An introduction to Sparkling Wines and a Holiday Season buying guide to the top sparklers from across the world
A comprehensive and in-depth look at the producers and the outstanding wines of the Chianti Classico DOCG.i-WineReview Reports
Bonus Issue #2 – Introduction to Sherry
October 2008
Full Sherry Report (20pg, 1,135KB) [subscribers only]
Informe Especial: Introducción al Sherry (20pg, 1,126KB) [subscribers only]
In this report, the International Wine Review takes a close look at Sherry. Our goal is to help readers become more familiar with Sherry, explore its many facets, and ultimately enjoy drinking it. We thus take an initial look at the Sherry Triangle, the unique area in Southern Spain where it is produced and provide a brief account of the fascinating history of Sherry. We then examine the viticulture and production processes of Sherry, especially the famous solera system and discuss the various styles of Sherry on the market. Finally we look at the Sherry market, the pairing of Sherry with food, and provide tasting notes and ratings for more than 75 Sherries tasted for this report.
Issue #13 – The Wines Of Rioja: Classical and New Wave
August 2008
Sample Rioja Report (6pg, 581KB)
Full Rioja Report (36pg, 977KB) [subscribers only]
Rioja is the heart and soul of Spanish wine. No other wine region in Spain is better known or appreciated by consumers both within and outside Spain.
This new report introduces readers to Rioja and its wines. It details the recent improvements in Rioja winemaking, explores the different wine styles that have emerged and how to identify them, and identifies 30 of the region’s notable producers. Make informed choices on your next purchases of Rioja wines with our reviews and ratings of more than 350 wines.
Issue #12 – California Petite Sirah II
Syrah Update:
California and the Northwest
Selections from
California and Washington State
June 2008
Sample Petite Sirah, Syrah Update (5pg, 400KB)
Full Petite Sirah, Syrah Update (28pg, 743KB) [subscribers only]
- Revised and updated report on Petite Sirah with tasting notes and ratings of over 65 wines and identification of top-rated producers whose wines received ratings of 90 points and above
- Reviews and ratings of 100 new releases and new vintages of Syrah since the publication of our Report #4 Syrah: California and the Northwest
- Selections of outstanding California and Washington State Rhone-style wines, and other first-rate Cabernets, Zinfandels, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, other whites, Sparkling Wines and Ports
Issue #11 –2005 Bordeaux
Crus Bourgeois
April 2008
Sample 2005 Bordeaux Crus Bourgeois Report (3pg, 332KB)
Full 2005 Bordeaux Crus Bourgeois Report (20pg, 2,512KB) [subscribers only]
The most comprehensive assessment ever of France’s outstanding and affordable 2005 Cru Bourgeois wines is now available to subscribers. Featuring the i-WineReview’s 50 Top Rated wines, an analysis of the changes in viticulture and winemaking in Bordeaux, notes on the style and drinkability of the 2005 vintage, the classification system, then and now, the bordelaise culinary scene, the cru bourgeois market, and tasting notes and ratings for more than 120 wines from the Haut Médoc, Médoc, Moulis, Listrac, Margaux, Saint Estèphe, Paulliac and Saint-Julien.
Issue #10 – Unoaked Chardonnay: It’s More Than Wood
January 2008
Sample Unoaked Chardonnay Report (3pg, 444KB)
Full Unoaked Chardonnay Report (24pg, 628KB) [subscribers only]
Today’s wine drinkers are looking for alternatives to oaky Chardonnays and producers from around the world are offering a wide range of stunning unoaked bottlings. In this report, the i-WineReview examines the many styles of Old World and New World unoaked Chardonnay from Chablis, Macon, Pouilly Fuisse, the Piedmont, Australia, New Zealand, China, Argentina, California, Oregon, Italy and elsewhere. Who are the top producers? Which styles are most compelling? What are the top values in different price categories? The report will also include an expanded section on pairing unoaked Chardonnay with cuisines from around the world.
