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 …
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 …
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. …
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, it might seem unusual to find that white grape varieties dominate the wines of Limoux. However, the local Mauzac, plus Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc, are grown extensively. It’s primarily because of altitude; …
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 wine growing is no exception. In an exciting development, WineGB (English and Welsh wine’s national association) commenced a new environmental sustainability scheme last year. It’s called SWGB, standing for Sustainable Wines of Great Britain. The SWGB code affirms that members …
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, …
SP68 Rosso by Arianna Occhipinti – serious fun
SP68 Rosso by Arianna Occhipinti – serious fun Arianna Occhipinti owns 23.5 hectares of vineyards in the southeast of Sicily, near Vittoria. Here is a beautiful land of limestone and sandy soils at around 300 metres in altitude. It’s in complete contrast to Mount Etna further north; flattish land where grapes are just one of the many fruits, and vegetables …
Clos des Réas and the Best Birthday Present. Ever!
Clos des Réas and the Best Birthday Present. Ever! What’s the best birthday present you’ve ever had? I’ll tell you mine. It wasn’t apparent at the time, yet looking back, it acted as a catalyst for my wine life’s subsequent direction. Many years ago, there was a red Burgundy wine tasting in London hosted by Clive Coates MW. I was given …
69 Love Songs: last year in review
69 Love Songs: last year in review 69 Love Songs. I had a tot up in an idle moment. In 2020, I published 69 articles. 1.33 per week, unusually prolific. It must have had something to do with the pandemic. Why 69? ‘Twas accidental. Or not. I bet you haven’t read them all. Don’t worry, nor have I. But …
Tourelles Cinsault – a wine for our times, WOTY 2020
Tourelles Cinsault – a wine for our times, WOTY 2020 The WOTY (wine of the year) 2020 award from Wine Alchemy goes to Domaine des Tourelles in Lebanon, for their splendid red wine, Cinsault Vieilles Vignes 2017. A wine for our times As is usual, the Wine Alchemy WOTY must taste great. It should also be organic, sustainable, show terroir, …