Early Bird Wine News

MODERN & MERRY AUSTRIAN WINES..

2012-02-10T07:30:00.000Z

Mies Van der Rohe's famous phrase Less is More has become the approach du jour of forward thinking winemakers, implying it is more skilful to leave things out than put them in.

SO2 (sulphur dioxide) management is a big issue in winemaking today. It is routinely used throughout the process as an anti-oxidant and further added at bottling to aid shelf-life.

See a book by UK scientist and wine expert Jamie Goode for detailed info and visit his wineanorak website.

At Claus Priesinger in Gols, Austria, the more 'natural' approach goes by the name Pannobile - see their website here.

Many wineries in this area were started by a new wave of young makers therefore a Bio-D (biodynamic) attitude - if not fully compliant due to the onerous regulations - is considered completely normal. Read about biodynamics here.

An Austrian wine specialist in the UK selling equally modern and approachable wines is Merry Widows. Known for award winning sweet wines, it has added top producer Rabl to the range. The white Gruner Veltliners and Rieslings are superb.

Merry Widows sells direct to the public every weekend at the South Bank market in London. See here for details.
(photo - normakamalicollection.com)

SUSTAINABLE WINE..

2012-02-08T07:00:00.000Z

If you thought drinking wines with Organic or Bio-D (biodynamic) provenance salved your consumer conscience, you may want to look at Sustainability as well.

The hot topic in wine (and food) production is how to minimise environmental impact, work with integrity and put more back than is taken out - in all respects.

South Africa is a 'bio-diversity hotspot' with a long standing and pro-active sustainability programme coupled with a near perfect climate for grape growing.

Well known for Chenin Blanc and Pinotage, the cooler, coastal areas are producing accomplished Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.

The philosophy is to look to the future, not the past. South Africa considers itself an old-world wine region. 'Cape blends' from the classic Bordeaux varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are a particular strength.

See Wines of South Africa's website for information and a VIDEO explaining what its seal of sustainability means.

Yealands Estate in Awatere, Marlborough is New Zealand's best known fully sustainable wine producer.

Owner, Peter Yealand uses babydoll sheep to graze between vines and believes in building 'wetland' ponds to capture water and give birds a habitat. Producing Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio and Pinot Noir, the quality of the wines bears out the altruistic philosophy.

UK stockists of South African and New Zealand's wines include Whole Foods Market and Wimbledon Wine Cellar.

(photo - sherylcrow.com)

SNOG, MARRY & AVOID WINES..

2012-02-06T07:00:00.000Z

Love can appear complicated. However, it really boils down to one thing - you like someone or you don't.

Wine is just as simple. Unfortunately it has been made confusing and elitist, hijacked since the first amphora by pseudo-intellectuals, meaning many people miss the enjoyment of exploration for fear of making mistakes.

Wine, like human attraction, falls into three categories - Snog, Marry, Avoid - as in the seemingly facile but perceptive TV programme.

You can either strike out on your own, take advice from experts online or in print, or best of all, attend events and classes. Here is a basic guide to get you started:

Snog wines - trade secrets. The indigenous varieties of Spain, Italy, Greece, Portugal, Turkey and revitalised areas in France offer exciting, great value wines that the trade loves to rave about but are still new to the consumer. Independent merchants are the best source. They buy interesting wines from small producers, have great knowledge and enthusiasm and often have wines at the same price as the supermarkets. Recommended indies in London include The Sampler, Planet of the Grapes and Amathus.

Marry wines - the romantic big boys. Bordeaux, Burgundy, Barolo, Napa and Aussie 'icons' are all names to make you swoon. Unless you're rubbing your hands over a guilty bonus, the best way to sample the supermodels of the wine world is at tastings. London merchants Berry Bros and Roberson have exciting calendars of events where you can taste wine nirvana for a fair price. A whole new world of fine wine appreciation awaits for minimal effort.

Avoid wines - rip offs and bogus offers. The names most people have heard of are often over priced and second rate at supermarkets. Rioja, Chablis, Sancerre, Chateauneuf du Pape, St Emilion etc. If you're going to spend £10, you're better off at an indie. Avoid bogus half price deals - they're just profit drivers. Also steer clear of babyish labels - hearts, feet, critters, jokes etc for the same reason. Think of the difference between McDonalds and a proper deli. One makes you feel bad, the other good. If you're too busy to visit small shops or on a tight budget, inexpensive wines are available online from Waitrose and Majestic.
(photo - wordsaboutthings.co.uk)

WINE WRITERS - USE THEM OR LOSE THEM..

2012-02-03T07:30:00.000Z

Most wine drinkers are blissfully unaware of the massive effort that goes into wine writing and tasting.

If thought about at all, a tinkly cocktail party or a Hogarthian street scene would probably spring to mind, depending on the person asked.
Not surprising, if you think how people drink, ie in a social environment, not a work one.

The trade reality is endless daily tastings, some small and silent, others vast and raucous - hours of spitting, scribing and analysing then turned into whatever format is the wine writer's metier; teaching, tasting notes, print, online, trade, consumer, video, podcast.
Or these days, often a mixture of them all.

Wine writing is widely available, in the weekend newspapers and monthly food magazines such as Olive and BBC Good Food as well as online.

Recommended UK wine writers to follow include - Jancis Robinson MW, Tim Atkin MW, Wine Anorak and Winchester Wine School.
The London Evening Standard newspaper's wine column by Andrew Neather is on Thursdays - and online, see here.

Decanter has lots of general wine information. There are also numerous specialists online such as New Bordeaux.

Bloggers have become a force to be reckoned with in the wine world. Some are ex-journos, some are non trade wine lovers and many are specialists in one region.
The best have an individual voice too, such as WineWomanSong - rising star and Italian wine expert.

Make your 2012 resolution a pledge to read ten minutes of wine writing a day, online or in print and benefit from that hard work tasting wine all day - yes really!

(photo - media.collegepublisher)

BIBENDUM WINE..

2012-02-01T07:00:00.000Z

In business, they say you're only as good as your staff. In wine, you could say you're only as good as your bottles.

These days, an innovative online presence and consumer interaction go a long way too.

Still based in Regents Park Road, London, Bibendum began as a warehouse-style wine shop in a former petrol station, selling a mixture of classed growths and funky, rare bottlings.

Nearly 30 years on, Bibendum is now among the biggest wine wholesalers and online retailers in the UK with one of the most active new media profiles of any wine business.

An e-zine, facebook page and daily tweets are equally interesting to trade and consumer readers. To peruse Bibendum Times, see here.

In their own words - 'The Bibendum idea is still basically the same as it was in 1982: the wine trade is complicated and it doesn't need to be. We'd like to be simply the most accessible, relevant and captivating wine company in the business. Easy!'

To order wine online and for more information, see here.

So, some good things did come out of the 80s after all - dodgy haircuts forgiven. If you were wondering what the word 'bibendum' means, it's Latin for drinking.
(photo - chrissystyles.com)

PURIST PINOT NOIR..

2012-01-30T07:30:00.000Z

Pinot Noir is most famously from Burgundy in France.

New Zealand Pinots have become the southern hemisphere equivalent with Central Otago, Marlborough and Martinborough, now well established areas.

However, Australia also produces top quality Pinot Noir in the comparatively cooler regions.

Mornington Peninsular (info) is below Melbourne in New South Wales. Almost a 'marginal climate', the ocean on three sides creates essential, moderating air flows.

Ten Minutes by Tractor (website) is owned by Martin Spedding comprising three vineyards (you guessed it, 10 minutes by tractor apart) established in the early 1990s.

The aim is to express a sense of place in the wines and show the different 'terroir' of each vineyard.

Martin believes that 'acidity equals structural integrity' and Pinot vines need 10 years of age to show character in the wine. At 15-25 years vine age, there is a 'big step up in concentration'. He also states that a purist prefers to have 'the strictures of a single vineyard'.

The range includes single vineyard wines McCutcheon and Wallis as well as 10x which aims to produce the best of each vintage.

Read more on the Wine Detective website.

Ten Minutes by Tractor wines are available online in the UK from Brancroft. Also visit Harrods.com for a wide range of Australian wines.
(photo - harrods.com)

PINOT NOIR PERFECTION..

2012-01-27T07:30:00.000Z

Imagine a super model with no ego or hang-ups. Beauty, modesty and confidence is a rare thing in wines as well as people.

Pinot Noir aka the 'heartbreaker' is known as the most hauntingly seductive wine to both winemakers and drinkers but often falls short due to its suceptibility to disease in the vineyard and heavy handedness with oak-ageing.

Whilst Burgundian Pinot Noir is held up as the ultimate expression of the grape, New Zealand has carved a niche for fruit forward, approachable, earlier drinking wines.

One of the most successful regions is Central Otago, a remote inland area of the southern island.

Pinot Noir thrives in a cool climate and needs a long, consistent growing season to achieve optimum ripeness. There is a raft of innovative winemakers concentrated in New Zealand using Burgundy as their inspiration without losing their own positive characteristics.

Award-winning winemaker, Michelle Richardson has evolved from typical New World juicy-fruit and tarry-oak Pinot style to make more etheral, tactile wines with texture and 'mouthfeel' by using wild yeasts which 'tone down the fruit' and allow a longer development in barrel - see the website here. The wines are distributed in the UK by Genesis - for the website, see here.

Another winemaker, also distributed by Genesis, achieving the ultimate New Zealand/Burgundy marriage is David Teece Family Vineyards in North Canterbury with their Mount Beautiful wines - website here.

For more information on the wines of New Zealand see here and to read about Pinot Noir in Burgundy, see Clive Coates MW's website here.
(photo - itsafamilything.co.uk)

PARALLEL PINOT..

2012-01-25T07:00:00.000Z

Burgundy has always been the holy grail for lovers of the 'heartbreaker' - Pinot Noir.

Central Otago in New Zealand is an inland region of the South Island that has also become associated with top quality Pinots due its position on the 45th parallel south, mirrored in the north by top wine making regions in Europe.

Other factors making Central Otago suitable for Pinot Noir are warm days and cool nights (wide diurnal shift), a long, dry growing season with low humidity (to avoid too much botrytis), a clean, no-pollution environment and free-draining soils.

In Burgundy, there is much vintage variation, as in Central Otago too.   For example, the Central Otago 2006 vintage shows a more muscular expression compared with 'opulence' in 2007 and a lighter, floral, more feminine style in 2008.

Despite a youthful history from only 1987, the dynamic wine-scene with widely travelled viticulturalists and oenologists has carved a niche for Pinots to rival their counterparts in the Cote d'Or.

The goal now, according to Olssens winemaker Jen Parr, is to cease trying to emulate Burgundy and 'evolve their own complexity and ageability' to do justice to the distinctive purity of fruit that Central Otago Pinot is known for.

