented corners of the wine world, including the Balkans, Turkey, Israel, and Mexico, and inspired his idea of Borderless Wine. DAILY.SEVENTY.COM
While participating in the ROI Community Summit, an annual networking event for young members of the Jewish community hosted by the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Foundation, Weltman was surrounded by innovative thinkers discussing the world’s major issues. But sitting there, as the token “wine guy” at the conference, Weltman found himself wondering: Does wine really matter? This moment of self-reckoning sent him on a journey to often underrepresented corners of the wine world, including the Balkans, Turkey, Israel, and Mexico, and inspired his idea of Borderless Wine. DAILY.SEVENTY.COM
Discovering the Origin of Zinfandel
For decades, the origin of Zinfandel, the black-skinned grape that produces full-bodied, jammy red wines and several styles of rosé, was a mystery. Now painstaking work by wine researchers in Croatia and the United States have culminated in a landmark cuvée, to be released later this year, from grapes grown at Ridge Vineyards’ Lytton Springs property in Sonoma, California. For the past five years, Ridge has successfully grown an acre of Crljenak Kaštelanski, and an acre each of two other Pribidrag cuttings (“Pribidrag” is local variant name). DAILY.SEVENTY.COM
For decades, the origin of Zinfandel, the black-skinned grape that produces full-bodied, jammy red wines and several styles of rosé, was a mystery. Now painstaking work by wine researchers in Croatia and the United States have culminated in a landmark cuvée, to be released later this year, from grapes grown at Ridge Vineyards’ Lytton Springs property in Sonoma, California. For the past five years, Ridge has successfully grown an acre of Crljenak Kaštelanski, and an acre each of two other Pribidrag cuttings (“Pribidrag” is local variant name). DAILY.SEVENTY.COM
Tails of a Volcano, or Two
One lies by the sea, above a sprawling city, while the other rises out of the Kisalföld plain in Hungary, just like the hat God left behind. They each have their own stories to tell and indeed their own tails. But let’s begin with the less discovered. One of the regions in Hungary that lies closest to my heart is also one of its smallest. The black basalt volcanic butte protruding from the flatlands surrounding it is home to a myriad of small winemakers as well as a couple of large ones. BUDAPESTWINESNOB
One lies by the sea, above a sprawling city, while the other rises out of the Kisalföld plain in Hungary, just like the hat God left behind. They each have their own stories to tell and indeed their own tails. But let’s begin with the less discovered. One of the regions in Hungary that lies closest to my heart is also one of its smallest. The black basalt volcanic butte protruding from the flatlands surrounding it is home to a myriad of small winemakers as well as a couple of large ones. BUDAPESTWINESNOB
Giving something back to the community – Bott Pince in Bodrogkeresztúr
Sustainability can take on many forms. After dealing with Tokaj as a wine journalist for more than a decade, I have to say that the Bott Pince represents that ethos in its purest form in the region. JANCISROBINSON.COM
Sustainability can take on many forms. After dealing with Tokaj as a wine journalist for more than a decade, I have to say that the Bott Pince represents that ethos in its purest form in the region. JANCISROBINSON.COM
Bosnia-Herzegovina – at the crossroads
The more I explore the countries of the former Yugoslavia, the more my fascination deepens for this corner of Europe. The country normally known as Bosnia-Herzegovina, or BiH for short (it consists of multiple entities: The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina along with Republika Srpska and the jointly administered district of Brčko), seems to be a microcosm of the challenges of the Yugoslav period and beyond – at least from an outsider’s perspective. It’s also a fascinating, beautiful, dramatic, welcoming, and sometimes shocking, country to visit, with its wines helping to tell that story.
JANCISROBINSON.COM
The more I explore the countries of the former Yugoslavia, the more my fascination deepens for this corner of Europe. The country normally known as Bosnia-Herzegovina, or BiH for short (it consists of multiple entities: The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina along with Republika Srpska and the jointly administered district of Brčko), seems to be a microcosm of the challenges of the Yugoslav period and beyond – at least from an outsider’s perspective. It’s also a fascinating, beautiful, dramatic, welcoming, and sometimes shocking, country to visit, with its wines helping to tell that story.