Issue #9 – Champagne
December 2007
Sample Champagne Report (3pg, 436KB)
Full Champagne Report (24pg, 1,526KB) [subscribers only]
Planning to drink champagne during the holiday season? Consult our Report on more than 100 of France's great champagnes including Veuve Clicquot, Gosset, Krug, Taittinger, Vilmart et Cie, Bruno Paillard, Dom Perignon, Chiquet and many more producers both large and small.
Learn about champagne and how it is made, find out about different styles of champagne and how they are made and pick up some useful guidelines on pairing champagne with different foods.
Issue #8 – The Wines of Ribera del Duero
September 2007
Sample Duero Report (3pg, 687KB)
Full Duero Report (28pg, 1,898KB) [subscribers only]
Wines from Spain are the most exciting and improved in all of Europe. The wines of Ribera del Duero have achieved international acclaim. In this report, the International Wine Review explains the factors behind the success of this wine producing region and spotlights 30 producers to keep an eye on. The report offers reviews and ratings of some 200 wines, examines differing wine styles, and provides practical advice on pairing the wines of this region with food.
“Congratulations on your report. It is one of the most comprehensive and correct reports I have read about Ribera or for that matter any other region…” -Jose Ortega, Chairman, O’Fournier Group, Ribera del Duero
Issue #7 - New Zealand's Exciting Pinot Noirs
July 2007
Sample Pinot Report (5pg, 424KB)
Full Pinot Report (28pg, 2,352KB) [subscribers only]
After making a name in wine circles for its distinctive Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand is rapidly becoming an important source of Pinot Noir. In this newly published report, the International Wine Review takes an in-depth look at the Pinot Noir revolution in New Zealand. It evaluates 85 New Zealand Pinots Noirs and identifies 25 noteworthy producers whose wines are rated 90+ points and are quite affordable. Read also about pairing New Zealand wine with food.
Special Report
- Red Wines of Portugal: the Douro Boys and Barca Velha
June 2007
Full Special Report (8pg, 266KB) [subscribers only]
In this new special report, The International Wine Review focuses on the new releases of a handful of top producers in the region of Portugal called the Douro. Together, these producers and their partners are known as the Douro Boys. The Douro Boys are at the top of their game in fashioning some of Portugal’s finest red table wines. We also take a look at some past and current vintages of Barca Velha, Portugal’s most renowned red wine.
Report
#6 - The Wines of Southern Italy: From Quantity to Quality
March 2007
Sample Italian Report (9pg, 283KB)
Full Italian Report (40pg, 880KB) [subscribers only]
This new 50 page report provides a brief overview of the transformation of Southern Italy into a region that is producing wines of high quality, stunning originality, and great value at all price points. Use this report as a guide to the incredible range of indigenous grapes of the region such as Falanghina, Greco di Tufo, Grillo, Fiano, Aglianico, Taurasi, Nero d’Avola. Find out who are the noteworthy producers and their wines from. Campania, Molise, Basilicata, Calabria, Puglia, Sicily, and Sardinia. Consult our wine and food pairing chart for ideas on pairing southern Italian dishes with the wines. Over 275 wines are reviewed with tasting notes and ratings. A useful table for wine retailers and consumers lists the wines by price category and ratings so that readers can quickly identify the top values in each price category.
Report
#5 - Argentina’s Magnificent Malbec
December 2006
Sample Malbec Report (5pg, 330KB)
Full Malbec Report (36pg, 894KB) [subscribers only]
Argentina is producing wines of exceptional quality and value. And the wines made from Malbec reign supreme. This 36-page in-depth report charts the ascendency of Malbec, how it has adapted to the desert-like conditions in Mendoza, the importance of irrigation, the impact of high altitude viticulture on wine quality and how winemakers are handling the grape in the winery. The report also includes expert tasting notes and ratings of over 150 Malbec, highlighting wines of stunning quality and phenomenal value that rank with the best from around the world.
