I love natural wine, but I worry that the natural wine movement (whatever that is), is becoming a subculture that’s self-contained, self-referential, and living in its own bubble. Let me…
The diversity of wine
Wine is unusual among drinks on many levels. And one of the most remarkable things about wine is its diversity. It’s a function of the fact that wine quality is…
Two 1996 Bordeaux wines: right and left
Had a splendid afternoon with extended family today. Brother-in-law Beavington was kind enough to open two clarets (three bottles, we got through two of the VCC) from the 1996 vintage….
Terra Lemnia, a lovely pair of Greek wines from Limnos
Terra Limnia is a new producer making impressive wines from local varieties grown on the island of Limnos. They’re made by Vicky Samaras (ex-pat Greek) and Jonas Newman of Hinterland…
Domaine Saparale ‘Le Saparale’ 2012, a lovely Corsican red
I’ve had a few really impressive Corsican reds of late. This is a lovely wine, a blend of 80% Sciacarello and 20% Nieulluccio, which spends 6 months in oak. Domaine…
Some thoughts on GM technology
So yesterday I took part in a careers session for the brightest and best undergraduates in plant sciences at the Gatsby summer school. Held at the lovely Hawkhills centre near…
Careers advice…from me?
As I write I am on a train heading to York, where I will be taking part in a careers session for a group of 80 high acheiveing graduate plant…
Ganevat Les Chamois du Paradis 2011, an amazing Jura Chardonnay
Jura wines are becoming increasingly popular, and when you taste bottles like these, it’s not hard to see why. Jean Francois Ganevat is perhaps the most highly regarded producer in…
Si Vintners Chinchecle Semillon 2011, a wonderful wine from Margaret River
Si vintners consists of Iwo Jakimowicz and Sarah Morris, and they have 20 acres of mature vines in Margaret River. They work naturally in both the vineyard and winery, with…