Wine Events, Wine Education, Journalist
I WATCHED a lovely couple – well I’m sure they were lovely – looking totally bemused in a wine shop the other day. They were walking up and down the reds baffled, nay, befuddled, by the choices in front of them. So here’s some simple guidance on six basic wine grapes. You’ll see them all the time… but do you know if you’ll like […]
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 »
If I were a grape variety, I’d be Gewurztraminer. I know this because Helena Nicklin told me. Helena is author of the book Winebird’s VINALOGY: Wine Basics with a Twist, and at the launch I filled in a form to discover my vinalogy, my wine self. Lots of Do I Like This … Do I Like that …
If I was a wine I’d be Gewurztraminer, reveals Vinalogy author Read More »
“I don’t like raisins,” said The Girl Who Doesn’t Like Raisins. “You might not like raisins,” I said, “but you’ll like this.” I asked Girl Who Doesn’t Like Raisins to pour a fingertip of Blind Spot Rutherglen Muscat wine into a glass and taste. “I’m not sure” she said, “Don’t be scared,” I said, as she raised
The Wine Society wizards and the girl who hates raisins Read More »
THERE was a bit of a whirlwind in France last week. Not one that you would see on a weather map. Perhaps because it was a blur. A very nice blur. Yours truly popped over the Channel to spend a quick couple of days in Bordeaux. Understanding the nuances of Bordeaux wines is no easy
Flying visit to Bordeaux where wine blending is art form Read More »
THERE’S a part of France which almost thinks its the New World when it comes to wine-making. I’m talking Pays d’Oc. Traditionally France – and other “old world” countries such as Spain and Italy – have historically developed wines based on local grape varieties, the local marketplace and as a match to local foods. But in
Pays d’Oc – where 56 grape varieties are the spice of life Read More »
THE sun surprisingly came out at the weekend and so did the Rioja. I blinked and the sun was still there … if only I could say the same about the Rioja. A glorious taste of Spain; the signature red wine of the country. It is so elevated that Rioja was the first wine to