Wine Events, Wine Education, Journalist
Every year I run a consumer page blind taste-test to discover my pick of the bubbles for Christmas and New Year. In 2020 it was more complicated than usual as I didn’t have a gang of tasting elves with me! Instead my small social bubble tasted wines for the benefit of your festive social bubbles. […]
The best Christmas fizz: My 2020 festive sparkling wine choices under £20 Read More »
I always think of white Christmas wines as being in two camps. Fresh and fruity wines which sit happily with seafood, or the creamier, more complex whites which add richness to the main course. In my first festive wine missive for 2018 I’m bringing you some fresh and fruity white wines for Christmas. Next time
Christmas wines Part 1: Seven fresh and fruity whites for under £14 Read More »
I have to be quick to keep up with the ever-changing selection of wines on our High Streets and when I catch up with some wine ranges I wish I hadn’t. But the newly-released Spar wines have had people talking. I gave a nod to The Alphabet Series Pinot Noir at Christmas and it is one
Spar wines: New own-label wine range is a winner on taste and your pocket Read More »
If you’re inviting friends round for a quiet celebration, or you’re planning one of those “stand in the kitchen and ignore the sofa” parties, then you’ll be looking for ideas for Christmas party drinks. Here’s a selection. Christmas party drinks: Nice and easy wines Vignobles Roussellet Pinot Noir (£4.49, Aldi, 12.5% abv) I poured this
Christmas party drinks: 10 ideas for tipples if you’re having people round Read More »
Yup – that’s me on this page. Sadly not the pretty thing in the middle, but the old blob on the left wearing a grey cardie. You’ll see we ran a supermarket festive fizz taste test … here’s the supermarket champagne ratings. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! SUPERMARKET CHAMPAGNE: BEST BUY Wm Morrison Champagne
Your best-buy supermarket champagne… here’s the festive fizz factor scores Read More »
Yup – that’s me on this page. Sadly not the pretty thing in the middle, but the old blob on the left wearing a grey cardie. You’ll see we ran a fizz taste test … here’s the supermarket prosecco ratings if you’re making a last-minute dash to the shops for the sprouts and the bread sauce. Or
Which is the best supermarket prosecco? Here’s the festive fizz factor scores Read More »
It’s not long to go to Christmas Day and I’m getting excited now. If you’re looking for a Christmas red wine, here’s some thoughts; starting with some bargains and building up to a knock-out buy. Christmas red wine on offer this month Western Australia Cabernet Sauvignon (Morrisons, 14.5% abv, RRP £7, down to £6 until Jan
Blimey what did we do for easy-peasy bubbles before prosecco came on the scene? It now outsells Champagne in the UK and it’s easy to see why – it’s so much cheaper and very, very, easy to drink. Prosecco DOC wines are made across a wide area of Veneto and Friuli in the north
Festive fizz!! Here’s nine prosecco picks to enjoy at Christmas Read More »
CARMENÈRE. Chile’s signature grape. I’m intrigued by this wine’s story, so I’m sharing it with you. As I write, I’m still on staycation, staring out at blue Welsh skies brushed with rolling grey clouds, but happily sipping Viña Koyle Alto Colchagua Reserva Carmenère, 2012 (£8.95, The Wine Society) at the naughty wine time of 5.15pm.
Carmenère and Chile go together but for years grape was forgotten Read More »