“Congratulations on your outstanding report on Malbec in Argentina. It is the most complete and informative I have seen on the subject.” - Alfredo Bartholomaus, Proprietor Billington Imports and Robert Parker’s “Wine Personality of the Year”
Report
#4 - Syrah from California and the Northwest - Red Hot
and Cool
September 2006
Sample CA and NW Syrah Report (6pg, 537KB)
Full CA and NW Syrah Report (32pg, 905KB) [subscribers only]
The tremendous potential for Syrah in the U.S. has long been recognized, but until recently had never been fully realized. In this report, based on our tasting of more than 250 wines from California and the Northwest, we conclude that Syrah has finally arrived. Indeed, a trove of relatively new and outstanding producers such as Paz, L’Aventure, Failla, Ridge, Betz, Langier Merdith, L’Ecole are taking Syrah to new heights. The report offers a comprehensive overview on the state of Syrah in the vineyard and in the winery, identifies the styles of Syrah that are emerging, discusses the issue of ripeness and levels of alcohol in the wines, and looks at the future prospects of Syrah in the market place.
“…a terrific discussion of California Syrah” - Stephen Anglim, Anglim Winery Paso Robles
Report #3 - Grenache
Wines of Australia, California, France and Spain
May 2006
Sample
Grenache Wines Report (6pg, 490KB)
Full
Grenache Wines Report (28pg, 763KB) [subscribers only]
Grenache may be the most important, yet least know wine grape in existence. Despite being one of the most widely planted grapes, it remains in relative obscurity. In this report, the International Wine Review assesses the status of this intriguing but little known grape variety, looking at the history of Grenache and its role in winemaking today. It examines both the challenges in the vineyard and in the winery, as Grenache might well be the most difficult grape to convert into high quality wines. The 27 page report contains extensive tasting notes and ratings for Grenache wines in major producing countries and offers a quick reference chart highlighting the best values in Grenache in each price range and in each producing country.
“…the most comprehensive review I’ve seen of Grenache by any publication. Thorough, accurate and inspiring.” - Bob Betz, MW- Winemaker Betz Family Winery, Redmond, WA
Report #2 - Red Table Wines of Portugal
January 2006
Sample
Portuguese Table Wines Report (6pg, 502KB)
Full
Portuguese Table Wines Report (27pg, 854KB) [subscribers only]
Portugal is producing some of the most exciting and improved red wines in Europe today. Largely overshadowed by port, rose and the wines of Spain, the table wines of Portugal are undergoing a quiet revolution in quality. In this 26 page report, the International Wine review explores the grape varieties, region and factors behind this recent surge in quality, and identifies the producers leading the way. Over 190 Portuguese wines were reviewed for this report.; 38 scored 90 points or higher. There is also a quick reference chart that highlights the best values and the top quality wines in three price categories. The report covers all regions but concentrates on the wines of the Douro and Alentejo.
“The IWR is an engaging and well-crafted professional guide with a clever and practical approach on the new great wines from Portugal“ - Eduardo Souto Moura - Portuguese Trade Commissioner, New York
Report #1 - California Petite Sirah
September 2005
Sample
California Petite Sirah Report (4pg, 411KB)
Full
California Petite Sirah Report (8pg, 538KB) [subscribers only]
This first report focuses on California Petite Sirah. Despite being a work horse grape in many blends in California, playing a supporting role for many great Zinfandels, bolstering some great Cabernet Sauvignons, and making some phenomenal wines on its own, Petite Sirah is not well known and continues to be one of the most underrated grapes grown in California. The 8 page report assesses the quality of 35 Petite Sirahs with the goal to identify the styles of Petite Sirah being produced, asses the quality-price ratios, and provide readers an overview of the grape that will help enhance its appreciation.
“It’s the quintessential document on Petite Sirah; masterfully crafted, excellently executed, and the best written resource available for anyone who is a student of Petite Sirah’s past and present…” - Jo Diaz, Executive Director of PS I Love You - (Petite Sirah’s Advocacy Group)