To buy Central Otago Pinot Noir in the UK, see New Zealand Wine Distribution Co. For more info on the region see centralotagopinot.co.nz.

For Burgundy wine recommendations see the websites of UK wine critics Jancis Robinson MW and Tim Atkin MW.
(photo -www.celebuzz.com)

WINE FOR BRAD & ANGIE..

2012-01-23T07:30:00.000Z

Brad and Angelina were born in Chinese year of the rabbit, although 12 years apart. A rabbit year has just ended and we enter the year of the dragon.

The Chinese zodiac is annual (like a wine vintage) not monthly as in the western horoscope and is based on a lunar year.

Brangelina have a house in Provence in the South of France and are said to love wine. Inspired by the gorgeous couple, here are wine recommendations for the signs of the Chinese zodiac.

People born in the Year of the Rat are noted for their charm and attraction for the opposite sex. Wine match - Krug Champagne.
People born in the Year of the Ox are patient, taciturn and inspire confidence in others. Wine match - Barolo.
People born in the Year of the Tiger are sensitive, given to deep thinking and capable of great sympathy. Wine match - Alsace Riesling.
People born in the Year of the Rabbit are articulate, talented, and ambitious. They are virtuous, reserved, and have excellent taste. Rabbit people are admired, trusted, and are often financially lucky. Wine match - anything pale pink and expensive from Provence.
People born in the Year of the Dragon are healthy, energetic, excitable, short-tempered and stubborn. Wine match - Rioja Gran Reserva.
People born in the Year of the Snake are deep. They say little and possess great wisdom. Wine match - Tokaji.
People born in the Year of the Horse are popular. They are cheerful, skilful with money and perceptive, although they sometimes talk too much. Wine match - New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.
People born in the Year of Sheep are elegant and highly accomplished in the arts. Wine match - Chateau Lafite.
People born in the Year of the Monkey are the erratic geniuses of the cycle. Clever, skilful and flexible, they are remarkably inventive and original and can solve the most difficult problems with ease. Wine match - reds from Languedoc-Roussillon.
People born in the Year of the Rooster are deep thinkers, capable and talented. Wine match - vintage Port.
People born in the Year of the Dog possess the best traits of human nature. Wine match - South African Chenin Blanc.
People born in the Year of the Pig are chivalrous and gallant. Whatever they do, they do with all their strength. Wine match - Barossa Shiraz.

To read about Chinese wine and wine in China, see here. Also see the excellent website of Hong Kong based wine expert, Debra Meiburg MW. For Provence wineries, see here.

To see your Chinese zodiac year, see here. Zodiac characteristics from 12chinesezodiacsigns.com.
(photo - babble.com)

WEST COAST PINOTS..

2012-01-20T07:00:00.000Z

In wine geek speak, marginal climates are where grapes struggle to ripen fully, but can produce wines of nervy verve and elegance when they do.

Washington and Oregon on the US west coast, above California, are on the same latitude as Burgundy and benefit from 'high diurnal shift' which means hot days and cold nights, essential for making wines with concentration and freshness.

Willamette Valley in Oregon is known for top quality Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris (aka Grigio) offering vibrant fruit and lean structure.

Pinot Grigio is one of the most popular white wines in the UK but is often weedy, acidic and chemical-tasting. Pinot Gris from Willamette has the concentration and fruit weight typical of Alsace PG with the freshness and zingy character of Italian PG. Duck Pond Pinot Gris is a step up in quality, available from online UK wine retailer, Slurp. From this acclaimed producer, it might even be acceptable to the trade-dominated ABPG crew.

Other recommended wines are, from Oregon, Anne Amie. Shea Wine Cellars is available in the UK from Goedhuis. From Washington, recommended is 14 Hands.

Good ranges of wines from Washington and Oregon are available in London from The Sampler, Stone Vine and Sun and Bibendum.

For general information on the regions see washingtonwine.org and oregonwine.org.

For wine trade info on the region, see the Twitter hashtag #ws02012.
(photo - www.amazon.co.uk/)

AUSSIE BURGUNDY?

2012-01-18T07:30:00.000Z

French men (or women) might be aghast if you pit sunny, Aussie Chardy against aloof, white Burgundy.

However, successful winemaking is about latitude, terroir and intelligence.

Oakridge Estate is in Yarra Valley, Australia - 'warmer than Burgundy and cooler than Bordeaux'.

Chief winemaker and CEO, Dave Bicknell, describes his wines as having a 'purity of flavour and balance'.

The aim is 'lo-fi' - a move away from the 'wine by numbers, industrial approach' that Australia (and other 'New World' countries) can be associated with. Dave says he wants to make 'table wines' without 'muffin tops'.

Restrained fruit, elegance, moderate alcohol, skilled use of old oak, varied soils and altitude give the Chardonnays much in common with prime examples of their Burgundian counterparts.

Three recommendations are:
Oakridge Chardonnay 2010 - fuller, riper style, still elegant with a long, citrussy finsh. This is the 'most important wine in the range' - the main line for restaurants and bars.

Oakridge 864 Chardonnay 2010 - 35 year old vines on red soils give concentration and defined structure. Barrel ferment imparts texture. The long, linear finish accentuates the stunning yet subtle quality.

Oakridge Lieu Dit Chardonnay 2010 - Low cropped, east facing, volcanic slopes produce a round, mouthfilling style. A piercing, steely, slatey finish makes this a beautiful, clever wine. Divine. Clever people make clever wines.

The Oakridge range is available to the wine trade via Matthew Clark / The Wine Studio. UK consumers can currently buy the wines from Hard to Find Wines.
(photo - blog.pharmacymix.com)

CHARDONNAY? CHABLIS PLEASE..

2012-01-16T07:00:00.000Z

Chardonnay, the white grape grown all over the world, fell from grace in the UK partly due to an abundance of tropical fruit driven, over oaked styles.

The TV programme, Footballer's Wives sealed its fate and an anti-fashion for ABC (anything but Chardonnay) began.

However, one of the most popular wines in the UK is Chablis.

A single varietal Chardonnay from northern Burgundy in France, it has three quality levels:
Chablis AC with crisp, green fruit character and distinctive mouth watering finish.

Chablis Premier Cru AC can come from 40 vineyards, amongst the best known names are Vaillons and Fourchaume. Slightly fuller and creamier, Premier Cru can be good value and has enough body for food.

Chablis Grand Cru AC is from just 7 vineyards on one hillside across the river from the town of the same name. They include Les Clos and Vaudesir as well as 'the 8th Grand Cru' La Moutonne by Albert Bichot. Much more complex, Grand Cru can age for years, developing roundness and light spice, with flinty, mineral notes. Never cheap, Grand Cru is worth splashing out on for special suppers and is always a welcome present for wine lovers.

There is also Petit Chablis AC from lesser sites.
All wine shops and supermarkets have Chablis on the shelves. Independent merchants usually have more interesting wines to explore.
See excellent London shops Roberson and The Sampler for exciting ranges.

To read more about white Burgundy wines see here.
To read Burgundy reports, see UK wine critics Tim Atkin MW and Jancis Robinson MW.
(photo - footballerswives.tv)

BURGUNDY 2010 AT BERRY BROS..

2012-01-13T07:30:00.000Z

Walking into Berry Bros & Rudd in St James's St, is like stepping back into a more civilised retailing era.

The building is steeped in history, with a warren of cellars below, including one under Pickering Place, London's smallest public square and once a notorious venue for duels and bear baiting.

Berrys have an extensive Burgundy 2010 en primeur range at all price levels. Many Burgundy 2010 white wines are particularly appealing. The best are approachable yet structured with more subtle fruit flavours and restrained oak ageing.

Two white and two red en primeur recommendations at relatively affordable prices from the tastings in London this week are:

Olivier Merlin - 2010 Pouilly-Fuisse, Clos des Quarts - mouth-filling, round and spicy, generous body balanced by vibrant, pithy citrus fruit.

Domaine Hubert Lamy - 2010 St Aubin, Clos de la Chateniere, 1er Cru - fleshy and tropical, tempered by freshness and gentle spice, rich yet deftly restrained.

Domaine de la Vougeraie - 2010 Clos de Vougeot, Grand Cru - velvety, full, rich, generous, earthy sous-bois character yet elegant and thought provoking.

Domaine de Lambrays - 2010 Clos des Lambrays, Grand Cru - very soft, pretty, expressive and feminine, high pitched, like a haunting violin solo.

See the website for all Burgundy 2010 en primeur wines, as well as their full range from all countries.

Berrys launched a broking exchange (BBX) last year for existing customers to sell and anyone to buy wine. A 'little like Amazon marketplace', all sales come with a reassuring 'no quibble guarantee' (unlike auctions).

Potential sellers with wine in bond elsewhere can transfer over to Berrys and then sell through BBX.

Berrys have a very popular wine school and numerous interesting lunches and dinners. There is a fully transactional and informative website, delivery, a phone app and an active Twitter and Facebook presence.

Traditional they may be, nestling in SW1, old-fashioned they certainly are not.
(photo - blinklondon.com)

BURGUNDY 2010 EN PRIMEUR..

2012-01-11T07:00:00.000Z

Like fashion mavens with collections or petrol heads on car models, wine experts love to get worked up about vintages.

The producer is often more relevant, especially in this complicated and fragmented region.

If investing, critics' reports and buying en primeur from a reputable merchant are the most important factors.

Burgundy is all about family business, multi-ownership of plots, terroir and winemaking. Like Pucci patterns, the whole is more than the sum of the parts.

Recommendations from this week's Burgundy 2010 en primeur tastings in London include: Maison Roche de Bellene, Domaine Jean-Marc Boillot, Domaine de Montille and Maison Deux Montille.

Relative newcomers to the region, since 2003, Mischief and Mayhem, based in Aloxe-Corton, produce a range of modern style wines, aiming to 'demystify Burgundy'. See their website here.

The wines here are available from armit, a top London merchant with one of the best ranges of fine wines from all world regions including Burgundy. armit runs regular consumer tastings - for details see the website.

For recommendations at all price levels, read reports on the Burgundy 2010 vintage and notes from the en primeur tastings, on the websites of UK wine writers Tim Atkin MW and Jancis Robinson MW.
(photo - dreamsequin.com)

CHARDONNAY BLISS..

2012-01-09T07:00:00.000Z

'I don't like Chardonnay, I like Chablis'.
Every wine person who has run a consumer tasting has heard this and smiled ruefully.

The power of a 'regional brand' has led to Chablis being one of the most recognised wine names even if many are unaware that the grape is the much maligned Chardonnay.

Chablis is a northern outpost of the Burgundy region in France and known for mineral, citrus, racy wines.

The top quality level is the appellation Grand Cru - wines from an area comprising 7 named vineyard 'climats' - Les Bougros, Les Preuses, Vaudesir, Les Grenouilles, Valmur, Les Clos and Blanchot.

