The Happiness Seeker

The year is 1927. Eleven daring winemakers meet at Peñafiel Castle in Spain to start a winery. They’re convinced that by joining forces, they can produce high-quality wines in what is considered an «inhospitable» region. They call their bodega «Ribera Duero.» None of these founding fathers could have imagined that in just three generations, Ribera Duero would become one of the most important wine regions in all of Spain. As for the name of the winery itself, the founders settled on the Greek word for «first:» «protos.» A reference to the history of the winery, as well as a bold statement for the future. No one embodies this claim better than Marilena Bonilla Blázquez, the head winemaker at the traditional bodega. The inquisitive Spaniard, who discovered the joys of wine while getting her doctorate in microbiology – which subsequently led her to pursue a second degree in oenology – has launched numerous research projects since arriving at Bodegas Protos in 2005. Among other things, she studies the effects of climate change on wine – a topic that poses major challenges for the wine industry. Marilena explains: «Warmer temperatures can cause grapes to ripen earlier, which affects the balance and quality of the wine.» This can lead to excessive alcohol content, or an undesirable «sweaty horse blanket» smell. The winemaker therefore tests new cultivation methods with her team and performs analyses in a high-tech laboratory at the winery. This pioneering spirit has allowed Bodegas Protos to continually evolve and remain one of the very best wine producers in the country, thereby ensuring we enjoy elegant, intense, and aromatically complex wines from the Ribera del Duero region well into the future. Just like in 1927, but without the sweaty horse blanket!

Every once in a while, we lose our way...only to find it again in Colline del Chianti, and more specifically in the Classico region of the wine paradise that is Tuscany. A winegrowing tradition dating back to antiquity, a pleasantly warm climate, excellent soils and exposures...grapes have absolutely no trouble growing there, in particular the local variety (and true prima donna) Sangiovese. However, the pressing of these fruity, velvety, sought-after Chianti grapes is another story. For some time, we were enamored with those from the vineyards of Dievole. But as the years passed, this love began to fade. All too often, the winery near the small town of Vagliali was unable to recapture the quality of its former vintages. Under new management, the tide is now starting to turn: the team, led by star winemaker Alberto Antonini, is literally bursting with youthful enthusiasm and passion. Modern designs have replaced the kitschy gold labels, premium oak barrels and concrete tanks have been set up in the cellar, and new plots of land have been added to the sustainable vineyard. In particular, the Petrignano site stands out among the hundred hectares registered in the Chianti Classico register. Nestled in the bend of a river, the vines literally bathe in the reflections of the sun, feasting on the fertile, limestone soil abounding with nutrients and minerals. What about the wine? It marks a change of course for the «fattoria» – towards former greatness! So far, the reviews have been sparkling. Wine Enthusiast and James Suckling gave it a top score, while Gambero Rosso awarded the contemporary Chianti its medal for the Italian red wine of the year. Of course, this distinction only lasts for 12 months. That way, your love is sure not to fade!

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The fluffy bassline, the drums, the funky lick in D minor... Once the choir starts to sing «We don’t need no education...,» there’s no more mistaking it: it’s «The Wall» from Pink Floyd! The legendary group’s rock opera is the epitome of the wild seventies, of extravagant stage props – and of a vineyard 70 kilometers northeast of Marseille, where the British band recorded its musical monument. As vineyards around Château Miraval draw magnificent curves in the landscape and chirping bearded reedlings contribute to the idyllic ambiance of Provence, the screeching sounds of guitars can be heard from the studio on the grounds. In addition to Pink Floyd, many other big names have recorded songs there, including AC/DC, The Cure, and (ahem) The Kelly Family. The climate of the south of France is not only conducive to rock ‘n’ roll and grapevines, but also stars from Hollywood. About ten years ago, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie bought the picturesque château. The renowned Perrin family was put in charge of the winemaking. This mix of glamor and tradition was a huge success: Miraval’s signature blend cemented the revival of rosé. The studio, however, lay idle. Until now. Brad Pitt – now alone at the helms of the castle since his divorce – is apparently looking to revive the rock ‘n’ roll sanctuary, just before his 60th birthday. With the help of French producer Damien Quintard, he had the music temple completely renovated: the new luxury mixing console uses analog and digital technology to capture the full, brute force of sound. Because of its curvaceous design, the new studio is nicknamed «the spaceship.» To mark the occasion, Miraval has launched its own «spaceship,» a brand-new cuvée called «The Studio.» Will it become the next must-have rosé?