JANCISROBINSON.COM
Primorska – Slovenia’s Wine Heaven
In how many places do you have the Adriatic meeting the Alps meeting densely-packed vineyard country? Where Slavic culture meets an Austro-Italian one with a slight Hungarian influence? And where all of these influences dissolve nicely in exceptional wine? We are visiting Slovenia’s wine heaven.
THEWINEBEAT.COM
In how many places do you have the Adriatic meeting the Alps meeting densely-packed vineyard country? Where Slavic culture meets an Austro-Italian one with a slight Hungarian influence? And where all of these influences dissolve nicely in exceptional wine? We are visiting Slovenia’s wine heaven.
THEWINEBEAT.COM
Samuel Tinon et la magie de Tokaj!
Le Tokaji Szamorodni sec (Furmint 90%, Hárslevelü 10%) exprime le potentiel des grands vins élevés sous un voile de levure. C’est le vin le plus secret de Tokaj et du domaine, mais peut-être aussi le plus ancestral et le plus surprenant.
The dry Tokaji Szamorodni (Furmint 90%, Hárslevelü 10%) expresses the potential of the great wines raised under a veil of yeast. It is the most secret wine of Tokaj and the domain, but perhaps also the most ancestral and the most surprising.
LES5DUVIN.WORDPRESS.COM
Le Tokaji Szamorodni sec (Furmint 90%, Hárslevelü 10%) exprime le potentiel des grands vins élevés sous un voile de levure. C’est le vin le plus secret de Tokaj et du domaine, mais peut-être aussi le plus ancestral et le plus surprenant.
The dry Tokaji Szamorodni (Furmint 90%, Hárslevelü 10%) expresses the potential of the great wines raised under a veil of yeast. It is the most secret wine of Tokaj and the domain, but perhaps also the most ancestral and the most surprising.
LES5DUVIN.WORDPRESS.COM
Discover Hungarian Wine: Bott Pince
There are certain people that warm your heart with their presence. Judit, the owner/winemaker of Bott Pince is one of those people.
FACEBOOK.COM/EXOWINETRAVEL
There are certain people that warm your heart with their presence. Judit, the owner/winemaker of Bott Pince is one of those people.
FACEBOOK.COM/EXOWINETRAVEL
Discover Hungarian Wine: A Visitor-Friendly Guide
Join Charine Tan and Matthew Horkey, of Exotic Wine Travel, on a journey through this historic wine country and unearth some of the most exciting wines that many people don't know about.
Back the Kickstarter to get a special edition, signed copy.
KICKSTARTER.COM
Join Charine Tan and Matthew Horkey, of Exotic Wine Travel, on a journey through this historic wine country and unearth some of the most exciting wines that many people don't know about.
Back the Kickstarter to get a special edition, signed copy.
KICKSTARTER.COM
Bottled History: The Wines of Bosnia-Herzegovina
OBSCURE WINES FROM A LESSER-KNOWN REGION START TO GET RECOGNITION IN THE STATES THANKS TO AMBITIOUS WINE WRITERS, IMPORTERS, AND RESTAURATEURS
SOMMJOURNAL.COM
OBSCURE WINES FROM A LESSER-KNOWN REGION START TO GET RECOGNITION IN THE STATES THANKS TO AMBITIOUS WINE WRITERS, IMPORTERS, AND RESTAURATEURS
SOMMJOURNAL.COM
What You Need to Know About Hungarian Wine
With a focus on dry wines from native varieties, a younger generation of winemakers is redefining the country’s offerings.
DAILY.SEVENFIFTY.COM
With a focus on dry wines from native varieties, a younger generation of winemakers is redefining the country’s offerings.
