This is a superb, affordable Spanish white, made from a centenarian high-altitude (900 m) vineyard just outside (to the north east of) the Ribera del Duero DO. It’s made from…
Another lovely Champagne: Gatinois Aÿ Grand Cru NV
Gatinois, based in Aÿ, have 7.5 hectares of Grand Cru vineyards spread across 29 plots. They sell half their grapes to Bollinger and other grand marques, but father and son…
Consistency is desirable, but at what cost?
I had a conversation with a beer brewer recently. I asked him whether size was an advantage in brewing, in that having lots of shiny new kit might help you…
Rêverie Chenin Blanc 2014 Swartland, South Africa
This was a new discovery at Cape Wine. It’s the Rêverie Chenin Blanc 2014 from an old vineyard (1978 plantings) in the Swartland. The soils? Pure granite, no irrigation, picked…
Champagne Michel Arnould Grand Cru Brut Réserve NV France
Continuing my exploration of well priced and delicious grower Champagnes, here’s another, from Michel Arnould. They have 12 hectares of Grand Cru vineyards in Verzenay. It’s Pinot Noir: although I’m…
Changing views on ripeness in South Africa: a welcome development
One thing that my tastings at Cape Wine has reinforced, is something that I have believed for a while. It’s that it is possible – even in quite warm climates…
South African Chenin Blanc: some highlights from the Cape Wine beach party
These are some of the highlights from the Chenin Blanc beach party at Cape Wine, which I caught on Monday afternoon. It’s great that Chenin Blanc is now fully recognized…
2014 releases from urban winery LDN (London) Cru
Urban winery LDN CRU (London Cru) are just about to release their 2014s. It’s the second vintage at this exciting project, based near Earl’s Court in West London, and I’m…
In South Africa, day 2
I woke up on Sunday early but excited. A few lucky people, including me, had been invited to Robertson by three producers: Graham Beck, Springfield and De Wetshof. And we…