Let’s face it. The last few years have been hard on all of us. No matter where you live on the planet, you have been affected by the pandemic and the all-encompassing, permanent change it brought with it. Has wine and, by extension, Opimian helped? Surely!
But the change in the world order has affected winemakers more than wine drinkers. Especially in South Africa. The perfect storm of global issues has made winemaking in South Africa exponentially more difficult. On a recent virtual tasting with Groote Post owner, Nick Pence, he joined via battery power because the power grid has been operating on rolling blackouts. Climate change has upset the already delicate balance of temperature and rainfall. The 2020s have proven to be the largest challenge our partners Groote Post, Bosman and Vilafonté have ever faced.
These challenges have contributed to Richard Kershaw Wines and Aristea pausing their exports to Canada. We are doing all we can to ensure that both of our valued partners will be back.
Despite that, they continue to make stellar wines and continue to share them with us. By ordering and consuming these fabulous wines, you have contributed to a win-win.
While Tuscany was not immune to the tectonic shifts of the past few years, they continued a tradition of centuries. Tuscan wines are some of the originals and some of the most popular in the world. Everyone will enjoy the Chiantis that we all know and love. Make sure to add Super Tuscan knowledge and enjoyment to your wine lover’s quiver. One of our Master of Wine, Igor Ryjenkov MW, explains them in detail in the Master Piece, and you can find a selection of them on page 32.
Our Masters of Wine have chosen some exceptional Tuscan examples for you. Our previous partners Cinciano, Scansano, and Sorbiano are back with both favourites and new wines for you to experience. Add to that, new wines from Tenuta di Collosorbo and L’Occa Caucca, and you can choose the best Tuscan wines money can buy.
This Cellar goes to print too early to include pictures and stories from the Opimian Member trip to Tuscany in early October. Check out your blog, your Opimian social media channels and your email. It just may convince you to join us in 2024 for your own, exciting experience. You can also strike out on your own and visit our producers. They always welcome Opimian Members with open arms.
Cheers
Michael & Greg