Restrained oak is usually used - barrel fermentation and ageing - giving complexity, gentle spice and rounding off the bracing freshness.

Many different families and companies own plots here so you will see the vineyard names under numerous producers.

Chablis Grand Cru is never cheap but offers one of the finest, purest expressions in Burgundy for those who love Chardonnay and those who didn't realise they did.

For info about Chablis Grand Cru, see here. For info on the area see The Wine Doctor here.

To read about the wines of Burgundy, see UK critics Jancis Robinson MW and Tim Atkin MW's websites.
(photo - dailymail.co.uk)

BEAUTIFUL BURGUNDY..

2012-01-06T07:30:00.000Z

Buying wine 'en primeur' - aka 'in advance' or 'wine futures' - may be associated with spare cash and large cellars.

However, many affordable wines are also available en primeur.

The point is to obtain wine that may not be available by the single bottle on release, to buy cases of wine you like to have in your cellar or to buy for investment to sell on later (hopefully at a profit).

Bordeaux is the main wine futures market but Burgundy is thriving too, partly fuelled by the surging interest in fine wine from the Far East.

The best way to buy en primeur in the UK is to read trusted wine critics' reports and buy only through reputable and long established merchants.

Goedhuis & Co based in London has a very large range of Burgundy wines at all price levels. For the website and more information, see here. armit is another UK merchant with excellent Burgundy wines, see the en primeur offers here. For a full list of reputable UK merchants, see Jancis Robinson MW's website.

To track wine prices see the website of UK based fine wine trading exchange Liv-ex here.

The 2010 vintage is being shown by producers in London next week. Many merchants have consumer tastings. One of the best is armit on Wednesday 11th January, see here.

See UK wine critics' reports from the trade tastings and the 2010 Burgundy vintage on the websites of Tim Atkin MW and Jancis Robinson MW.

For courses on Burgundy's wines and to buy single bottles of Burgundy as well as en primeur, see Berry Bros and Roberson.
(photo - fashion-era.com)

COOL SHERRY WINES..

2012-01-04T07:30:00.000Z

They say Sherry is, well... the new Sherry.

Finally back on the cool drinks radar, most people now know the fortified wines of Jerez.

However, a best seller in Spain is a light, neutral, non-fortified white wine also made from the Palomino grape.

Equipo Navazos make their version - a fascinating, off-beat aficionado's delight - in collaboration with top Port producer Niepoort. To buy it in London, see The Sampler.

Back to Sherry; the lighter styles, Fino and Manzanilla are having a renaissance as an alternative to dry white wines for aperitif or with seafood. A currently fashionable style, now sold by all the big producers, is 'en rama' (unfiltered).

In London there has been a 'Sherry revolution' with numerous tapas bars and restaurants opening. The slick, bustling Fino and Barrafina have been joined by lively, authentic Bar Pepito in King's Cross, to name just three.
See Time Out for bar listings.

The Moorish city of Jerez makes a great mini-break via Ryanair. In the centre, Hotel Nuevo and 10 minutes walk away, the luxurious Sherry Park (see booking.com) are both highly recommended places to stay.

For a list of bodegas and a map, see here and see the tourist office in the town centre for bodega visit times. For an extensive introduction to Sherry wines, the queso grande, Gonzalez Byass has daily tours.

Sanlucar de Barrameda, one of the three 'sherry towns' (along with Jerez and El Puerto de Santa Maria) has one of the most beautiful hotels in the world at Posada de Palacio and miles of stunning, sandy beaches to wander along after touring the paradisical bodegas.

Recommended bodegas to visit include Cigarrera, Pedro Romero, Argueso and Barbadillo. Hidalgo is the biggest in town. See the tourist office in the town centre for bodega visit times.

For tourist info see Jerez.org.
(photo - bodega in Jerez)

SEE THE LIGHT - DISCOVER RIESLING..

2011-12-30T07:30:00.000Z

Germany produces sophisticated aromatic whites from bone dry to unctuously sweet and elegant, fruity reds.

The star grapes are Riesling and Pinot Noir.

60% of rieslings on the world market are now from Germany, grown in all regions with large areas in Phalz and the Mosel.

A movement called Generation Riesling is striving to impart a younger image using social media - twitter and facebook.

Activities have included a food matching Riesling Challenge in restaurants, Riesling Beaches on rivers in the summer and Riesling Lounges in bars in the winter.

Two young winemakers producing modern, dry styles are Christian Nett of Bergdolt-Reif & Nett and Lisa Bunn of Margarethenhof.

German Pinot Noir is also well worth seeking out for its full-flavoured and lean yet substantial character. See M&S and Majestic in the UK.

For more info on German wines see germanwineinfo.co.uk and on riesling see rieslingreport.com.
(photo - generation-riesling.de)

CELLAR LUST..

2011-12-28T07:30:00.000Z

Apparently most people read cookery books these days to salivate over the pictures.

The Most Beautiful Wine Cellars in the World is the wine version of food porn.

This substantial photography book shows that wine storage can be as enjoyable as art.

Wine cellars have two main functions - to store wine and to showcase it. Many do both.

Whether the design is basic and cavernous or modern and funky, the proper storage of wine always involves stable temperature, ventilation and non-invasive light.

Once a cellar becomes more than a couple of cases, a system is essential such as cellartracker, an online management tool. There are thousands of tasting notes on Cellar Tracker, both amateur and professional, including those of Jancis Robinson MW.

The Most Beautiful Wine Cellars in the World is available on Amazon.com.

For those without a conventional cellar space, there are innovative designs such as the UK's Spiral Cellar - see website here.

If you're bursting at the seams or have no cellar options at all, there is a popular storage venue in Fulham, SW London - The Wine Cellars, at Big Yellow Self Storage.
(photo - artregister.com)

KOSHU WINE..

2011-12-26T07:30:00.000Z

After Christmas excess, many try to give up booze. Rather than unsustainable, miserable abstinence, try switching to fresh, aromatic wines that go with lighter food.

Japanese Koshu wine is the perfect partner to ever popular sushi, sashimi and tempura.

The main grape growing area in Japan is Yamanashi, close to Mount Fuji, previously mainly for the fruit bowl but now also for wine.

The Koshu grape is pink skinned and vigorous giving light, floral aromas - a little like Bacchus grown in the UK - with a saline, Manzanilla-like finish.

Its clean character should find a big following especially with health-conscious wine drinkers due to its naturally moderate alcohol.

To read more on Koshu wine, see the website of Jancis Robinson MW, UK writer Olly Smith and the Koshu website. Two top producers are Grace Vineyards, see website here and Suntory, see website here.

Koshu is available from Selfridges and at top London restaurant Hakkasan. For Japanese restaurants and bars in London see Time Out.
(photo - yoga.com)

MADEIRA M'DEAR?

2011-12-23T07:00:00.000Z

'Have a Madeira m'dear'. Everyone has heard of the comedy hall song where a whiskery old buffer seduces a young girl with a glass of Madeira.

However, fortified wines have yet to capture the imagination of the 'millenial' generation raised on crisp, aromatic whites and big, juicy reds.

The French drinking style of 'three' - aperitif, wine with food, then a digestif - is not something the UK consumer is familiar with but worth trying as different tastes are more stimulating and satisfying than drinking the same wine throughout the evening.

The Portuguese island of Madeira produces four main styles of fortified wine (named after the grapes):

Sercial - light and perfumed, good chilled as an aperitif with olives and nuts

Verdelho - golden and herbaceous, goes with meats and pates

Boal - rich and full, tropical and dried fruit flavours, excellent with cheeses

Malmsey/Malvasia – dark, caramel and unctuous, perfect for dark chocolate puddings. Even when sweet, Madeira is always zippy, fresh and finishes with a savoury tang.

Along with Port and Sherry, it comes in bottles with mushroom stoppers so is easy to re-close and even better, evolves once opened. See where to buy top quality Madeira from UK specialist Bovey Wines.

For more info see vinhomadeira.pt. For food and wine matching tips see UK wine writer Fiona Beckett.

(photo - bikehugger.com)

BOAL'D OVER..

2011-12-21T07:00:00.000Z

The diet police and fashion have conspired to move fortified wines off the radar.

However, Christmas is a great time to ditch the regime and try some different, exciting bottles.

Fortified wines are higher in alcohol than most ordinary, table wines, so best drunk in small quantities and with food.

Fortified wines include Port, Madeira and Sherry as well as VDN (Vin Doux Naturel) from Roussillon in France and Australian Muscats from Rutherglen in Victoria.

White and pink Port are both popular in Portugal and France, with ice as aperitif - mix with soda if you're in charge of the cooking.  Sherry styles Amontillado and Oloroso are delicious with cheese. Madeira is great with savoury pastries and vol-au-vents. LBV (late bottled vintage) and Tawny Ports are sublime with chocolate as is Rutherglen Muscat.

Fortified wines are often improved by light chilling. The bottles will keep once opened and in many cases improve over a few days.

All good supermarkets have ranges of fortified wines. See Waitrose, online here.
For another excellent selection, see the UK's The Wine Society.
For amazing old Madeira by Pereira d'Oliveira, see Bovey Wines in Wadebridge, Cornwall.
(photo - gucci girl)

CHOCOLATE, WINE & SEX..

2011-12-19T07:00:00.000Z

Anyone who says wine and chocolate don't go together isn't in touch with their sensuous side.

Moreover, a survey revealed that women who indulge have better sex.

Christmas is a great time for trying new wines and matching them to different types of chocolate. Suggestions include:

Sweet sparkling wines like Asti go with white chocolate. An excellent alternative to heavy plum duff is a white chocolate mousse with a 'boozy berry' sauce (mixed berries simmered and reduced down in sweet wine).

Whisky is a good choice for truffles and bitter, dark chocolate. One of the best whisky shops in London is Whisky Exchange at Vinopolis. Many foodies' favourite chocolate pudding is the classic dark chocolate tart. See Simon Hopkinson's recipe here.

Dense, sweet-fruit red wines like Zinfandel, Argentine Malbec and the Touriga grape varieties from Portugal go well with complex, single estate bars such as those by Willie's Cacao, available from Waitrose. For an excellent range of Malbec, see UK specialist Argentine Wine Online.

Tawny port is delicious with anything nutty. Sweet Sherry moscatel and Rutherglen muscats match most chocolates and puddings for a safe choice. Moscatel de Valencia is inexpensive and has a fragrant tang to match citrus-flavoured chocolate and cakes.

If you haven't yet reached the nirvana of fresh, hand-made artisan chocolates, try Melt, William Curley and Paul A. Young, three of London's top independent chocolatiers. Buy Melt's fabulous new chocolate recipe book on Amazon.

(photo - bodyart.com)

CHAMPAGNE FOR CHRISTMAS..

