Champagne’s terroir problem01-04-2019
The train to Champagne departs Paris every hour at 36 minutes past from Gare de l’Est. While the carriages might be from an past era, the trip isn’t long with the congestion and sirens of... more>
Family wineries and the issue of Climate Change04-03-2019
Last week I was invited to a friendly, relaxed lunch in Barcelona, albeit one that was focused on the serious topic of Climate Change and how it relates to winemaking. The unfortunate joke behind the... more>
Corpinnat and the death of fine Cava?01-02-2019
At the end of January, the lucky wineries in Penedès, Catalunya were those out pruning their vines. Then there were others, dealing with heavy affairs that don’t happen every year, but perhaps once a generation.... more>
Sweetness: Alta Alella – Blanc de Neu 2016 & Mataró 201523-01-2019
Dessert wines are decidedly not sexy in this day and age. A right pity that is given they definitely have their place in a meal to cleanse and close the palate at the end and... more>
Finca Parera – Faust 1.0 (2010)18-02-2016
It was quite random that I met Ruben Parera of Finca Parera one day. Albert Costa of Vall Llach was doing a pruning and grafting tour for the father and son team of Archè Pagés... more>
Recaredo’s Turó d’en Mota07-09-2015
It seems that despite visiting Recaredo several times, I keep forgetting to write about their top-end wine and property called, Turó d’en Mota. For anyone who visits Recaredo (and out of all the Cava makers... more>
A comparative tasting of Vins de Taller28-05-2015
As we’ve mentioned before, Vins de Taller doesn’t get a lot of love up in Empordà. This is due primarily to their being just outside the Denomination of Origin and being under the much larger... more>
Batič Angel Rosso Grand Cuvee 200726-05-2015
The name Batič comes up here and there on this website. There are many reasons behind this, but the main driving force is that wines of Miha and his family are quite simply, excellent. They’re... more>
The lunar calendar in dishcloth form21-01-2015
For those unfamiliar with the whole lunar cycle business when it comes to wine, there are many who take it quite seriously. Essentially, the main gist is that you have: fruit days, flower days, leaf... more>
In The Glass: Vins de Taller – Geum 201220-01-2015
It’s been tricky for the organic winery of Vins de Taller as while they’re an Empordà winery they’re not a DO Empordà winery. This is due mostly to sitting just outside the geographical borders of... more>