Review LeRouge&leBlanc No. 154 (French edition): Champagne, the new evolution or revolution?

The LeRouge&leBlanc Review No. 154 offers an in-depth look at the latest changes in the world of wine. Across 52 pages, this issue explores a variety of impactful topics, enriching each reader's reflection on key themes.

Champagne: Evolution or Revolution?
Is the new Champagne generation pushing for a real revolution in the vineyard? This feature examines how young Champagne producers are rethinking traditional practices, promoting authenticity and an environmentally friendly approach. The article delves into the challenges, innovations, and heritage in Champagne, seeking to determine if this transition represents a natural evolution or a radical break.

Vineyard Journal: End of Manual Harvesting
The wine news highlights changes in harvesting practices, hinting at the end of manual harvesting in some regions. This transformation raises questions about the quality of grapes, profitability, and the future of vineyard jobs.

South West: A Touch of White in Cahors
White wine production is making its way into the historic Cahors appellation, traditionally associated with reds. LeRouge&leBlanc analyzes the impacts of this development, both economically and in terms of taste, and the prospects for the region.

Feature: Clay Wines, Back to the Origins
Clay wines are making a notable comeback, marking a trend towards ancient and natural winemaking methods. This feature explores the influence of clay on winemaking, offering readers insight into the unique flavors and ecological benefits associated with these ancestral techniques.

Favorites / Helping Hand
The review highlights several notable estates, including:

• Le Vin de Deux (Chablis): A refined and expressive signature.
• Domaine Inebriati (Languedoc): Resolutely authentic wines.
• Domaine de la Renière (Saumur-Puy-Notre-Dame): An exceptional terroir in the Loire.
• Domaine Clavel (Pic Saint Loup): Deep and charismatic reds.
• Les vins de la Madone (Côtes du Forez): A strong and unique identity.
• Domaine Laura David (Montlouis-sur-Loire): Freshness and finesse, reliable values of the region.

Excerpt from the Review: Bordeaux between Denial and Panic
The situation in Bordeaux is becoming worrying, with a decline in wine consumption in France, particularly affecting powerful reds. The review highlights the effects of changing tastes and eating habits, which favor more digestible and lighter wines. With unsold stocks reaching critical levels, Bordeaux is facing a major crisis.

Recent developments raise many debates, notably with comments from oenologist Michel Rolland. In a recent interview, he criticized more fruity and drinkable wines, claiming that this trend is merely a media phenomenon. This discourse resonates with issues around organic farming, with still low rates in the region, and raises questions about the future of the Bordeaux vineyard.

Towards a Bordeaux Renewal?
LeRouge&leBlanc suggests that, despite the crises, Bordeaux has the potential to reinvent itself. Less tannic grape varieties, more delicate vinifications, no new wood aging... The "organic" and "natural" wines highlighted in this issue illustrate that these transformations are already underway in other regions, with promising results.

For wine enthusiasts and professionals alike, this issue of LeRouge&leBlanc No. 154 is a true guide to understanding the challenges and innovations shaping the wine world today.

Article Features:

• Title: Review LeRouge&leBlanc No. 154
• Main Themes: Champagne, Bordeaux, clay wines, manual harvesting, favorite estates
• Format: Paper magazine
• Pages: 52
• Sections: Analysis, critique, wine news
• Audience: Informed enthusiasts, wine professionals
• Collection: LeRouge&leBlanc