This week I’m celebrating National Carignan Day with Penny and the team at Cellar Door Wines. For those new to this grape, it’s a red variety celebrated for its deep colour, high acidity, and robust tannins. While it is often used in blends, Carignan is increasingly recognised and appreciated as...
My journey to Champagne Drappier was not just about tasting the renowned cuvées but also about delving into the rich tapestry of history and innovation that defines Champagne Drappier. At the heart if the House, located in the southernmost part of Champagne region, in a place called Urville, are its people....
Ontario is the cornerstone of the Canadian wine industry, producing about 62 per cent of the country’s wine and hosting two-thirds of Canada’s vineyard acreage. The province boasts over 150 wineries spread across three primary wine-growing regions: the Niagara Peninsula, the north shore of Lake Erie, and Prince Edward County. Home...
When I got the call from Gary Read, CEO at Bolle inviting me to a personal one-to-one tasting of his new sparkling wines I was intrigued. The NOLO category is rapidly growing with increases in sales and consumer demand. Many people are becoming more health-conscious and want to reduce their...
Since its founding in 1998, Ventisquero Wine Estates has been a leader in Chilean winemaking, embracing a philosophy of “going a step beyond”. This dedication to excellence and innovation shines through in every bottle they produce. Ventisquero’s wines are crafted with a profound respect for the environment, ensuring sustainable practices at every...
This week I’ve been exploring wines under £10 and seeking out those that offer outstanding value for money without compromising on taste and quality. Rose, red and an alcohol free spritz made the final five. Calvet Rosé Cap D’Adge Cotes de Thau 2023 (£8 at Morrisons) Calvet is one of the oldest...
The Beaujolais region is located in eastern France, just south of Burgundy. It is renowned for its wine production, particularly from the Gamay grape. The region is divided into several appellations, including Beaujolais AOC, Beaujolais Villages AOC, and the 10 Beaujolais Crus, which are known for producing some of the...
Pinot Noir is a black wine grape variety and is one of the oldest grapes cultivated by humans, with a history dating back over a thousand years. The name “Pinot Noir” is derived from the French words for pine and black, referring to the grape’s tightly clustered, pine cone-shaped bunches...
This week I’m venturing into the less well-known area of Georgian wines, a small country located between Russia and Turkey. I must give full credit to Penny Edwards at Cellar Door Wines for educating me on the indigenous grape varieties following her recent trip to Georgia. She said: “The trip was a...
I’m a firm believer in rosé being an all year-round wine, especially given the emergence of high quality gastronomic rosé that don’t need sunshine to be enjoyed. But the sunshine is coming out for a few hours each week so I’m sharing some of the best and in some cases,...
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