DECORKED
Posts
🍇 Taste the Emotion, Not the Notes

🍇 Taste the Emotion, Not the Notes

In this week’s DECORKED digest, we explore rising chemical concerns in wines, a way of connecting through wine storytelling, Italy’s winemaking journey, and the comeback of sherry.

April 28, 2025

Collection of important links, information, and more.

📌 EMAIL - contact for business inquiries

📌 ADVERTISING - for advertising inquiries contact us via the email above

Happy Monday! We hope you have a great week ahead. In this week’s DECORKED digest, we explore rising chemical concerns in wines, a way of connecting through wine storytelling, Italy’s winemaking journey, and the comeback of sherry. Keep reading!

➡️ PARTNERSHIP/SPONSORSHIP packages are available! Advertise your wine-related brand/product/story with the best community out there. For contact, please see above.

Read the most important and interesting news this week.

🗞️ Target’s new wine collection comes in paper bottles READ HERE

🥂 All the medallists from The Prosecco Masters 2025 READ HERE

🔍 How U.S. alcohol importers are adapting to tariffs READ HERE

🎯 Can Austria rival Burgundy for single vineyards? READ HERE

🍷 Do wine lists still need the human touch? READ HERE

🕊️ Pope Francis: A life in wine READ HERE

Collection of partnerships and collaborations.

📌 AMBLE WINE PARTNERSHIP - Explore the world of wine with Amble Wine's comprehensive World Wine Map Workbooks and challenging Wine Quiz Workbook, masterfully crafted by wine scholar Lea Gatinois. As our valued reader, enjoy a 5% discount on these premium, eco-friendly resources using code DECORKED at checkout (or click HERE). Expand your wine expertise today!

We curate, filter, and select only the most exciting and important news for you.

RISING TFA LEVELS DETECTED IN EUROPEAN WINES

A new analysis by Pesticide Action Network Europe found alarming increases in trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a harmful "forever chemical," in European wines produced after 2010, with contamination levels far exceeding those in water. Testing 49 wine samples from 10 countries showed no TFA traces before 1988, a modest rise by 2010, and a sharp spike in recent vintages. TFA, a breakdown product of PFAS chemicals widely used in pesticides and industrial products, poses fertility risks and may breach planetary boundaries. Researchers warn that even if PFAS use stopped today, TFA levels would likely continue rising due to its persistence.

SWAPPING TASTING NOTES FOR EMOTION - AND IT WORKS

A quiet revolution is reshaping how wine is experienced in fine dining, swapping traditional tasting notes for vivid storytelling that brings each bottle’s soul to life. Instead of focusing on flavors, some wine directors are using personification and cultural context to create a deeper, more personal connection between guests and wine. This shift embraces lesser-known regions and producers who honor ancient traditions while shaping new narratives. By focusing on feeling, timing, and the shared human experience, this style of wine service aims to create memorable moments that transcend simple descriptions, offering a richer, more meaningful way to enjoy wine.

HOW GRAPES BECAME WINE IN ITALY OVER 7,000 YEARS

A new study tracing 7,000 years of grape seeds reveals that Italy’s winemaking heritage evolved slowly, beginning with the gathering of wild grapes by early communities and gradually shifting toward cultivation. A major breakthrough occurred in Sardinia during the Late Bronze Age, likely influenced by Mediterranean trade, and by the Etruscan and Roman periods, viticulture had become widespread and sophisticated. By the Medieval era, grape domestication was firmly established, shaping the diverse wine traditions Italy is known for today.

THE COMEBACK OF SHERRY

Sherry is making a real comeback, shaking off its old-fashioned image and winning over a new generation of wine lovers. While the region’s big houses still matter, a wave of smaller producers is bringing fresh energy, highlighting the unique soil, grapes, and aging methods that make sherry so special. Dry styles, in particular, are gaining attention for how well they pair with food, and with premium sherries on the rise and new techniques emerging, it’s the perfect time to rediscover just how complex, vibrant, and unforgettable sherry can be.

TEXAS WINE IS SOARING IN POPULARITY

Texas wine is experiencing a major rise in quality and popularity, fueled by rapid growth in vineyards, improved viticulture practices, and increased national recognition. Once overlooked, Texas is now home to over 500 wineries, winning hundreds of awards in international competitions. Scientific advances, clever marketing, and a booming, open-minded population have helped drive this transformation. While most Texas wine is still consumed locally, experts believe the industry has significant potential to expand nationally and internationally in the coming decades.

SHOULD RIOJA INCREASE ITS FOCUS ON WHITE WINE?

With global tastes shifting toward fresher, lighter wines, some in Rioja are wondering if it’s time to focus more on whites. While white wine sales are growing, many believe it’s risky to move too fast, especially with Rioja’s strong reputation for reds. With climate change, changing consumer habits, and falling red wine exports, there’s pressure to adapt, but most agree the smart move is a careful, gradual expansion into more white wines.

YOUR NEXT CHEAP WINE MAY COST THE WORLD

Mass-produced cheap wines, like those from Marlborough’s vast Sauvignon Blanc plantings, come at a serious environmental cost, contributing to soil degradation, heavy chemical use, and unsustainable farming practices. While some corporations are responsible stewards, many prioritize profit over sustainability, often masking harmful practices behind greenwashing. As the climate crisis worsens, wine lovers are urged to support small, independent producers who farm responsibly and prioritize the health of the land.

Discover wine events worldwide.

🥂 Tasting Australia (May 2 - 11, South Australia) - LEARN MORE

🥂 Valtice Wine Markets (May 9 - 10, Valtice, Czechia) - LEARN MORE

🥂 Vinous Icons: Italy (May 14 - 17, New York, US) - LEARN MORE

🥂 Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience (May 15 - 18, California, US) - LEARN MORE

🥂 London Wine Fair (May 19 - 21, London, UK) - LEARN MORE

🥂 BottleRock Napa Valley (May 23 - 25, California, US) - LEARN MORE

Learn something new every week.

WINE REGION OF THE WEEK: SALTA, ARGENTINA

Salta, in northern Argentina, is home to some of the world’s highest vineyards, soaring over 3,000 meters above sea level. The region’s rare mix of high-altitude coolness and intense sunlight creates ideal conditions for growing vibrant Torrontés and Malbec. Centered mainly around Cafayate, Salta’s vineyards benefit from low rainfall, clear skies, and natural irrigation from mountain meltwater.

GRAPE OF THE WEEK: TORRONTES

Torrontés is a signature grape of Argentina’s white wine scene, but the name actually refers to three distinct varieties: Torrontés Riojano, Sanjuanino, and Mendocino. Torrontés Riojano is the most widely planted and produces the highest-quality wines, often aromatic and floral, with a spicy, Muscat-like character. Though its origins are debated, most Torrontés types involve a crossing with Muscat of Alexandria, giving the wines their distinctive perfumed profile.

How are you satisfied with this week's DECORKED?

Let us know, so we can do better. Simply click bellow.

🍾 Amazing | 🍷 Good | 🍇 I don't like it | 🤬 I wish I didn't subscribe

If someone forwarded this email to you, click HERE to subscribe.

Help us grow and earn rewards.