Articles

How that “wine influencer” might well be a fraud

by  |  10-01-2019

“Influencer” is a word many of us will have heard of at this point even if not in marketing circles where it’s the current brass ring in terms of social media advertising campaigns. In brief,... more »

Tasting the finest wines of València & Spain’s Levant

by  |  04-01-2019

This past New Year’s Eve found me in València, hired on as the “wine expert” for a group that had flown down for the UK to say goodbye to 2018 and take on the mantle... more »

Wine Predictions for 2019

by  |  01-01-2019

In these illustrious times of silly-haired men holding sway over the misdirection of the world, predictions of any kind are slightly less useful than horse sweat. But, as little value as general predictions may have,... more »

Best Catalan wine of 2018

by  |  27-12-2018

“So, what’s the best wine in _____?” This question in slightly varying forms is one I’m asked often. I have to admit that while I appreciate people thinking my opinion worth something, I cringe a... more »

The 2018 Wine Predictions in review

by  |  26-12-2018

We arrive to that time of year for everyone’s predictions in the wine industry about the year to come. I’ll join in that bluster parade shortly but unlike everyone else, I like to go back... more »

A question of design: Casa Mariol Syrah

by  |  19-12-2018

A wine importer in the US once commented to me about the labels on Spanish wines: “The great thing here is that I either love them or hate them. Being neutral never happens.” Generally, if... more »

DO Tarragona also gets an update

by  |  18-12-2018

About 3-4 years ago public money was made available for the various DOs in Catalunya to “app themselves”. Due to this, various apps popped up and various levels of maintenance ensued as once the projects... more »

Wonderful Gran Reserva Cavas for unreasonable times

by  |  15-12-2018

It’s roundabout mid-December when the bubbly articles inevitably percolate throughout all manners of media. The codified thinking is that for these festive times, you’ll want what has been deemed the most celebratory of drinks: sparkling... more »

The wines of Terroir Sense Fronteres

by  |  12-12-2018

I’ve not been seen outside my tasting room much this year as it was one of those periods when I again took on all the wines of both DOQ Priorat and DO Montsant. The end... more »

Gifts for those wine type people you know and… dread?

by  |  10-12-2018

Wine type folks (*) are horrible to get gifts for. “Oh!” you’re possibly thinking, “Surely, I can simply give them the gift of wine? No?” Forget about that pronto as most any bottle, unless insanely... more »