Beaujolais is for life, not just for Christmas – Pt.1 Ah, Beaujolais! Mention that word and the memories flood back, still fresh from half a lifetime. Beaujolais was where it all started. I never anticipated a lifelong wine journey would result. What would have happened if Beaujolais and I had not coincided? Life would have been very different. Let me …
Three Colours Red – Beaujolais, Pt.2
Three Colours Red – Beaujolais, Pt.2 Beaujolais part 1 was mostly a love letter to the region where my wine journey started. This part 2 is Three Colours Red. It covers the three main divisions, namely Beaujolais, Beaujolais-Villages, and four of the ten Beaujolais crus. There is a wine recommendation for each one from encounters over the past couple of years. Then, …
A Tuscany Travelogue – introducing Toscana
A Tuscany Travelogue – introducing Toscana. This is an overview article about the wines of Tuscany because many regard it (with some justification) as quintessential Italy. This is a topic needing an entire book or two. However, here it is in less than 1,300 words. Two included maps show just how complex Tuscany is. For brevity, the links in the …
Vernaccia di San Gimignano Vigna a Solatio
Vernaccia di San Gimignano Vigna a Solatio Riccardo Falchini bought the property now known as Casale-Falchini back in 1964. This was an ancient convent located outside the San Gimignano city walls, with forty hectares of vineyards and olive groves occupying the green rolling sandstone hills. From there, the famous medieval towers of the city dominate the skyline. He has worked …
Diversity discovery in Valpolicella, Part 1
Diversity discovery in Valpolicella, Part 1 Part 1 of this article explores the diversity of Valpolicella; concerning grapes, styles, laws, terroirs, and winegrowing philosophies. Then Part 2 features twelve recommended Valpolicella wines illustrating these features. So, what do we think of when we think of Valpolicella? Is it: A: A cheap red quaffing wine without merit produced in vast quantity for supermarkets? or B: …
Valpolicella – Discovering Diversity Part 2
Valpolicella – Discovering Diversity Part 2 Part 1 of this article was about the diversity found in Valpolicella; in grapes, styles, designations, terroirs, wine growing, and philosophies. This Part 2 features a dozen great examples of Valpolicella wines designed to illustrate these points. They are also arranged in pairs to compare and contrast. Such is the strength-in-depth within Valpolicella that this article …
Kirkjuvagr Aurora – a Gin made for Winter
Kirkjuvagr Aurora – a Gin made for Winter When the current gin boom began some ten years ago, few would have wagered that it would still be continuing unabated today. Now there are more than 300 gin distilleries in the UK, double that of five years ago. This growth is due to the many new small artisan brands which major …
New Zealand celebrates 200 years of viticulture
New Zealand Celebrates 200 years of viticulture. The first record of vines planted in New Zealand was on September 25, 1819. It’s in a journal by Samuel Marsden, an Anglican missionary. (He was born in Farsley, less than ten miles from my home in West Yorkshire). He wrote that there were “about 100 vines of different kinds”. However, there seems …
International Sherry Week, 4-10 November 2019
International Sherry Week, 4-10 November 2019 International Sherry Week takes place between 4-10 November 2019. Let’s all celebrate Spain’s great gift to the world! From the floral delights of a chilled Manzanilla or Fino to the nutty notes of an Amontillado and Oloroso. From the umami flavours of Palo Cortado to the sweet caramel of PX. This is the week …
Trebbiano di Soave – the comeback
Trebbiano di Soave – the comeback Trebbiano di Soave is, alongside Garganega, one of the mainstays of Soave. Under the current rules, Soave allows the inclusion of it up to 30%. Other non-aromatic white grape varieties now only have a 5% maximum. Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, and Manzoni are those that spring to mind. At the same time, it’s Garganega that’s …