2011-12-16T07:30:00.000Z

Ask the man in the street what he thinks of Champagne and he'll probably say it's expensive.

However, it depends on what are you getting for your money. Value-wise, a parking ticket is expensive or a pair of sale trousers you've never worn.

Often called the 'economy indicator,' Champagne relies on reputation, a 'house style' and is often associated with historical figures or media stars for its glamour factor.

There are big differences in all the Champagnes on the shelves, even within price brackets, that can only be appreciated by comparative tastings.

Most are blended from the three main grapes but 'blanc de blancs' from only Chardonnay usually offers more racy finesse while Pinot Noir/Pinot Meunier 'blanc de noirs' will be softer and fruitier. Pinot Meunier is not usually used solo for long ageing wines but is an aficionado's favourite especially in 'grower' Champagnes.

Krug is a top house in Reims whose USP is fermentation in small old barrels and long lees ageing giving complexity and a rich nuttiness. Krug's flagship, single-vineyard Clos du Mesnil has been made since 1979 aiming for 'perfect tension' and 'optimizing the beauty of the parcels'.

The Champagne region in north France is an easy place to visit being a short drive from Paris but in the meantime, splash out on Christmas fizz with the money you've saved from avoiding double yellow lines and ill-fitting clothes.

For a wide range of Champagne in the UK, see Majestic. For grower Champagnes, see The Sampler and Adnams and for info on Krug, see here.
(photo - follyandbloom.wordpress.com)

WINE FOR CHRISTMAS

2011-12-14T07:30:00.000Z

As many dread the Christmas wine buying as love it.

It's easy if it's just you and your sweetheart cosying up in a romantic hideaway. Not so much joy if you're catering for the masses, on a tight budget and reluctant to see your prized bottles disappear in Hogarthian scenes.

The best way to mitigate wine stress is to buy a case or two online from one of our many excellent UK merchants. Most wine retailers have festive mixed cases, designed for all wallets and palates. The following are recommended:

Slurp - this innovative online wine company pioneered single bottle delivery. Unless you're a very modest tippler, you might prefer the special mixed case chosen by the UK's top wine writer Tim Atkin MW. Watch the Slurpvision video, tasting with Tim, here. An excellent choice of wines. Order here. There are many other good mixed cases on Slurp's website.

Wine Society - one of the UK's best loved wine companies. As a wine club - owned by its members - you need to join but it's only £40 and will reward you over and over with with its value for money and fantastic quality wines. You receive £20 back to spend on your first order, see here. For Christmas wine ideas, see here.

Argentine Wine Online - lovers of South America need no introduction to the joys of Argentine wine. A huge, diverse country producing all styles from big, beefy Malbecs to high altitude, fresh, aromatic Torrontes, this mixed case will see you through the Christmas lunches and suppers. There's even sparkling wine included. Great value and something different. Order here.

Majestic - the familiar warehouse-style wine store is many people's first port of call. Well chosen wines, good value, glasses hire for parties and best of all, friendly informed service. A very easy to navigate website and lots of offers make it simple to put together a mixed case in just a few clicks. See here.

No excuse now for lame, corner shop duffers. Ten minutes online will reward you with great Christmas wine, on any budget.
(photo - workingmomsagainstguilt.com)

ELEPHANTS AND WINE..

2011-12-12T06:30:00.000Z

London's most famous store Harrods, is known for selling A-Z, all things to all people everywhere, and 'a pin to an elephant'.

Gertie, the baby female Babar was bought here as a present for Ronald Reagan.

Dr Seuss-like claims and mammals aside, the Wine Shop is handily located on the lower ground floor, by the bakery - one of the best in London, for bread lovers info.

The spacious layout has many features. For example, there is an 'aroma zone' with interactive Nez du Vin samples to sniff. Enomatic fridges allow you to taste a range of wines including the Harrods 'signature' own label. A temperature controlled, glass walled 'vault' houses an impressive roll call of big name fine wines from Bordeaux, Burgundy and other classic regions.

Harrods has a great range of Champagne. Two recommended are; trade favourite Bollinger La Grande Annee 2002 at £84.95 and biodynamic Fleury Blanc de Noirs NV at £41.95.

A smart events room seating 16, a tasting bar and excellent, knowledgeable staff complete the bustling atmosphere. Wine can be ordered online, see the website here.

Your loved one may not want an elephant for Christmas, but a bottle of fizz along with something sparkly (for ladies) or leathery (for men) should go down well.
(photo - aterrier.wordpress)

YES, 2010 BURGUNDY..

2011-12-09T08:00:00.000Z

They say in Burgundy that their wines are like orgasms - if you don't go weak at the knees, you haven't had a good one yet.

Someone must have changed their technique recently because the often thin, acetic reds of yester-year have become modern, vibrant and approachable.

Over-toasted and banana flavours on whites have throttled back and citrus freshness with deft use of oak is easier to come by from enlightened producers.

One of Burgundy's top producers, Maison Albert Bichot makes a wide range of reds and whites from some of the best 'climats' in this complicated and fragmented region.

Their winemaker was awarded White Winemaker of the Year at the International Wine Challenge 2011. Read his assessment of the 2010 vintage here. Albert Bichot Burgundies are available in London from Soho Wine.

Other London merchants with great Burgundy wines include Roberson Wine, established in Kensington for 20 years. They also have excellent wines from Bordeaux, grower Champagnes and whites from the underrated Alsace and Loire Valley regions.

A lively programme of evening tastings is so highly thought of, the wine trade is often in attendance too. Moreover, wine tastings are a great 'first date' and if it's going well, a bottle of Pommard should get you to the finishing line.
(photo - Sydney Morning Herald))

WINE PRESENTS..

2011-12-07T07:30:00.000Z

If buying Christmas presents makes your head spin and you feel like running away to a beach hut, you're not alone.

Wine usually pleases most adults and if they don't drink, DVDs such as Withnail and I will at least amuse you as a wine lover if no one else.

Wine books always go down well. Top of the wishlist this year for many, is the new edition of Every Wine Tells a Story by Tara Devon O'Leary. Thirty nine contributors describe their wine of the year. Amusing, serious or raunchy, there should be a tale to inspire anyone who enjoys wine. Buy the book here.

A cocktail book along with a few bottles usually cheers up younger relatives. A few 'Pa Larkin' style Margaritas should liven up the stiffest of lunch parties.

Magazine subscriptions are always welcome - World of Fine Wine for buffs or Decanter for novices and experts alike.

Membership of the UK's Wine Society, Jancis Robinson MW's website or a ticket for a wine class are nice ways to start an enthusiast on their wine journey. For an extensive list of classes in London see The Juice.

Stocking fillers such as 'Waiter's Friend' corkscrews and inexpensive small wine accessories are always welcome.

If you still want to run away to an empty beach, UK wine merchant, brewer and distiller, Adnams has many hideaways in beautiful, windswept Norfolk and foodie paradise, Suffolk.
(photo - watchundergroundcinema.blogspot.com)

WINE PARTIES..

2011-12-05T07:30:00.000Z

Most people dread the office Christmas party. It's only tolerable if you're trying to hook up with someone you fancy or schmooze your boss for a promotion.

Far better to round off the working year with an inexpensive, fun evening in a good cause. Wine tastings in pubs are ever popular. More formal winemakers' dinners are great to say thank you to clients.

Two of London's most popular and engaging wine guys are running a Call My Wine Bluff quiz night next week, Wednesday 14th December, at the Victoria Pub in Camden.

Richard Hemming writes for Jancis Robinson and Ray O'Connor works for the UK's biggest and best wine competition, The International Wine Challenge.

Enjoy a Champagne reception, food, learn some wine stuff, win prizes and raise money for a good cause - In-Vision. Tickets are just £25, email liz@in-vision.org.uk to book.

For all types of wine events, see UK wide listings site Local Wine Events. For other casual wine tastings see London based Tastour. Award winning, London pub Artisan & Vine also has a great calendar of wine activities and dinners.
(photo - allthetests.com)

VIRGIN WINES..

2011-12-02T08:00:00.000Z

UK online retailer, Virgin Wines is running its 12 days of Christmas promotion again this year.

Customers will enjoy free gifts, one-off special deals and large savings on favourites, new wines and Christmas selections.

Virgin's aim is a straightforward approach to wine buying with easy to understand descriptions, lots of themed mixed cases and wine clubs, for example, Discovery Wine Club and Just Reds featuring reviews from one of the UK's top wine writers Matthew Jukes.

Recommendations for wines from Virgin include:

Transit of Venus, Sauvignon, Grenache, Roussanne, 2010 - a big, round, spicy white with typical South African full body and a tangy freshness. An easy to like, versatile, food wine from a top SA winemaker. Would stand up to the multi flavours and textures of turkey with all the trimmings. £8.99, also part of Discovery Club Festive Selection.

Coteau Chatrie, Vouvray Demi-Sec, 2010 - How often do you hear 'I don't like sweet wine..' as someone tucks into pudding with gusto? Bring them round by stealth with Vouvray, made from the racy Chenin grape. Caramelised apple flavours taste rich rather than sweet, lifted by palate cleansing finish. A classy partner to tarte Tatin with creme fraiche. £10.99, also part of the First Class Discovery Club Festive Selection.

Pasion de Bobal, 2009 - Juicy, crunchy blueberry and hedgerow fruits with a pleasing, zippy, herbacous snap make this interesting, indigenous Valencian red grape good for food. Spain is a constant source of great value and diverse wines. Excellent all rounder for cold cuts, game birds and charcuterie. £11.99, one of Virgin's top customer favourites.

To view the 12 Days of Christmas offers and to see all their wines, visit Virgin Wines.
(photo - media.photobucket)

WINE DOWN UNDER..

2011-11-30T07:00:00.000Z

Nobody would think the wines of France, Spain or Italy were the same from all parts of the country.

Yet this image still persists of Australia. The promotion of a country brand in the 80s and 90s gave this impression.

However, there is more to Australia than sunshine in a bottle with a picture of a critter on the label. The diversity of wines and regions is as wide as anywhere in the 'Old World' although with fewer varieties yet explored.

Recommendations for interesting and exciting Australian wines include:

Most wine people say they would rather drink top quality sparkling wine than second rate Champagne. Jansz Premium Cuvee NV from Tasmania is made by traditional method ie secondary fermentation in bottle - like Champagne. Pure and zingy with light toasty notes it is a great party fizz and a benchmark Aussie sparkler. Available from Slurp, £13.65.

Many wine experts' secret love is Semillon. A grape of long ageability, often used in sweet wines such as Sauternes, it also makes thrilling, bone dry whites. Hunter Valley is the home of this austere style, long overdue for a major revival due to its versatility, moderate alcohol and food friendliness. Tyrrell's Vat 1 Semillon, 2003 is a stunning, smoky, pure, minerally example. Would be sublime with oysters. Available from excellent indie merchant The Sampler, £29.70.

