OK, a bit of geeky viticultural stuff. I’d always been told that Portuguese variety Sousao was a teinturier: a grape with coloured flesh. Normally red grapes have all their pigment…
Some traditional Portuguese food and Graham 1980
I’m in sunny Porto, heading off to the Douro today where vintage 2011 is just starting. So, snatching a few minutes on free wifi (all hotels should offer this) in…
The IMW Australian Shiraz masterclass
Just on my way back from the Institute of Masters of Wine Australian Shiraz Masterclass. It was led by a distinguished group of Aussie winegrowers: Tim Kirk (Clonakilla), Julian Castagna,…
Some tasty wines from First Drop
Really impressed by this latest batch of wines from First Drop, who I reviewed a while back. These wines seem to manage to combine ripe fruit with freshness to great…
A wonderful Italian tasting
Yesterday’s tasting at One George Street, hosted by the wonderful Berry Bros & Rudd, is worth a mention. For the last few years David Berry Green has been resident in…
An incredible tasting with the Dirty Dozen
This was one of the best tastings I’ve attended this year. It reminded me why I love wine, and why I’ve chosen to make it my profession. I’m not naive:…
A fascinating Languedoc white from Virgile Joly
Had a really fabulous white from Domaine Virgile Joly today, one of many interesting wines being imported into the UK by Dudley and de Fleury. It’s one of those wines…
Summer draws to a close
Summer is drawing to a close. It’s a significant time of year for me. Living here in the UK, our summers are relatively short. I love being outdoors, and autumn…
Northern Rhone series 14, Cote Rotie, Cornas and Hermitage at Twickenham
Worry ye not. This wine blog is not turning into a sports blog, although you’d be forgiven for thinking so. It has been a sport-filled summer. On Saturday I was…