Blog
Tasting Idda with Gaia Gaja
The pure energy of Etna was what inspired the Gaja family to explore making wine there. Gaia tells us that wines from Etna have a lot of similarities with Barbaresco and Barolo: “they are wines with mystery”. But instead of the reds, they will be focusing on white wines.
CVNE Imperial Gran Reserva 2015 launch
C.V.N.E. Short for Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España, but pronounced ‘cune’, this is one of the world’s most famous Spanish wineries. They have a 140 year history and have produced some groundbreaking wines in that time, including Spain’s oldest white wine, Monopole, and the first Spanish wine to be named Wine of the Year by Wine Spectator. That wine was Imperial - and it’s the reason for this blog.
Quintessa tasting at Hedonism: Exploring vintage variation in Napa Valley
“There’s been talk about how Napa Valley doesn’t have vintage variation,” says Quintessa’s Rebekah Wineburg, with the air of someone with a trick up her sleeve. We’re about to taste four vintages of Quintessa and I have a feeling they’re going to blast that kind of talk out the water.
Penfolds: The Australian Collection 2021 London Tasting
It was with absolute and unadulterated pleasure that I attended a press tasting of Penfolds Australia Collection 2021 at 67 Pall Mall recently. Whatever else I had planned that day was swept aside and swiftly forgotten about. Was I really going to be one of the first people in this country to taste these newborns, which included the 70th edition of Australia’s most celebrated treasure, Grange, and have an audience with the legendary Peter Gago?
Exploring Age-worthy Albariño from Rías Baixas
I first ever tasted an Albariño in a seafood restaurant. It was recommended by the sommelier because of its fresh acidity, characteristic saltiness and stony minerality, which made it the perfect partner for briny oysters and the sweet, juicy meat of grilled Mediterranean prawns. Since then, I’ve been hooked and it’s one of my favourite summer whites, offering excellent value for money as it’s usually drunk young, requiring no ageing.
Behind the gold stickers: Interview with Andrew Jefford, Decanter World Wine Awards Co-Chair
Renowned wine writer, Andrew Jefford, has been judging at the Decanter World Wine Awards since 2004. He’s seen wine trends come and go, but manages to keep an open mind when presented with a set of new wines to judge. I caught up with him for half an hour backstage during the 2021 DWWA judging week to talk about a whole bevy of topics, including who benefits from wine competitions, how he started out in the world of wine, celebrity wines, wine influencers and what it really means to have a DWWA label stuck on a bottle.
Virtual Wine Tasting: Exploring South African Wine
On Saturday 19th June, I’ll be hosting a Virtual Wine Tasting to explore the wines of South Africa! Book by Thursday 10th June to receive your three-bottle pack of wines through the post in time for the tasting.
Wine Therapy: Brunello Masterclass with Honest Grapes
A year into lockdown life and Honest Grapes are pros at online tastings and masterclasses. One look at the events page on their website and you’ll see that they are quenching the thirst of wine buffs on a regular basis throughout the month, month after month. Who said that staying at home meant having an empty calendar?
7 ways to be a better wine lover (it’s OK - we’re all different!)
One size wine lover does not fit all. There isn’t one mould to make a wine lover - we are all different and that’s a good thing. A very good thing.
If you’re wondering whether or not you can be a wine lover - because you don’t really look like one - I have a secret. Wine lovers don’t all look the same. Shh! We don’t all wear red trousers (though some of us do, and that’s FINE...) and, on the other end of the spectrum, we don’t all look like supermodels posing with wine bottles. Whatever type of wine lover you are, wherever you see yourself of the spectrum, it’s all good. Your opinion is valid. Whatever you are wearing, whatever you sound like.
Honest Grapes Wine Therapy: Grower Tasting with Lionel Faury
As part of their Wine Therapy Sessions for us locked down wine lovers, Honest Grapes co-founder Tom Harrow hosted a virtual Grower Tasting last week with superstar of the Northern Rhône, Lionel Faury. This was the first of a series of online events organised by Honest Grapes, whereby wines are sent to attendees in advance and a live virtual tasting commences using the Zoom video conference call platform.
Wine Tasting at Le Cochonnet
‘Have you tasted the Clare Valley Riesling? You must try the Riesling!’
I first met the owner of Le Cochonnet, Peter, whilst tasting some delicious wines from Pikes at the London Wine Fair. I had tried the Riesling and had learned all about it from Jamie at Pikes, but I was happy to try it again as it was pretty darn tasty.
An enthusiasm for good wine was something we shared heartily and, after a couple of meetings, we decided that we should put on a wine tasting at his restaurant, Le Cochonnet.