This is impressive. It’s a Languedoc red from large producer Skalli. It’s expensive, I guess, but reinforces just how good Languedoc reds can be when grown on decent terroirs and…
Northern Rhone series 10, Georges Vernay Condrieu
We’re heading to Condrieu for episode 10 in the northern Rhone series. It’s an appellation that’s a bit of an outlier in the region, but it adds some welcome diversity….
Having some fun with new wave Spanish whites
I’ve been enjoying a good run of Spanish whites of late. Of course, Spain is best known for its reds. Increasingly, though, the whites have begun to impress. Here are…
Northern Rhone series 9, Delas Les Challeys St Joseph
Continuing my northern Rhone series, I’m sticking with St Joseph. It’s an appellation with a reputation for inconsistency, but there are clearly some very good terroirs here. This is a…
New varieties in Rioja
I’m currently in the process of writing up a series based on a visit to Rioja. The latest instalment involves Valdemar, who are doing some interesting work with new varieties…
A great value white wine from Spain
This has to be my best value white of the year. It’s part of an excellent offer of Iberian whites by the Wine Society, and after I tasted it I…
At the cricket, followed by Crozes
Had a very enjoyable evening at the Oval, watching Surrey vs. Northants in the Clydesdale Bank 40 Over competition. It was the first time I’ve watched one of these day/night…
The world closures market in picture form
This picture represents the world closures market as it currently stands (actually, data are from December 2010). This is for standard 750 ml glass bottles plus 1 litre and 1.5…
Advance copies of authentic wine have arrived!
Came home today to find an advanced copy of my new book had arrived. The excitement was slightly tempered by the fact that the dogs had torn the packaging into…