Articles

“British Sparkling Wine”, a name for all, a name for none?

by  |  10-05-2023

Given the recent Coronation, it only seemed fitting to take a look at one of the long-unresolved issues for the wines of Great Britain… In the last twenty years, British sparkling wine (or its longer,... more »

The wines of DO Alella

by  |  08-05-2023

In any region, there will always be a DO which is the smallest of all and for Catalunya, that’s DO Alella. Plain to see, yet just out of sight, it literally sits but a few... more »

Cul de Cuvée 06-05-2023

by  |  06-05-2023

A bluntly-curated selection of absolutely random bits from around the world of drink. Always served up “mostly fresh” for your enjoyment. Okay everyone, we need to have a little talk about boxed wine. Like many... more »

Catching up with Herència Altés

by  |  03-05-2023

It was shortly after Herència Altés fully moved into their new cellar that I paid them a visit to see what they were working on in this sleek, modern space just off the N-420 highway... more »

New winery “incubator” opening in Penedès

by  |  01-05-2023

For anyone wanting to start up a winery, it’s an undeniable fact that the costs are onerous. Once you’ve secured a source of grapes via planting or buying (neither a small task), then you need... more »
Photo by Stina winery

Stina and the taste of stone

by  |  26-04-2023

In April of 2012 I made a long-overdue trip to Croatia for what was back then the hottest new wine fair to appear in years called, the Zagreb Wine Gourmet Weekend. It didn’t last long... more »

A book review of “Lonely Planet’s Wine Trails Vol. 2”

by  |  24-04-2023

This latest edition of Lonely Planet’s “Wine Trails” picks up from its first edition released in 2015 by giving readers a fly-by view of enotourism destinations around the world. As it states on the cover,... more »

The wines of DO Costers del Segre 2023

by  |  19-04-2023

I will readily admit to being a bit intimidated by DO Costers del Segre. I realize of of course you might be immediately be saying, “Whatsers del what?” I assume this because, unless you live... more »

G.D. Vajra – Langhe 2020

by  |  17-04-2023

It’s one of many infamous questions on a higher-level wine exam: “Name three Italy DOCGs for Nebbiolo, not including Barolo.” The quick thinker immediately blurts out “Barbaresco!” and then it gets a bit murkier with... more »

The down & dirty guide to Madrid’s wine bars

by  |  14-04-2023

I don’t remember when I made my first trip to Madrid but I’ve been there too many times to count since. It was an easier trip than say Paris as it was a short flight... more »