Rare Champagne grape varieties – this is their story Under the Champagne laws, three principal grapes are allowed in Champagne, namely Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. Together, they account for 99.74% of vineyard plantings. However, there are also four rare Champagne grape varieties tolerated. They are all white varieties, namely Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Petit Meslier and Arbane. In France, …
At Jerez, by Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy
At Jerez, by Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy Dame Carol Ann Duffy is a Scottish poet and playwright. She became the 20th official Poet Laureate in May 2009 until her ten-year fixed-term ended in May 2019. During this time she excelled as a great ambassador for poetry and wrote the poem called At Jerez. As is traditional, part-payment for the …
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Tedeschi and climate change – the future is at stake
Tedeschi and climate change – the future is at stake For any Amarone lover, the name Tedeschi needs little introduction. One of the famous great Valpolicella families, with vineyards owned there since 1630. Today, Antonietta, Sabrina and Riccardo now run the Tedeschi business. They are the children of Renzo and Bruna Tedeschi. That’s some job, as there are currently 46 …
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Chiesa del Carmine – an authentic taste of Umbria
Chiesa del Carmine – an authentic taste of Umbria Chiesa del Carmine is a restored estate in Umbria, some thirty minutes north of the twin delights of Perugia and Assissi. It’s near to the Tuscan border, in a small limestone valley accessed from the river valley of the Upper Tiber (Fiume Tevere). This short article is about why their wines are …
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Bugey on down – explorations in undiscovered France
Bugey on down – explorations in undiscovered France In France, the little known wine region of Bugey is well off the beaten track. I have passed through it frequently enough, usually on the way to more famous wine destinations in France and Italy, always making a mental note to stop and explore. When I finally did so, some years ago, …
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Brown Sauce – exploring a piquant cultural icon
Brown Sauce – exploring a piquant cultural icon Brown Sauce. Huh? It’s ubiquitous here in the UK, often forgotten about until that crucial moment you automatically reach for it and find it’s not there. Panic ensues while you search the kitchen cupboard. Or there’s the slightly embarrassing feeling if you need to ask for it when eating out, so revealing …
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IWCA – International Wineries for Climate Action
IWCA – International Wineries for Climate Action Wine is one of the most valuable agricultural products in the world. Now we’re witnessing the catastrophic effects of the global climate emergency. The world’s vineyards are vulnerable to an increasing amount of extreme weather events; from storms, floods, heat, fire and drought. Some marginal winegrowing regions in the world have arguably benefited thus …
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Colet Navazos Extra Brut, original and brilliant fizz
Colet Navazos Extra Brut, original and brilliant fizz Regular readers will know of my love of Sparkling wine and Sherry. They are two unique wine styles with entirely different origins. Two methods defined by their complicated production and maturation processes. They couldn’t be more different from one another. Poles apart, you might say. But what if someone was bonkers enough …
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Pla de Bages and its unique heritage
Pla de Bages and its unique heritage These days, Pla de Bages is a rather obscure Spanish wine region in the heart of Catalonia, Spain. Yet winegrowing has been here since Roman times, and the word Bages comes from Bacchus, the Roman God of wine. North-west of Barçelona, this fascinating region occupies the valleys of two rivers, the Llobregat and …
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Zorzettig – fighting back against Covid-19
Zorzettig – fighting back against Covid-19 Zorzettig is a well-known winery in Friuli. In these dark days of Coronavirus lockdown, it’s taking positive and practical steps to fight Covid-19. They are supporting the Hospital of Udine with the release of a limited-edition wine called Andrà Tutto Bene, which means Everything will be Alright. That phrase is on the label in eight different languages. …
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