Red Vinho Verde, most of which is made from the Vinhão grape variety (known elsewhere in Portugal as Sousão), is a bit of an acquired taste. It’s hard to get…
Valdibella Ariddu Grillo 2012 Sicily, Italy
This characterful white wine comes from a really interesting micro-cooperative in Sicily, with just 6 members. Olive oil, almonds and wine are produced, with 38 hectares of vineyards. The focus…
Three English Sparkling wines: Jenkyn Place, Lagnham, Meon Hill
Three English sparkling wines, all quite new to the scene. The first, Jenkyn Place, comes from a 5 hectare estate on the North Hampshire downs, and the wine is made…
In Lisbon with the young winemakers of Portugal
So I was in Lisbon. For one night only. The occasion? The ‘Young Winemakers’ tasting. Vadio, Conceito, Hobby, Clip and Carmelao are five young-ish Portuguese producers (with six winemakers in…
The remarkable Talinay Vineyard Chardonnay from Tabali, Limari, Chile
A few years ago I visited a remarkable coastal vineyard in Limari, Chile, with active limestone soils. It was Tabali’s Talinay vineyard, and it’s turning out some seriously impressive Chardonnay…
Two lovely whites from M&S: Ferricrete Sauvignon and Earth’s End Riesling
Two lovely white wines, cool climate, new world. Paul Cluver Ferricrete Sauvignon Blanc 2013 Elgin, South Africa 13.5% alcohol. Very bright and focused with subtle green herbs, lemons and grapefruit…
A lovely affordable Douro red from Churchill
Very impressed by this 2011 Douro red from Churchill. It’s not expensive, but it offers a real taste of the region, combining ripeness with definition. It’s stocked by Majestic and…
A lovely Jura red from Michel Gahier
Michel Gahier is one of the top insider tips in the Jura. He has just 6.5 hectares of vines, and works very naturally in both the vineyard and the cellar….
Some nice wines at cricket
So yesterday was the first Wine Trade XI cricket match against the Gents of Essex at Coggeshall, Essex. It was a good day out, with perfect weather. We got hit…