Australian Pinot Noir has moved from an attitude of 'Why do they bother?' to the 'Next big thing'. Mornington Peninsular is one successful area. Increasing vine age is a factor too. Ten Minutes by Tractor, run by Martin Spedding produces lovely, muscular, complex wines with excellent oak management - essential to bring out the best in this fickle grape. The Ten Minutes by Tractor 10X Pinot Noir, 2010 is a very accomplished and complete wine. Available from Bancroft, £29.80.

Australia is probably best known for red blends. D'Arenburg 'The Laughing Magpie' Shiraz / Viognier 2008 is punchy and textured with deliciously sweet red fruit and restrained spice. This is one of the best Aussie Shiraz from a top producer, at an affordable £16.99, Majestic (£13.59 each for 2).

For more information on Australian wines see A+ Wines. For Australian expert Matthew Jukes's website, see here. See also the award winning website of UK wine writer Tim Atkin MW. Another UK writer with excellent knowledge of Australia and a particular interest in 'terroir' is Andrew Jefford.
(photo - beachden.com)

GLAM GRUNGE WINES..

2011-11-28T07:30:00.000Z

If Languedoc Roussillon in the south of France were a fashion style, it might be Glam Grunge.

It is currently one of the most interesting, innovative winemaking regions, aiming to become the largest organic and biodynamic vineyard area in Europe within 5 years.

Recommendations for organic and biodynamic wines from Languedoc Rousillon include:

The grand fromage here is Hegarty Chamans. Owned by advertising guru John Hegarty, the wines are slick and sophisticated yet still all individual and with great personality. Open Now, 2008 is a really tasty, likeable, well made, 'natural style' Mouvedre / Syrah blend at a recession friendly £7.99, Adnams. This is our 'house red', enduringly popular with experts and novices alike.

Virgilie Joly & Cie is run by the very engaging Virgilie, merely 39 years of age and highly acclaimed by top wine writers. His aim is 'healthy, well-balanced, elegant wines' which he achieves in reds, whites and roses. The
Saturne Blanc, 2009 is rich, spicy, herby white Grenache - a lovely example of this delicious white grape £14.95, Dudley & De Fleury Wines.
If you want to start an interesting debate over the dinner table, give your guests Virgilie Blanc, 2005, also white Grenache, made in a textured, stimulating, open, oxidative style, £24.95, Dudley & De Fleury Wines.

Not yet distributed in the UK but highly recommended is Delmas, producer of sparkling Blanquette de Limoux. See their website for details.

There are numerous small producers making wine in the Languedoc Roussillon. For one group, see the Outsiders facebook page here.

Also see a specialist blog on the Languedoc here.

The region has adopted an umbrella name Sud de France - to help customers not familiar with the area - also used for cheese and olive oil. For info see here.

For more info on organic viticulture, see Ecocert. To learn more about biodynamic viticulture, see Demeter and Biodyvin.
(photo - fashion-style.becomegorgeous.com)

MILE HIGH LEBANESE WINES..

2011-11-25T07:30:00.000Z

London has hundreds of Lebanese restaurants. What may be less well known, is the ancient winemaking history.

The high altitude vineyards on the plateau of Bekaa Valley have snowy winters and hot summers, growing French red varieties including Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Viognier, Chardonnay and Muscat produce full-bodied, ripe, fruity yet fresh whites.

Lebanon's best known winery, Chateau Musar has a 'minimum intervention' philosophy. In the words of the inimitable, second generation patriarch, Serge Hochar 'We just grow the grapes to ripeness and then do nothing else.' Their red blends are often thought of as the cru classe of Lebanon due to their complexity and ageability. Chateau Musar 2004 is available from Waitrose, £18.04.

Their white grapes include ancient, indigenous Merwah and Obaideh, believed to be ancestors of Semillon and Chardonnay. Serge was named the first ever Decanter Man of the Year in 1984 for his contribution to Lebanese winemaking.

For a newcomer to the Lebanese style, Chateau Ka is a good introduction, being of approachable, soft and juicy character. Chateau Ka Source de Rouge is a pretty, fruit driven blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot with a food-friendly, savoury finish. A great alternative to budget Bordeaux at around a tenner. Waitrose, £10.44.

Karam Winery was the first to plant outside the Bekaa Valley, in the far south, at altitudes up to 1400 meters.
Hot days and cold nights make grapes with thick skins and high acidity, giving concentration and freshness.
The airline pilot winemaker here believes flying and wine making are both 'Living life on the edge, with no margin for error.' The range includes a full bodied pink Arc en Ciel that packs a spicy punch tempered by freshness. Perfect for gourmet salads, soft cheeses or a mezze lunch. Available via Kingswood Wines.

If you fancy making Lebanese food, see BBC Good Food website for recipes. Read more about Lebanon on Tim Atkin MW's website. To buy a book on Lebanese wines by Michael Karam, see Amazon.

For more info on Lebanese wine and other producers, see Wines from Lebanon.

(photo - fashionchicks.co.uk)

COOL CHAMPAGNE..

2011-11-23T07:00:00.000Z

Big name Champagne is well known for prestige and a 'house style'.

However, 'grower' aka 'vigneron' Champagne made by smaller, family producers offers diversity and interest for lovers of this classic region.

Vintage Champagne is considered interesting as it expresses the year, not just a style.

In contrast, most non-vintage Champagne has around 25-30% 'reserve' wine to maintain the 'house style' and year-on-year consistency.

The Sampler - in Islington NW and South Kensington SW - was one of the first London wine shops to use Enomatic wine fridges to offer tasting before buying.

It has always championed grower Champagne and earlier this year won independent Champagne Retailer of the year award.

Find the SW branch at 35 Thurloe Place (a few paces from South Kensington tube) and see the website here.

For information on 'grower Champagnes' see champagnesdevignerons.com.

(photo - trendhunter.com)

MANLY MALBEC..

2011-11-22T08:00:00.000Z

Malbec comes in many styles from fresh and juicy to muscular and oak aged giving spice and grip.

The delicious, fruity, full bodied wine is now synonymous with Argentina.

The winning wines from the Argentina Wine Awards also included varieties Bonarda, Tempranillo, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc if there were any doubt that Argentina only does big, butch reds.

The 'Bordeaux' blends are also successful, made from Cabernets Sauvignon and Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and, often in Argentina, a splash of Syrah.

From the Mendoza region, top producers include Luigi Bosca and Pulenta Estate. One of the most accomplished and prolific companies, with a huge range of wines is Susana Balbo's Dominio Del Plata. Their inexpensive 'Crios' range is excellent quality and good value.

Specialist Argentine wine company Las Bodegas based in the UK, has a retail website at AWOL.

Argentine restaurants have taken off in a big way in the UK with the Gaucho chain at the helm. They have a large, exciting range of Argentine wines to match the seafood and steak menu. The wines are available to buy in their shop Cavas de Gaucho in Swallow St, W1. Gaucho also produces its own wine in Mendoza.

Many people may have seen authentic, Argentine, family-owned restaurant Santa Maria del Sur in SW11, on Gordon Ramsay's F-word.
Contact them at santamariadelsur.com
(photo - nytimes.com)

LITTLE BEAUTY WINE..

2011-11-21T07:30:00.000Z

Wine Fairs are a great way to discover new wines in a relaxed environment with no pressure to buy and hundreds of wines to try alongside experts to chat to.

Regular show exhibitor, Little Beauty is a fun name for serious wine - already sold in top London restaurants - from the best-known region of New Zealand - Marlborough.

The winemaker uses her experience from Cloudy Bay to make not just Sauvignon Blanc but feminine, restrained Pinot Gris, Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Noir.

The wines are stylish and modern and sold direct to consumers from the website.

If you like the idea of visiting a Wine Fair, there is one coming up in London - the Three Wine Men at Lord's cricket ground on December 3rd - 4th.
(photo - scriptshadow.blogspot.com)

BRITPACK WINES..

2011-11-18T07:30:00.000Z

Who hasn't wanted to escape the rat race.. stop the world and get off.. live a life less ordinary?

A group christened the BritPack has done just that; taken the plunge, moved to southern France to make wine and live the dream:

Stephen Cronk and his young family eschewed London's 'nappy valley' for Mirabeau in the far more glamorous Cotes de Provence. Their Mirabeau Rose's first vintage was stocked earlier this year in Waitrose. Sustainable viticulture and the classic grapes of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault give a fresh, modern, very well made, attractive wine. £8.99, Waitrose.
See fun videos of Stephen's family's adventures HERE.

James and Catherine Kinglake's Domaine Begude uses Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc grapes to create 'Burgundian' style whites from the cool-climate, Limoux terroir. The Domaine Begude Etoile 2007 has an attractively lean structure with the Chenin zing softened by round, savoury texture - very elegant. £17.66 pro rata bottle / case of 6 from Goedhuis. Their Terroir 11300 is available from Waitrose, £8.69.

Charles and Ruth Simpson bought Domaine de Sainte Rose in 2002. The Languedoc estate produces a range of confident wines to great acclaim. The 100% Roussanne is described as a 'baby Beaucastel'. The Coquille d'Oc white blend including Viognier and Muscat is a very pretty, fresh, well defined, 'anytime' wine - perfect as aperitif or with light suppers. Waitrose £6.99.

Robert Eden established Chateau Maris after cutting his winemaking teeth at a young age in Australia with the famous Len Evans. He fell in love with the small Minervois area, La Liviniere and was certified bio-dynamic in 1997. All his wines are sumptuously accomplished and stylish. Chateau Maris Hand Crafted Grenache 2006 shows how gorgeous as a varietal it can be - rich, spicy, seductive and satisfying. £22.99 Waitrose. The Syrah is also available, £12.99.

For more info on wines of the area, see Sud de France and Provence Wines.
(photo - wwd.com)

BELLE BEAUJOLAIS..

2011-11-17T07:30:00.002Z

Today is Beaujolais Nouveau Day. The wine is released on the third Thursday of November.

The early release, Beaujolais Nouveau had its heyday in the UK in the 70s and 80s and was famous for the car race to France to buy it.

It is still popular in Paris and tastes pretty good with steak frites in a side street bistro.

However, Beaujolais produces serious wine too, not just the novelty Nouveaux. Made from the Gamay grape, the Beaujolais 'cru' wines offer an inexpensive alternative to Pinot Noir from Burgundy for the wine lover looking for similar light, fresh reds. Many have enjoyed the prettily named Fleurie but may not realise there are 10 Beaujolais communes with 'cru status'.

Beaujolais is very food friendly - a good choice for charcuterie and cheese - and can be lightly chilled to bring out the appealing cherry fruit flavours.

