Last Wednesday I made a new discovery (new for me, at least). It’s ViniItaliani, a wine shop/wine bar on the Old Brompton Road in South Kensington. It also acts as…
Two impressive Sauvignons: Bordeaux and Marlborough
I know that it’s not all that cool, but I really love Sauvignon Blanc. Here are two good ones: an oaked Bordeaux example (which is actually a blend with Semillon…
Novelty at the expense of quality?
Star wine writer Jancis Robinson’s latest FT column is worth a read. You can find it here. She is focusing on the quest for novelty in the wine world, and…
Learning to love Nebbiolo: Ar.Pe.Pe Rosso di Valtellina
So I continue in my noble quest to learn to love Nebbiolo (see my previous posts here and here). This time, I am turning to the Valtellina region, a 70…
In Marlborough, day 3, my last in New Zealand
The last day of my New Zealand trip turned out to be a very good one. It began at Te Whare Ra, a small 11 hectare vineyard planted in 1979,…
A unicorn wine, the Clos Joliette Jurancon
I have just written up a tasting of Jurançon Sec held at The Sampler a while ago. You can read it here. One of the wines was truly remarkable. It’s…
A second day in Marlborough, New Zealand
So day 2 in New Zealand’s most important wine region. Lots to be done, beginning with a regional tasting held at Spy Valley, a winery located in the lower Waihopai…
Introducing my new book, Wine Science, with a short video
Here’s a short video in which I introduce my new book, Wine Science/The Science of Wine The UK version is available now; The US version will be available in April….
The Marlborough wine region, day 1
Leaving Waipara behind, after an all-too-short sleep, it was time to head to Blenheim on a 19-seat Beechcraft. I had the best part of three days in this, New Zealand’s…