So where are we up to with soils and wines? We began by exploring the ideas of minerality, and how soils might be having a direct effect on wine quality,…
The mystery of soils and wines, part 4
So, to continue our look at soils and vines, and the making of vines. In part 4, we are going to be focusing on vine roots. Vine roots respond to…
The mystery of soils and wines, part 3
In parts 1 and 2 of this exploration of soils and wines, I looked at the issue of minerality. Do soils influence wines directly by means of root uptake of…
The international wine challenge begins, and some nice beer, too
So the International Wine Challenge has begun. As a panel chair, I’m signed up for all two weeks of judging. I really enjoy it, working with a different panel each…
The mystery of soils and wines, part 2
Minerality is, for me, one of the most interesting concepts in the world of wine. ‘Minerality’ is a really useful descriptor; many of us use it frequently in our tasting…
Pay us money, and we’ll give your clients coverage
Just seen on Twitter: an extract from an e-mail received by a member of Chris Mitchell’s team at CUBE (a leading UK-based wine trade PR and events company), from a wine…
On dog ownership…
Going back a few years, I used to include a lot more non-wine-related material in my blog. Truly unprofessional, I admit. But I think it’s important. As a reader, I…
Are ultra expensive wines worth it?
I was asked a question by a journalist today: Our readers want to live vicariously: What does a $30,000 bottle of wine taste like? Do wine experts appreciate them significantly…
Learning, the counter to subjectivity in wine appreciation
Like what you like. That’s what we are so often told, in terms of appreciating wine. It’s fair advice. When it comes to wine preferences, no one should tell you…