18th of April wine auction

Spinoza or Spinosa?

For Spinoza the philosopher, happiness (conatus) is all about increasing your desire… No doubt that after a glass of this fresh wine you will desire more; In Vino Veritas!

Fine wines outperform blue chips and gold in 2017

11% return

Quiet days in Venice tasting and reflecting on Gravner wines

by Richard Sagala Gravner wines: Are orange wines game changers or Hyperprism? Josko Gravner is an Italian producer from the Friuli region. Mr. Gavner created a reputation for himself from a radical winemaking technique that he has espoused (amphora) and the original wines that he produces, the so called orange wines. By the way, Orange

Tasting autochtonous and native grapes for IMBA in Italy

  Richard Sagala, in contex (Friuli, Barolo and Venice) is tasting Italian native wine grapes for the Cellar Management program of the IMBA. Italy produces many original wines that are worth cellaring. In Vino Veritas!  

Sartarelli Balciana Vertical 2015-2007

In Verdicchio Veritas! by Richard Sagala Italy August 2017, in the elegant new facilities of Sartarelli I experienced a vertical tasting of a rather special wine: the Sartarelli Balciana. A word about the new Saltarelli building: it is an airy and natural light filled small building hosting an original museum dedicated to the glory of

Tiberio Fonte Canale 2015

In focus, by Richard Sagala Tiberio Fonte Canale 2015 This crisp wine comes from the Abruzzo region of Italy. It is crafted from 100% Trebbiano Abruzzese 58 years old vines grown under a canopy training system (see picture of Cristiana Tiberio under the canopy). How does it taste? Acacia flowers on the nose plus mandarine

KRUG 2000 “Stormy indulgence”?

In focus, by Richard Sagala KRUG 2000 –Gourmandise orageuse – Stormy indulgence This how the producer calls this wine: “Gourmandise orageuse – Stormy indulgence” Does “stormy indulgence” sounds a bit over the top to you? Well, I should add that “Gourmandise orageuse” in French sounds even worse to me… so lets leave it there please.

Château des Bachelards, Le Clos 2014, Fleurie, France

In Focus, by Richard Sagala Château des Bachelards, (Magnum), Le Clos 2014 Above is a 19th century print showing a French wine growing property, Les Bachelards, located in Burgundy, more specifically in Fleurie, one of the ten Beaujolais Crus (first growths). One can see the wall connected to the main house behind which vines were grown and
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Partnership announcement between ALFRED Sommelier and CEWECM-IMBA

Montréal, July 5th 2017: Partnership announcement between ALFRED Sommelier and CEWECM-IMBA. CEWECM-IMBA, the Centre of Excellence in Wine Education and Cellar Management of the International Montreal Butler Academy will be partnering this Fall with ALFRED Sommelier, an Expert Software System and cellar management company. CEWECM-IMBA was created  in 2017 by Richard Sagala Wine MBA, the owner of the International Montreal Butler Academy.  Richard Sagala and
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Poggio Antico 1985 Brunello di Montalcino

In Focus, by Alain Cloutier Poggio Antico 1985 Brunello di Montalcino Tasted recently, here is a very nice bottle! This great Tuscan wine demonstrates once again the ageing potential for this terroir surrounding the village of Montalcino. Made from a clone of sangiovese named Brunello, this 1985 surprised by its color still intense, without marked

Pol Roger cuvée Winston Churchill 2004

In Focus, by Richard Sagala 2nd of July 2017 A quality champagne, powerful and from a good vintage to boot. Surprisingly, the wine shows signs of evolution (oxydative character). It has the pastry shop aromatics but, where is the fruit? I am questioning the storage conditions of the retailer. So I reserve my judgement and

53 pictures of Darlington Manor, at what number do they mention and show the wine cellar?

10! link PS: Would you apply for a butler posting @ Darlington not knowing about cellar management ?  

Sabrage of a Dom Pérignon

  The special shape (the thick lip) of a Dom Pérignon bottle makes it somewhat easier for the Sabrage aficionado …

Coravin, indispensable to probe your wine cellar

Do you want to know when your wine collection reach its apogee? Coravin is the solution. Indispensable to the butler to probe the wine cellar. Great tool!