Recommendations from the excellent 2009 vintage include:
Saint Amour, Cote de Besset, Domaine Joseph Burrier 2009, 13.95, The Wine Society - very pretty.
Fleurie, La Roilette, Domaine Bernard Metrat 2009, 17.50, Berry Bros & Rudd - elegant and restrained.
Regnie, Chateau Chasantour, 2009, 9.60, Tanners Wine Merchants - chunky and angular.
Brouilly, La Croix des Rameaux, Domaine Jean-Claude Lapalu 2009, 23.49, Les Caves de Pyrene - complex, layered and mineral.
Morgon, Julien Sunier 2009, 15.95, Roberson - wild and funky. Great if you like 'natural' style wines.
Morgon, Cote de Py, Jean Foillard 2009, 23.49, Les Caves de Pyrene, Slurp, Sampler - elegant, really well balanced. Expensive but delicious.

See a recent Beaujolais wine of the week on Tim Atkin MW's website and for more info on the region and its 'crus' see here.

Another full description of Beaujolais wines can be found on Wine Anorak here.
(photo - allposters.com)

HEALTHY VINES - HAPPY WINES..

2011-11-16T07:00:00.005Z

If you are what you eat, you are also what you drink.

If you stuff down rubbishy junk made with many preservatives, corrective chemicals and additives, you feel gross. If you glug mass produced, cheap wine made in the same way, you're likely to feel it too.

Bio-dynamics has the reputation of being a bit loony: moongazing, cow horns, wild vineyards and 'hey man' winemakers.

However, the simple tenet is long term soil, plant and eco-system health leading to less need for chemicals.
The net result is often cleaner, purer, fresher wines with more character and probably fewer hangovers. Once a fringe movement, 'BioD' is becoming mainstream the world over.

Biodyvin is an influential group headed up by bio-dynamic guru, whisky aficionado, Domaine Zind-Humbrecht owner and all round superstar, Olivier Humbrecht MW.
The agricultural method is based on the works of Rudolph Steiner and first started in 1924. For full information, see www.biodyvin.com.

Three bio-dynamic wine recommendations are:

How can you not want to try wines described as 'vibrant, multi-layer beauties with no flab'? The Lirac region in southern Rhone uses old-fashioned French varieties Bourboulenc, Clairette and Grenache Blanc to make minerally, zippy yet full and generous whites. Domaine Duseigneur, Le Blanc 2010 has a premium price tag but hey, beauty comes at a price. See some of the Domaine's range at L'Art du Vin and other Rhone whites at The Wine Society.

Maison Chapoutier is one of the biggest bio-dynamic producers in France. Lovers of the Rhone's signature white single varietal, Viognier will be delighted with Les Granges de Mirabel 2010, Coteaux de l'Ardeche, given suprising freshness, depth and complexity with skilled use of old oak. Buy from Slurp, £13.50.

Swooningly elegant, the wines of Domaine Huet are classy with a capital C. Think Grace Kelly, immaculate blonde bob, twin-set and pearls. Le Haut-Lieu Sec 2010, Vouvray is appley, chewy and persistent, made from the racy Chenin Blanc. Like the ice maiden herself, just lovely. From the Wine Society, £14.95.

Other highly recommended bio-dynamic producers include: Zind-Humbrecht, Champagne Fleury, Domaine Cazes, Domaine Olivier Pithion, Domaine de Juchepie, Domaine Bott-Geyl, Domaine Josmeyer and Domaine Marc Kreydenweiss.

For more information see Biodyvin.

For other bio-dynamic wine reviews this week, see the blog on the award winning website of UK wine writer, Tim Atkin MW.
(photo - data.whicdn.com)

WILD WEST WINES IN ROUSSILLON..

2011-11-15T07:00:00.000Z

The antithesis of corporate blandness is maverick individuals making wines from the heart.

Languedoc-Roussillon on the border of Spain is a former Catalan region that feels as Spanish as French.

An influx of investors and pioneering winemakers from Germany, UK, Mexico and USA makes the area a hotbed of talent.

A brooding, blues-like philosophy is evident, allied to much 'garagiste' production.

Varieties Grenache, Carignan, Syrah and Mouvedre make big reds with distinctive, herby, 'garrigue' character along with concentration and freshness from old vines and altitude.

Grenache Gris is the star for generous, textured whites with savoury spice.

Wine tourism should be kick-started by boutique hotel and winery Riberach in the Agly Valley. Chambres d'Hotes and modest hotels also cater for tourists. There are some excellent restaurants including Pichenouille in Maury and La Table d'Aime in Rivesaltes.

Noted wine producers in the area include Les Clos Perdus (available direct), Domaine Jones (available direct and from Dudley & de Fleury in Notting Hill, London) and Domaine de la Pertuisane (available direct).

Wines not yet available in the UK but worth keeping an eye out for include those from producers: Domain J. Laurens making very good sparkling wines from Limoux, Villa Dondona, Chateau de Gaure, Domaine des Enfants and Clos Centeilles.

Two interesting projects are Domaine of the Bee (available direct) by Justin Howard-Sneyd and Mastrio - a pop-up winery from an acclaimed oeneologist - on a hillside, powered by generator.

Rivesaltes is known for its sweet wines - Vin Doux Naturel (VDN) from producers such as Domaine Gardies and Domaine Cazes. They can be hard to find in the UK, but that is a good reason to visit this exciting region and taste them in situ.

Half an hour south, Couillure, near Banyuls, is a pretty fishing village with rolling hills behind, also full of interesting producers such as Mas Christine and Coume del Mas, who make a fantastic 100% Mouvedre called the Dog Strangler. See here for details and stockists.

Fly to the attractive city of Perpignan with Ryanair, don your cowboy boots and head west. For more info on the Sud de France wines, see here.
(photo - essentialstyleformen.com)

YEAH BABY, NOT JUST RIOJA..

2011-11-14T06:00:00.005Z

There's so much more to Spain than Rioja, one of the most popular red wines in the UK.

The thriving independent retail sector has an ever increasing range of interesting Spanish wines.

Cava remains one of the best selling sparkling wines due to its great value for quality. Made by 'metodo tradicional' - ie secondary fermentation in bottle, like Champagne - the range now available in the UK is as diverse as Champagne.

Three recommendations for Spanish wines from independent shops aka 'boutiques' are:

Anna de Codorniu Brut is a Chardonnay blend with the usual Cava indigenous varieties and has the nutty, brioche-like character of Champagne. A crowd-pleaser at a Christmas party-friendly £9.99, it won't leave a hole in your accounts or stomach lining. Widely available including from Wholefoods and Planet of the Grapes.

Garnacha (aka Grenache) is just so likeable. Soft, fruity and smooth, it is usually found in blends such as Chateauneuf du Pape, Cotes du Rhone, Rioja and here in Priorat. Joan Gine is a Garnacha blend with Carignan and Cabernet Sauvignon and has the typical slate flavours and distinctive minerality. Chewy and velvety in equal measure, this is for hedonistic, terroiristic lovers of big reds. £21.99 from Corks Out and Planet of the Grapes.

As you float about the Balearics on your yacht (as you do), cast your mind to the local island viticulture. 4 Kilos is an 'international blend' of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, dominated by indigenous Mallorca grape Callet. Rich, full and spicy with a long, savoury kick. At £31, one for a classy date over a steak supper in the sunset. Available from The Sampler and Swig.

For great Spanish restaurants in London, check out Camino.

For more info on Spanish wines, see Wines from Spain.
(photo - fashionabout.com)

ORGANIC WINE..

2011-11-11T07:00:00.000Z

Once the preserve of yummy mummies, the organic food movement now encompasses wine.

Demand for more organic wines from consumers and global legislative pressure means compliance with more sustainable grape-growing practices is becoming the norm.

Organic wine doesn't exist in a legal form yet, just 'wine grown from organic grapes'.

In practice this means rules on chemical usage - types and frequency - in the vineyard and a 3 year conversion period from conventional to organic practices for those willing to take on typically a third increase in production costs to do so.

As with food, the price of 'organic' wine will always be higher to reflect this.

Chateau Serame (website here) in the Languedoc will be one of the biggest organic estates in the region when conversion is completed.

For info on the oldest organic vineyard in the UK, see Sedlescombe's website.

For a specialist retailer in the UK of organic wine see Vintage Roots website and to order organic wine along with a weekly veg box, see Able & Cole here.
(photo - apusa.us)

THE LANGUEDOC OUTSIDERS..

2011-11-09T07:00:00.001Z

Along with F.O. shoes and F.O. money, there is F.O. wine.

An exciting, innovative region, doing its own thing, is Languedoc-Roussillon in the south of France.

Diverse soils and climatic conditions along with interesting indigenous grape varieties, some of great age, have attracted many different nationalities to the area.

One such group calls themselves the Outsiders defining their philosophy as 'a different perspective, which sometimes translates as doing things differently.'

The best known member of the group is advertising guru, Sir John Hegarty who, along with his partner Philippa Crane, 'desires to question the status quo.'

The Hegarty Chamans wines are 'aiming for elegance' which they achieve seamlessly, being generous, structured and sophisticated. They are available from UK retailer Adnams.

Two female producers within the group are Domaine Jones, whose fresh, pretty wines are available direct from her website and Chateau Combebelle, in the small Saint Chinian appellation, available via Waitrose and their own website.

The winemaker here has no formal training and says that 'If you can bake a Victoria sponge, you can make wine...' She is evidently a very good cook. See their website here.

The other Outsiders websites are ovineyards, domainetreloar, masdesdames, chateaudangles, rives-blanques, cebene, masgabriel, domaine-de-calet.
(photo - shoesb2c.com)

FINE FITOU..

2011-11-07T06:30:00.019Z

For lovers of big reds, the Sud de France area of Fitou comes into its own.

Modern Fitou has lots of juicy fruit and always an appealing, minerally freshness.

Mont Tauch is the largest producer in the region and also of premium Fitou. It is an innovative co-operative that leads in sustainability.

A single vineyard Fitou, Chateau de Montmal, has just been released.

Made from juicy Grenache, spicy Syrah and characterful Carignan, Chateau de Montmal is a great example of the currently en vogue fruit-driven style with the heft associated with wines from the area.

It is available online from M&S at £77.94 for 6 (£12.99 bottle).

Close by Mont Tauch, the 'wild west' Agly Valley in Roussillon, France is a rugged area between the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean sea, known for big wines with a spicy character called 'garrigues' from the herb scrubland on the hills.

A hotbed of international winemaking talent, who saw the potential of the old vines, among them Grenache and Carignan, produces wine here, including Domaine of the Bee.

Another top quality, artisan producer is Les Clos Perdus, also available in the UK, see website here.

Read about an interesting group of wine makers in the area called The Outsiders here.

See a wine video by Domaine of the Bee here and wine presenter Nathan Nolan's video montage of the area here.
(photo - ivid.it)

BOUTIQUE WINES..