DAILY.SEVENFIFTY.COM
The Benefits of Investing in Lesser-Known Fine Wines
Now is the time to start your collection of previously overlooked grape varieties that offer superb value, great taste, and exceptional aging potential.
CHRISTIESREALESTATE.COM
Now is the time to start your collection of previously overlooked grape varieties that offer superb value, great taste, and exceptional aging potential.
CHRISTIESREALESTATE.COM
Yes, Georgian wine is worth the hype and yes, you should be drinking it
After years of languishing in obscurity, Georgian wine has left the radical fringe and entered the foodie mainstream. And 2019 is the year that it has finally exploded in the Bay Area.
SFCHRONICLE.COM
After years of languishing in obscurity, Georgian wine has left the radical fringe and entered the foodie mainstream. And 2019 is the year that it has finally exploded in the Bay Area.
SFCHRONICLE.COM
Sensory battle of the two most sensible worlds
In this episode, we will explore the world of wine with Eric Danch.
COFFEIS.ME: Wine vs. coffee tasting and industry
In this episode, we will explore the world of wine with Eric Danch.
COFFEIS.ME: Wine vs. coffee tasting and industry
Oakland is the hippest place in America to drink wine
And À Côté is my new favorite Bay Area list.
DOBIANCHI.COM
And À Côté is my new favorite Bay Area list.
DOBIANCHI.COM
Tokaj Tasting Notes – Samuel Tinon
When I was planning my trip to the Tokaj area in April of 2019, several independent sources – writer friends, web sites and books – told me that Samuel Tinon was a must-visit producer, so I obviously made an appointment.
OLEUDSENWINEBLOG.COM
When I was planning my trip to the Tokaj area in April of 2019, several independent sources – writer friends, web sites and books – told me that Samuel Tinon was a must-visit producer, so I obviously made an appointment.
OLEUDSENWINEBLOG.COM
Finding the old soul of Hungary in a modern, new-generation Kadarka
Armed with international experience, modern education and more economic freedom than their parents had, the generation starting to take the reins in Hungarian wineries is in an unprecedented position to create fine wine that oenophiles will take seriously. They’re also rekindling an interest in native varieties.
JANCISROBINSON.COM
Armed with international experience, modern education and more economic freedom than their parents had, the generation starting to take the reins in Hungarian wineries is in an unprecedented position to create fine wine that oenophiles will take seriously. They’re also rekindling an interest in native varieties.
JANCISROBINSON.COM
America’s Best Grocery Store Wine Is At San Francisco’s Bi-Rite
One day, the girl steps into Bi-Rite Market, the beloved San Francisco independent grocery store, and, on a lark, scans the wine shelf.
WINE.SPRUDGE.COM
One day, the girl steps into Bi-Rite Market, the beloved San Francisco independent grocery store, and, on a lark, scans the wine shelf.
WINE.SPRUDGE.COM
The story is crucial for a successful brand
There are so many great wines on the market from all over the world. The story (and being able to tell it) is crucial for a successful brand. Farming is also paramount. While it needn’t be certified organic or biodynamic, the health of the soil and land is a make or break for many buyers and very important to us as well.
HUNGARIANWINES.EU: Importer of the Week
There are so many great wines on the market from all over the world. The story (and being able to tell it) is crucial for a successful brand. Farming is also paramount. While it needn’t be certified organic or biodynamic, the health of the soil and land is a make or break for many buyers and very important to us as well.
HUNGARIANWINES.EU: Importer of the Week
Tokaj Part 2: Quality Over Quantity
This article will focus on how a new generation is embracing the appellation’s history and pedigree while also improving farming and winemaking, adjusting to new wines laws, and aiming for high quality across the board.
GUILDSOMM.COM
This article will focus on how a new generation is embracing the appellation’s history and pedigree while also improving farming and winemaking, adjusting to new wines laws, and aiming for high quality across the board.
GUILDSOMM.COM
