(Photo of Chateau Angludet in Margaux) The 2024 vintage for Bordeaux was, by most accounts, challenging, with mercurial weather playing havoc with much of the growing season. The Winter was extremely wet, with levels of rain not seen since 2000. This resulted in a lack of photosynthesis in the leaves, many producers implementing the practice…
Wine Education Wednesdays: An Introduction to Riesling As today is International Riesling Day – we thought this week’s Wine Education post should focus on this wonderful white grape variety. Pronounced “Reessling”, this variety is best known for producing some of the finest wines in Germany (almost a quarter of all German wine is made from…
Today’s guest post comes from Erin Jacobs, who recently spent time as a Sales and Marketing Intern at the wonderful Bodegas Muga in La Rioja, Spain. Introduction Greetings fellow wine enthusiasts! Today, I am delighted to share with you my exciting journey into the world of wine, culminating in a remarkable opportunity to work as…
Wine Education Wednesdays: Tannins This week, we are talking about tannins! Tannins are a type of polyphenolic compound and an important structural component in your wine. They are found in things like fruit, tea leaves, and dark chocolate and create the same sensation on your palate as they do when you find them in wine.…
Wine Education Wednesdays: Pairing Food and Wine Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! To celebrate, todays post will be all about pairing food and wine – arguably the greatest lovers of all time. A match made in heaven. Just as food can influence the taste of your wine, wine can also influence the taste of your food,…
Wine Education Wednesdays: Cork Taint This week we are learning what cork taint is and what it actually means to have a “corked wine” – and no, it is not those small bits of cork that you occasionally find floating in your glass. Corked wines display aromas of wet cardboard, damp, and mould, and generally…
Wine Education Wednesdays: Understanding Wine Labels Firstly, let us explain GIs or ‘geographical indicators’. These are designated vineyard areas within a country and they can vary dramatically in size, covering an entire region (like Bordeaux) or just a single estate (like Bolgheri Sassicaia). In the EU, GIs are split into two categories – Protected Designation of…
Wine Education Wednesdays: The Phylloxera Outbreak We’ve got an interesting little history lesson for you today – all about how phylloxera, a 19th century vineyard pest, almost wiped out the entire population of European vines. Imagine a world without good wine! In 1866, an aphid known as ‘phylloxera’ was discovered in the vineyards of the…
A renowned winery in the South of France, Château Puech Haut has become synonymous with the resurgence and transformation of the Languedoc in recent years. Once known for producing large quantities of low-quality ‘bulk wine’, the region has undergone somewhat of a renaissance period and is now home to some of Southern France’s top producers…
This week, we’re putting the spotlight on… Cabernet Franc. A parent and traditional blending partner of the world’s most widely planted variety Cabernet Sauvignon, this grape is known for its leafy aromatics, versatility, and ability to convey the terroir of the region in which it is grown. The History of Cabernet Franc Thought to…
There is something about this time of year – the evenings are lighter, the trees are full of colourful leaves, sitting outside beyond 6pm is actually a viable option, and you might have even had a barbeque or two. But the main thing about this time of year is that you can guarantee your fridge…
Wine Trips are one of the great pleasures in life. Whether you are away on holiday and want to find a new activity for the day – or maybe you decide to go on a 3 or 4 day wine trip, it is certainly a pastime that ticks a lot of boxes. As well as…