2011-11-03T07:30:00.000Z

The name Boutique Wines conjures up an image of ladies who lunch quaffing fizz whilst trying on Jimmy Choos.

However, the serious sentiment is 'real' wines from people who are 'passionate about producing truly outstanding wine in limited quantities.'

Some countries are better placed to do this, with smaller wine estates, diversity of indigenous (aka native) varieties and a varied 'terroir' suitable for high quality grape growing.

New Zealand, Austria, Portugal and Lebanon are just four with these credentials.

Mara fully exploits the exceptional, cool climate, Central Otago region in New Zealand, known for Pinot Noir to rival Burgundy. Their Decanter 2010 silver medal winner is available from Stevens Garnier shop in Oxford as are the fabulously concentrated, precise wines from Tegernseehof in the historic Wachau region of Austria.

Portugal is well known for its big, juicy, crowd pleasing reds, but also makes outstanding, interesting whites. The Dao region is becoming a top perfoming area, producing medal winning wines. The International Wine Challenge (IWC) 2010 Dao Trophy went to Quinta Do Corujao available from Noel Young.

Lebanese Fine Wines are available from Lea & Sandeman. Modern style, fresh, vibrant blends from Clos de Cana and 'old-school' characterful wines from Domaine des Tourelles both give an interesting perspective on this ancient grape growing land that often gets unfairly sidelined into the 'other' category on the wine shelves.

So, time to forget the Jimmy Choos and hotfoot to a 'proper wine shop' for some 'real wines' - less expense and fewer blisters.
(photo - jimmychoo.com)

ALL THE FUN OF THE WINE GANG FAIR..

2011-11-02T07:00:00.000Z

The Wine Gang is a group of UK wine writers from The Independent, The Observer, House & Garden, janeparkinson and wine-pages.

The next Wine Gang Live 2011 fair is in Edinburgh on 12th November.

There are lots of exhibitors with hundreds of wines to taste as well as winemakers' masterclasses and snapshot wine walks with the gang.

As you taste around the fair, you can order the wines you like at a special discount for the day, to be delivered to your home - making easy Christmas wine rack filling.

For more details and to buy tickets see here.

If you would like to subscribe to the Wine Gang see here.
(photo - cafepress.co.uk)

FOOD & WINE & TV..

2011-10-31T07:30:00.000Z

The UK's top food and wine TV programme is Saturday Kitchen, with James Martin.

Saturday Kitchen is one of the few mainsteam UK TV cooking shows to offer expert and approachable wine advice.
Watch a video here.

Top chefs have their dishes paired with well chosen wines by Olly Smith, Tim Atkin MW, Peter Richards MW, Susie Barrie MW and Susy Atkins.

Olly and Tim have joined forces with the UK's best loved wine expert Oz Clarke as Three Wine Men and have created new, fun wine events starting this autumn.
The next one is at Lord's cricket ground in London on 3rd - 4th December.

To book tickets or for more info, see the website here.

Peter and Susie run the popular Winchester Wine School and new competition, What Food What Wine.

Catch Saturday Kitchen at 10am on BBC1 and on BBC iPlayer here.

(photo - www.mostlyfood.co.uk)

COOL BRITAGNE 'CHAMPAGNE'..

2011-10-28T07:30:00.001+01:00

Today is 'Global Champagne Day'.

With similar maritime climate and chalky, limestone soils, many parts of the UK are now producing sparkling wines as good as Champagne in France.

The most successful ones use the main Champagne grape varities, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.

The key is 'methode Champenoise' aka 'methode Britannique' ie secondary fermentation in bottle to give complexity and ageability.

A new UK producer, Coates & Seely released its first sparkling wine this summer, made from the 2009 vintage, a Pinot Noir and Meunier Brut Rosé NV, to great critical and customer acclaim.

See a review under 'wine of the week' from Joanna Simon, UK wine critic and food and drink editor of House & Garden Magazine.

To register for the 'private list' or to buy the wines, see the website, Coates & Seely. A Blanc de Blancs (from Chardonnay) will be bottled soon.

Another UK producer making top quality sparkling wine is Camel Valley in Cornwall. They won the World Sparkling Rosé Trophy in the International Wine Challenge (IWC) 2010 for their Pinot Noir Brut and a bronze medal this year, 2011.

To buy the wines, see Camel Valley website or Great Western Wine, here.

For more award winning wines, see the English & Welsh Wine Competition organised by the United Kingdom Vineyards Association (UKVA). The full list of awards is published at englishwineproducers.com.

For more information on English and Welsh wines in general, see DrinkBritain.com. To read about UK sparkling wineries, see here.
(photo - fashionising.com)

WINE SOCIETY WINNERS..

2011-10-27T07:00:00.001+01:00

The Wine Society's image may be as cosy as a slouchy cardi but it has plenty of on-trend chic with excellent, well priced wines.

Six recommendations from the winter list are:

Good fizz under a tenner is hard to come by. Limoux in the Languedoc is a reliable region for inexpensive sparklers. NV Blanquette de Limoux Brut Nature Antech, 12%, £9.50, is a bone dry, elegant, fresh alternative to Cava or Prosecco.

Semeli Mantinia Nassiakos, 2010, 12%, £10.95 is crisp and floral, like a dry Muscat. The Moschofilero white grape is widely grown in Greece and shows its best from cooler areas. A winner for girls' get togethers.

When people say a wine is 'for food', it implies depth, complexity, concentration and texture. Jasnieres, Premices, Domaine de Belliviere, 2009, 12.5%, £16 has all these attributes. With surprisingly big mouthfeel for its weight and alcohol, this Loire Chenin would be perfect for dinner party favourite Coquilles St Jacques.

Subtlety is underrated in wine these days. Riesling is a hard sell but can deliver complex, mineral, citrus elegance in a old-fashioned way - like vintage couture. Forst Pechstein Burklin Wolf, 2009, 13%, £31 is the price of a shirt but will give much more pleasure. One for a special dinner for two with someone who knows their Paul Smith from their Primark.

Greek red wines have arrived. The quality of the winemaking now matches the potential of the interesting indigenous varieties. Think Portugal a few years back. Thymiopoulos Naoussa, 2009, 13.5%, £10.95 is sprightly, peppery and juicy with great balance of fruit, freshness and body. Ticks all the boxes for a well made, versatile red for any occasion.

Bargain bottles are disappearing, quite rightly as wine is expensive to make and £10 is the new £5. However, sometimes, cheap and cheerful is needed. Domaine du Bosc, Petit Verdot / Cabernet Franc, Vin de Pays d'Oc, 2008, 12.5%, £6.75 is as good as it gets at this price. Sweet fruit, chewy and dense with masses of flavour, this is your 'bring a bottle' or weekday standby sorted.

To see how the Wine Society works, watch a short video here - of a recent visit by a group of wine bloggers - made by Thirst for Wine.

See The Wine Society website here.

(photo - everycollegegirl.com)

CHIC CHENIN WINES..

2011-10-25T07:00:00.001+01:00

Any man who makes a wine as a present for his wife has got to have his heart in the right place.

Ken Forrester is the undisputed king of Chenin Blanc in South Africa.

The vines are thought to have been brought by the Dutch whose traders may have travelled to France's Loire Valley which is the other region well known for Chenin Blanc in all styles from austerely dry to lusciously sweet.

South Africa now has twice as much Chenin Blanc planted as the Loire and requires three things to make high quality wine - according to Ken Forrester - cool, moderating influence (winds), sun and old vines.

Other factors that make Ken Forrester wines such high quality are hand picking, which keeps local workers employed and organic vineyards - not labelled as such due to onerous fees and regulatory paperwork but as Ken says 'you can put your arm up to the elbow' in the loose, mulched soils, keeping them free-draining leading to disease resistant, healthy vines.

Ken Forrester produces a range of wines from light and easy drinking to complex, single vineyard such as the iconic FMC made for long ageing and finally unctuous, late harvest, sweet wine.

If you're stuck for a present for the love of your life, take a leaf out of Ken's book and wrap up a bottle of the elegant, honeyed T NLH (noble late harvest) named after his wife and available from Great Western Wine.
For general info see winesofsa.uk.com.
(photo - allwomenstalk.com)

SEXY SANGIOVESE WINES..

2011-10-24T07:30:00.000+01:00

Tuscany in Italy is one of the most romantic wine regions, taking in candlelit churches, bustling markets and awe-inspiring Renaissance architecture in the cities of Florence, Siena and Lucca.

The best known wine areas are Chianti Classico, the hill towns of Montepulciano and Montalcino and Maremma in the far south, opposite Elba island, producing upcoming Morellino di Scansano.

The main variety is Sangiovese, with numerous clones now better matched to soil types. Along with more advanced vineyard management, barrel ageing is more subtle and varied, giving wines of elegance and diversity.

Previously abandoned indigenous grapes are being re-discovered such as charmingly soft and spicy Foglia Tonda from Mannucci Droandi (website). Other trends are organic grape growing and re-cultivation of abandoned vineyards, such as at La Spinosa - using Sangiovese and international varieties in their wines. For their website, see here.

The coastal Bolgheri region is an essential pilgrimage for lovers of 'Bordeaux blends' and home to one of the world's most famous wines Sassicaia, made from Cabernets Sauvignon and Franc by Tenuta San Guido.

In Bolgheri town, Enoteca Tognoni Francesco serves all the famous 'Super Tuscan' wines by the glass along with sublime, simple meats, cheeses and pasta. For details, see here.

To buy Sassicaia in the UK, see armit. For organic wines see Les Caves de Pyrene (website) and Vintage Roots (website).

Some recommendations in the region are; hotels Ghiberti in Florence, Villa La Principessa in Lucca (see booking.com) and restaurant L'Osteria in Via dei Rossi in Siena.
For organised wine tours in Tuscany, see Fufluns.
(photo - garboforever.com)

STYLISH SPANISH WINES..

2011-10-21T06:30:00.001+01:00

Some countries sell the lifestyle as well as the wines.

Spain has fantastic weather, great food, fun cities, many different wine styles and hundreds of grape varieties.

The best known Spanish wines in the UK may be red Rioja and sparkling Cava but there is much more to explore, from light, aromatic whites to big, fruity reds.

Watch a video here of Cava being made.

Value for quality continues to be a major strength for Spain - of great importance to the cash-strapped consumer.

Two currently popular white varietals are:
Verdejo from Rueda is similar to Sauvignon Blanc with a fuller body and a refreshing, snappy finish. It comes in all styles from light and herby to oak-aged giving rounded, nutty notes.
Verdejo is widely available now. There are some very accomplished examples from Belondrade y Lurton. Buy from The Solent Cellar.

Albarino from Rias Baixas on the north Atlantic coast, is another white grape having great success. Its distinctive, textured, lemony character makes it a great match for seafood.
One top producer is Pazo de Senorans, available from Virgin Wines, here.

