New Sotheby’s Wine Encyclopedia – Book Review The New Sotheby’s Wine Encyclopedia is now out in a brand new 6th Edition. It’s a privilege to review this mighty tome, as I recall using the 3rd Edition of 2001 for WSET Diploma exams. Twenty years on, that book, though still in use, has inevitably become out of date. Revisions mean this …
Glass facts – a pick ‘n’ mix collection
Glass facts – a pick ‘n’ mix collection Here’s a collection of fascinating glass facts from background research into the use of glass wine bottles. Although there wasn’t enough space to include them in recent articles about glass wine bottles, they are a fascinating glimpse into our glass heritage and so well worth sharing. Origins Volcanic activity produces obsidian, a natural …
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Passorosso – the quintessential Etna Rosso
Passorosso – the quintessential Etna Rosso Mount Etna, while never quiescent, has recently had the most violent eruptions of the past fifty years, as this spectacular video shows. Yet as my previous articles about Etna demonstrate, this destructive power is also lifegiving. Today, Etna produces magnificent wines from its unique vineyards. Etna’s reputation has become re-established over the last twenty years, and …
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Oxney Organic Estate Rosé, English Sparkling Wine
Oxney Organic Estate Rosé, English Sparkling Wine Oxney is Britains largest single organic wine estate, on the River Rother in East Sussex, six miles north of Rye’s historic and charming port. That means it’s also in the High Weald, a designated Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty. Oxney is also certified organic by the Soil Association. Indeed, this organic mixed farm …
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Tintilia – drinking the Hilltop Grape of Molise
Tintilia – drinking the Hilltop Grape of Molise. Tintilia is an Italian native red grape variety that comes from the region of Molise. Despite this variety being of high quality, it became abandoned because it had low productivity when quantity was vital to survival. Besides, constant rural depopulation and the second world war’s devastations helped hasten its demise. However, now that …
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Black Bee Honey from Sicily – tasting with cheeses
Black Bee Honey from Sicily – tasting with cheeses. We all know that bees make honey. But not just honey; beeswax, honeycomb, propolis and royal jelly too. However, this article is about Sicilian Black Bee honey, which, like wine, comes in different flavours according to where the beehives are. And like wine, these can match different artisanal cheeses to a greater …
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Bulk wine uses British glass wine bottles optimally
Bulk wine uses British glass wine bottles optimally. Bulk – what’s in a name? The word derives from Old Norse, where the phrase bulki meant both a cargo and a ship’s hold. The modern meaning has become broader. On the one hand, it describes a large commodity, stored loose and unpackaged. Think bulk buying, bulk cargo, bulk carrier, bulk shipment, bulk discount. …
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Blanquette de Limoux from Domaine Delmas
Blanquette de Limoux from Domaine Delmas Limoux is a small French appellation in the Languedoc, in the foothills of France’s eastern Pyrenees. Given this southern location and summer heat, at first glance, it might seem unusual to find that white grape varieties dominate the wines of Limoux. The local Mauzac, plus Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc, are grown extensively. It’s primarily because …
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SWGB: sustainability and using glass wine bottles
SWGB: sustainability and using glass wine bottles Sustainability isn’t a “nice to have” these days, it’s an essential part of business success, and winegrowing is no exception. In an exciting development last year, WineGB (English and Welsh wine’s national association) commenced a new environmental sustainability scheme. It’s called SWGB, standing for Sustainable Wines of Great Britain. The SWGB code affirms that members …
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Le Black Label by Champagne Lanson – Be My Valentine?
Le Black Label by Champagne Lanson – Be My Valentine? Are you celebrating Valentine’s Day? Then drink Champagne with someone special. Try Le Black Label Brut NV from Champagne Lanson. It’s a classic and a personal favourite, made by one of the largest Champagne houses. Lanson is also the third-oldest Champagne house, founded in 1760 by François Delamotte. Well-worth a visit, …
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