Journal

Italy pt 2/3 - “Central & East”
This is one of the oldest of all wine areas in Italy. Evidence of viticulture exists in this region back to the 8th Century BC. Florentine wine retailers were known to exist in the 11th Century. By the 14th Century...
All we want for Christmas are these
I can hardly believe it - not only is December upon us but the Big Day is almost here. If you're still looking for inspiration for a gift, or yourself, here (and back by popular demand) are our VG team...
Italy pt 1/3 - An Introduction and “The North”
Of all the countries in the Old World Italy is one of the oldest, and arguably the most individual in terms of indigenous grape varieties. Maybe only Portugal rivals it in this regard. It is also characterised by significant (often...
RIOJA – One of The Most Enduring and Endearing Wine Styles in the UK
Today Rioja remains one of the most popular styles of wine in the UK, and I cannot remember, anecdotally, a wine where I encounter so few people who say they don’t like it. This is probably reflected in the fact...
The Role of Oak in Wine
These days the role of oak in wine has become a much more topical issue – many wine drinkers adore the smells and flavours that oak can impart to a wine – whilst others are less sure. So, I thought...
Indigenous vs International Grape Varieties
It is estimated that there are up to 10,000 different varieties in the world which technically can make table wine. Of these the Grape & Wine Research Development Corporation records a database of 1,271 being actively used in creating and...
Crossing the Border for Flint
As English Wine Week draws to a close, I feel compelled to write about my visit to the fabulous Flint Vineyard a few weeks ago. If you’re a VG podcast ‘fan’, you may already have listened in disbelief as Jake...
English Wine & English Wine Week
The magnificent Rathfinny vineyards – one of England’s finest sparkling wines - on the chalky Sussex Downs just 3 miles from the English Channel English Wine Week takes place from 17-25 June this year, so it is timely to coincide...
There Is Nothing New About The New-Wave Wines Of Tenerife
To the Brits these days, the idea of the sun-soaked Canary Island’s seems intrinsically linked with package holidays, cruise ships and troubled timeshares. In fact, mention Canary wine to the average imbiber and their almost certain eyebrow raise can be...
Champagne Charles Heidsieck
Probably the most consistent Champagne House today, still family run and delivering remarkable quality and style – so much so that the House has been awarded the IWC Trophy for “Sparkling Winemaker of the Year” an unrivalled 14 times in...
International Malbec Day (Friday 17th April)
 Join us to celebrate International Malbec Day on the 17 April at Vino Gusto. We focus on this remarkable grape and above all its adaptation and international style – developed and championed by Argentina – now one of the UK’s...
Easter Food & Wine Pairing
Out of interest the Easter date varies as it falls each year on the Sunday following the paschal full moon after the Spring equinox. In practice, that means that Easter is always the first Sunday after the first full moon...
Time to Slay Some Vinous Dragons
Wine Myths & General Misunderstandings – Time to Slay Some Vinous Dragons Chatting with Jake recently we got onto the subject of general misunderstandings in and about wine which have not only evolved over the years but, in some cases,...
Let’s Talk 'Sweet January'
Dry January!? Let’s Talk Sweet January... with a paradox… The Perfect Wine with Haggis on Burn’s Night! (25 January) Firstly, I hope you all had a particularly good Christmas and best wishes for the coming new year! It is customary...
A Deep Dive Into Burgundy - Part 2
Part II – Sparkling, White & Red Burgundies Read part 1, here. In Part II we look in more detail at the main wine styles produced in Burgundy and the impact the have made around the world and on other...
We're making a list, we're checking it twice
December. It’s here. Not only is it here but time is moving rapidly towards The Big Day. With that in mind, it’s time to talk about we’d like to be imbibing over the festive period. So here we go –...
A Deep Dive Into Burgundy - Part 1
Part I – Region, History, Classifications and Trade Structure Burgundy is one of the oldest and finest wine producing regions of the world. It is the spiritual home for both the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grape varieties and has multiple...
From Suffolk to the South Downs (& a quest for caffeine along the way)…
As I left home at 5.20am on a dark Monday morning to walk to the station in the rain, I wondered if I might have lost my mind. I was joined there by Jake (AKA The Wise Wine Man –...
Chardonnay – A Vine For All Seasons
Chardonnay has an amazing ability to multi-task and can adapt to almost any growing condition to produce consistently high quality wines. It is the grape behind all the great white Burgundies and one of the most important components in Champagne...
Vino Towers, Now Open
After a huge amount of activity in recent weeks, we’re thrilled to tell you that our wine shop, Vino Gusto, is now open at 27 Hatter Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1NE. We are open Wednesday (10.30am-6.30pm) to Sunday (10.30am-4.30pm)....
Honey & Mustard Sausages, Celeriac Mash, Roasted Pear, Caramelised Onions
From Gusto's very own Jason Finney, head chef at The Crown in Hartest, comes a classic winter warmer. Indulge yourself with some beautiful comfort food and take a look at a few classic and surprising wine pairings, of course. This recipe was originally...