Summary: Although the major producers of branded Brut Non-Vintage Champagne are rightly proud of a consistent ‘house’ style, the taste of their blends have changed significantly over time.Using historical records, and originally-sourced detailed data going back to 1991, this WSG Live will consider how climate, viticulture and winemaking have affected the character of Champagne’s best-known and biggest-selling brands.Expect to find out how the cellar master

Summary: The Châtillonnais is a small, lesser known wine region, located at the most northern end of the ‘département’ of the Côte d’Or and just south of the Côte des Bar, the most southern section of Champagne. Due to its proximity to Champagne and its isolation from other Burgundian regions, its history and wine styles are far more linked to its more northerly neighbor. This is a region where its

Summary:  When it comes to the Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape often hogs the limelight, but there are a further eight Crus that all have something unique to offer (Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Beaumes-de-Venise, Rasteau, Cairanne, Vinsobres, Lirac and Tavel). In this webinar we'll look at the terroir of each of these lesser-known Crus in turn, giving you an idea of how their styles of wine compare, and why they taste like

Summary: The 1,247 climats of Bourgogne were recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2015, a well-deserved honor! In fact, there is no better illustration of the concept of terroir than its pure expression through the climats of Bourgogne. But wait... what is a climat? How is a climat different from a lieu-dit? This lecture will define the concept, evolution, and name origins of the climats, and explore the 2,000-year-old creative collaboration between nature and

Summary:  The system of buying, selling and trading Bordeaux wines through a virtual marketplace known as La Place is unusual and by turns both frustrating and effective. But how does it work, how is it changing today, and what about it is attracting more and more international wines in recent years? Presenter: Jane Anson Jane Anson has lived in Bordeaux since 2003. She is author of Inside Bordeaux (BB&R Publishing 2020, called a ‘category buster’ by Wine

Summary: Just 6% of Rhône Valley wines are white, but there is huge variety of styles, from straightforward, everyday wines to some of the finest, most distinctive whites in the world. Though they share some grape varieties, the white wines in the Southern and Northern Rhône are very different. With some destined for the dinner table and others deliciously drinkable by themselves, there

Summary:  Bordeaux has been one of the most important ports in all of Europe since Roman times, and it is no surprise that the wines of the area have inspired strategic political alliances, wars, wealth, and are among the old world’s most internationally influenced and sought after. Bordeaux is iconically French, but would not resemble itself without the impact of the English and the Dutch.

Summary:  The history of Bourgogne wines is the story of a very specific collaboration, which defines the concept of Terroir.  Join wine historian and Official Bourgogne Ambassador, Tanya Morning Star Darling to explore the Bourgogne region from the ancient, and dramatic geological events which created the soils, and Côtes, to the Romans, the Church, the Dukes, Napoleon, to the thousands of growers and producers that make up the diverse mosaic of wines that is Bourgogne.

Summary:  From vineyards on the best-exposed limestone slopes of the Prealps, Savoie wines are made from a plethora of grape varieties, which are proving to be ideal in the face of climate change. Wink Lorch published her second book, Wines of the French Alps: Savoie, Bugey and beyond in 2019, and it has already received rave reviews from Eric Asimov, David Schildknecht and the team at

Summary:  Viré-Clessé is one of the Mâconnais’ village-level appellations alongside Pouilly-Fuissé, Saint-Véran, Pouilly-Vinzelles and Pouilly-Loché. However, it is arguably its least well-known despite being one of the most unique in all of Bourgogne: it is the only appellation that allows off-dry wines within its regulations, including its historical style, Levrouté. This webinar will

Summary: Bourgogne is evolving, with viticulture at the forefront of the change. Growers are confronted with climate change, characterized by shorter growing seasons, higher temperatures, increased sunlight, and drought incidents. In addition, an increasing number of producers are embracing a more considerate viticulture prioritizing plant and soil health, in an effort to increase vineyard longevity, sustainability, and overall wine quality. In this webinar we will explore

Summary: It's time to shine a light on the dry white wines of Bordeaux. Often overshadowed by the region’s famous reds, these wines deserve more attention. From the polished, subtly oaked Sémillon and Sauvignon blends of Graves to the fresh and vibrant Sauvignon Blancs of Entre-Deux-Mers - and beyond - there is so much to discover.  French Programs Director

Summary Women have played a key role throughout the history of le champagne (the wine) and la Champagne (the region). The cheeky courtesans were enthusiastic consumers during the 18th century. The widows were innovative producers during the 19th century. The mothers and wives kept the champagne ship afloat during two World Wars during the 20th century. And like a champagne bubble, the women are moving onwards and upwards during the 21st century.

Summary: Following our debut WSG Live with Jancis Robinson MW in late July 2020, WSG is thrilled to present an in-depth discussion with famed Pomerol and Napa producer Christian Moueix. WSG Live is a series of podcasts in