Alun Griffiths’s Journey in Wine
We’re excited to share the news that Alun Griffiths MW, a highly experienced judge at the Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA), is stepping into the role of joint Regional Chair for Bordeaux for the upcoming 2025 edition.
With a remarkable 35-year background in the wine industry, Griffiths has worn many hats.
His past positions include senior roles at prestigious retailers like Fortnum & Mason and Harrods, along with serving as the wine director for Berry Bros & Rudd.
Griffiths’s passion for wine ignited during his university days in France.
A year spent immersed in the French culture of viticulture captured his fascination.
In 1991, he made waves in the wine community by earning the esteemed title of Master of Wine on his first attempt, celebrated with the Madame Bollinger Medal for his exceptional blind tasting skills.
Currently, he is the non-executive chairman at Thorman Hunt & Co. Ltd, a director at First Choice Wines, and the co-founder of The Old Vine Conference, a non-profit organization dedicated to safeguarding historic vineyards.
This May, Griffiths will return to DWWA judging week, now collaborating with Matthew Stubbs MW as he takes on his new role focusing on the Bordeaux region.
Insights from Alun Griffiths
As we approach the DWWA 2025 entry deadline on March 18, we seized the chance to chat with Griffiths about his impressive career and his views on the evolving landscape of the wine world.
What sparked your interest in wine?
Griffiths’s love affair with wine began during his time in France.
There, he didn’t just enjoy drinking wine; he also became fascinated with its production and cultural context.
His fondness for seafood, especially in Nantes, led him to explore Muscadet, sparking a desire to deepen his knowledge of wine.
What’s a crucial lesson you’ve learned in your wine journey?
For Griffiths, the importance of service in the competitive realm of wine cannot be overstated.
With so many options available, he believes that providing personalized and knowledgeable customer service is vital to standing out.
At esteemed wine merchants, he stresses that delivering exceptional customer experiences can significantly impact client loyalty.
Which wine regions or varieties should enthusiasts explore?
Griffiths points to the Loire Valley as a region worth exploring, especially as climate change enhances grape ripening.
He emphasizes the value of Chenin Blanc and Anjou wines, singling out Savennieres for its aging potential without the hefty price tag.
Additionally, he notes the increasing quality of red wines from the Loire, particularly those from Cabernet Franc, which are gaining popularity.
Current Trends and Advice
What current trends in the wine sector excite you?
He expresses his excitement about the growing acknowledgment of ’emerging’ wine regions, including Turkey, the Balkans, and Eastern Europe.
Though these areas boast a rich winemaking history, they are only now starting to capture international attention.
Griffiths recalls his surprise during a DWWA judging panel focused on the Eastern Mediterranean and Southeast Europe, where he discovered impressive wines from regions he had previously overlooked.
Are there any Bordeaux vintages that stand out to you?
Griffiths tends to favor wines that exhibit elegance and balance over sheer power.
Among his favorite Bordeaux vintages are the 1996 from the Left Bank, the 2001 from the Right Bank, as well as the 2010, 2016, and 2019 vintages.
While he acknowledges the allure of celebrated years like 2005 and 2009, he prefers wines that showcase complexity along with refined tannins.
What’s an interesting characteristic of Bordeaux wines?
One significant aspect Griffiths highlights is Bordeaux’s ability to adapt to shifting global tastes.
He notes that some red wines have evolved toward richer profiles and higher alcohol levels to attract emerging markets.
Furthermore, as classic Sauternes have lost some of their earlier popularity, producers are now experimenting with creating outstanding dry white wines from these same terroirs.
What advice do you have for DWWA entrants who don’t win a medal?
Griffiths encourages those who do not receive a medal to carefully review the judges’ tasting notes.
He believes this feedback can provide valuable insights for improving their wines.
Persistence is key, and he emphasizes that constructive criticism can be instrumental in guiding efforts for future entries.
Source: Decanter
