Journal

 Cabernet Sauvignon vies with Merlot as the most widely planted grape variety in the world - and usually wins. It is also a variety which causes many wine drinkers to purr with expectation and deference. It is the bedrock of most...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

 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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...