For more info on Spanish wines see here. UK Spanish wine specialists include Spanish Wines Online.

UK supermarket Co-op has a good range from upcoming areas at budget prices.

For seafood recipes and a cooking school, see UK chef Rick Stein's website. For Spanish bars and restaurants in London, see Time Out guide.
(photo - epicself.com)

VIDI, VINO, VENEZIA..

2011-10-20T07:30:00.000+01:00

In Venice, they know how to have a good time.

Probably the most beautiful and romantic Italian city, a grown-up Disneyland it may be, but it is a haven for wine lovers too.

The home of Prosecco - in the way that Barcelona is famous for Cava - there are numerous small wine shops selling this famous sparkling wine.

For a step up, Cartizze is more complex, produced in a small, prestigious, hill-top area within the Conegliano Valdobiadene production zone.

An aficionado's version is cloudy Prosecco called 'Prosecco Colfondo' which has sediment and tastes more savoury and textured. Costadila makes one available in the UK from Harmonicande and Caves de Pyrene.

Venetian restaurants and wine bars often have barrels of the latest vintage on tap, usually a basic red and white, the latter often being the aromatic fruiliano, a glass of which makes a fun early evening pitstop before heading off to the opera or just for a wander along the moody alleys and silent canals.

Not to be missed is Harry's Bar, famous for the white peach juice and Prosecco Bellini and probably the most expensive drink in Italy, but a must-do once.

Other top tips are the canal-side Rialto Market, the glass-producing island of Murano, the Peggy Guggenheim museum (info) and the moving, wind-swept Cimitero island.

For a good blog on Venice by Douglas Blyde, see here and for hotels, see booking.com. BA flies from LHR to Marco Polo, see timetable here.
(photo - Changing Place, Changing Time, Changing Thoughts, Changing Future, 2003, Private Collection, Stetten, Germany, long term loan to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection)

THE WINE SHOW..

2011-10-19T08:00:00.006+01:00

The Wine Show, one of London's biggest wine events, is taking place alongside the highly popular Masterchef Live.

When you buy a ticket for The Wine Show, it includes entry to Masterchef Live.

On at Olympia, W14 (info) from Friday 11th to Sunday 13th November 2011, it is a great chance to meet many wine producers in one place.

Exhibitors include Chateau Civrac, a Cornishman in Bordeaux and Les Clos Perdus, a highly regarded Languedoc producer.

There is a Tasting Theatre with classes all day by well known UK wine experts such as Oz Clarke and Susie Atkins. They will guide you through a particular region or wine style to increase your knowledge.

If fine wine is your interest, Coutts Private Cellar has a wide range of top quality classic wines to taste as well as intimate sessions with experts to hear their advice.

The International Wine Challenge (IWC) is also exhibiting. Visit stand P36 to chat to the friendly staff and taste medal winning wines.

For info on the IWC and to find medal winning wines, see here.

For tickets to The Wine Show see here.
(photo - arnistonbay)

DYNAMIC DOMAINES PAUL MAS..

2011-10-18T07:30:00.001+01:00

Domaines Paul Mas is the closest thing to a wine brand in the Languedoc.

This diverse region of southern France is one of its biggest areas of wine production with numerous interesting indigenous varieties and producers of all sizes from small holders to large co-operatives.

Domaines Paul Mas has a philosophy defined as 'dynamic viticulture' - a 'sustainable agriculture' - working in harmony with the environment and considering the soil as the essential, living element.

A combination of 'ancestral' working techniques and modern technology ensures as good a wine as possible and preserves the environment.

The area has some interesting native grapes such as the white Vermentino, Marsanne and Picpoul.

Reds encompass the usual 'international' grapes such as Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon as well as Cinsault, Carignan and Grenache.

Domaines Paul Mas wines are widely available including from Majestic and Co-op in the UK. The wines are fruit-driven, slick and accomplished yet with individual character and regional expression.

Especially recommended are the textured, round Chardonnay Limoux and the red Mas des Mas de Montpellier, an earthy, spicy Mouvedre, Syrah, Grenache blend.
For more info on the region see here.
(photo - reuters, nypost.com)

BOAR-DEAUX WINE..

2011-10-17T07:30:00.003+01:00

A campaign from Bordeaux promotes food and wine: Good Food Would Choose Bordeaux.

Red wine and cured meat has long been a European tradition. Some favourites are chorizo, salami, bresaola and jamons.

Now in the UK, producers are catching up with the trend, and supplying ethically produced, interesting meats to rival their continental counterparts.

One such producer is the The Real Boar Company, using this native species. They are excellent for meat, being slow growing and lean. These boar live in family groups (known as sounders) with one boar per sounder. The boarlets are weaned at about four months and take up to eighteen months to mature.

Watch this interesting BOAR VIDEO.

Most red wines go well with cured meats, with lighter, less tannic styles the best match. Fuller white wines work too but best of all is rosé with juicy red fruit flavours and freshness to cut the fat.

Bordeaux produces all these styles mainly from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc for reds. Whites are made from Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. Bordeaux rosé wines are usually made from any of the red varieties.
(photo - therealboar.co.uk)

NO PANTS WINES IN M&S..

2011-10-14T07:30:00.003+01:00

With wine becoming part of the 'shopping basket' and women in the UK buying as many as 8 out of 10 bottles sold, retailers matching this trend are thriving.

Supermarket wine ranges have gained a reputation for being brand-led and full of bogus 'half price' deals.

However, purveyor of the nation's underwear, Marks & Spencer (M&S) is known for its top quality wine offer with highly qualified winemakers and buyers selecting and blending in conjunction with respected producers.

M&S has a great sparkling wine range with 'grower Champagne' a particular strength.
Tarlant Brut Nature Champagne NV is a supermodel sparkler from a top producer. With zero dosage for fans of bone dry fizz and those who like to slip into a UK size 8 with ease, it is as taut as a steel cable - £30.00.

The UK's love affair with Chilean wines continues as they offer great value and reliability. Cascara, Limari Valley, Chardonnay, 2010 by de Martino is big and forward with stone fruit flavours, tempered by citrus freshness - £7.99.

For a classy, dinner party white, Vasse Felix, Semillon, 2009 ticks all the boxes; smoky, flinty, elegant and restrained. From a top Aussie producer in Margaret River, this would be great with light fish dishes - £13.99.

Biodynamic and organic wines are moving away from 'beard and sandals' and becoming mainstream. Organic Chablis, Jean-Marc Brocard, 2008 is a step up in complexity and concentration over most price point peers - £14.99.

Innovative producer, Telmo Rodriguez is always pushing the boundaries of Spanish tradition. Pena del Infierno, 2006 is made from the Rioja grape. Its subtle touch waits to hit you on the finish. A Woody Allen wine - £23.00.

Hermitage addicts search high and low for affordable bottles. Domaine Collonge, Crozes Hermitage, 2009 from Jaboulet is mineral, stony and elegant. Lean in a good way, it's a Rhone Syrah fix at a fair price - £12.99.

M&S continues to develop Wine Direct with exclusive parcels and 'Wine Plans' with various themes - a great way for time-poor wine lovers to experiment and enjoy new regions.

M&S justifiably scoops many awards - third year in a row Supermarket of the Year at the International Wine Challenge (IWC) 2010 awards.

With the UK's drawers full of M&S smalls, you can rest assured their wines are as reliable as their undies.
(photo - victoria's secret babes blog)

25% OFF WAITROSE WINES..

2011-10-13T07:00:00.005+01:00

The UK supermarket Waitrose has 25% off all wines between 12th-18th October, for any mix of 6 bottles in store, or 12 online.

Waitrose's wine range reflects the belt-tightening economic climate with plenty of great value bottles as well as fine wines from classic regions.

Four recommendations from the current autumn range are (25% off price):

Graham Beck, Pinot Noir/Chardonnay Brut NV, Western Cape, South Africa £12.99 (£9.74). One's heart can sink at the heavy handedness of some New World sparklers. Not here. Warm, ripe fruit gives an interesting 'Champagne blend' with the fullness lifted by a zippy finish. A great value, crowd pleasing, party wine.

Blason de Bourgogne, 2009, St-Veran, Burgundy, France £10.79 (£8.09). Decent, inexpensive white Burgundy is usually as rare as hens' teeth. However, the 2009 vintage has produced flirtatiously attractive, fruity wines still retaining structure. Excellent value at the offer price. Would be great with home made cheese straws.

Domaine de la Pousse d'Or, 2009, Chambolle-Musigny, Burgundy, France £45.00 (call 0800 188 881). You wouldn't take a hot date to McDonald's (would you?) nor should you plonk a naff wine on the table. Voluptuous and elegant, this IWC winner may be pricey but should get the desired result. Perfect with truffle pasta and a game bird.

Graham's 10 year old Tawny Port, Portugal £19.99 (£14.99). A trendy 'Sipsmith/Absolut' shaped bottle houses this Port lover's favourite. The sweetness is cut by a savoury tang and the caramel flavours go brilliantly with chocolate puddings. Try with foodie classic River Cafe's Nemesis here.

It is currently UK Chocolate Week - check out the best shops and numerous events.

Other current recommendations for Waitrose wines from UK wine writers are on the websites of Tim Atkin MW and Jancis Robinson MW.

Waitrose Wine Direct makes online ordering with home delivery easy. In-store advisors have been joined by Wine Specialists at the end of a phone line to give advice.

There is also a Cookery School in Hampstead offering an array of interesting courses. For details, see here. The spacious, airy kitchen above the Finchley Road branch in NW3 is in a great location and has a relaxed atmosphere.

(photo - imdb.com)

WHISKY GALORE..

2011-10-11T07:30:00.002+01:00

If you thought Scotch Whisky was for old buffers and Rab C Nesbitt, you’re behind the times.

A resurgence of interest from world wide consumers is supported by a raft of young educators and ambassadors, passionate about their subject.

Dave Broom’s Whisky Flavour Map lays out an easy guide for the beginner to start exploring.

Single malts give a specific intensity and blends offer subtle complexity. 12 years wood ageing is the norm for a full bodied dram.
Cask finishing gives an extra dimension with barrels from top wine regions used, imparting residual flavour and colour.

Eddie Ludlow of the Whisky Lounge is an 'evangelist' bringing knowledge to a new generation. A former Oddbins employee, he saw the light and now arranges Whisky Festivals around the UK.

Two good retail and online outlets in London are the Whisky Exchange at Vinopolis next to Borough Market, SE1 and The Vintage House in Old Compton St, W1.

The International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) judges all categories of Whisky each year. See the website for an expert overview of the best available.
(photo - james-bond.org)

CHOCOLATE & WINE PLEASURE..

2011-10-10T07:30:00.002+01:00

To celebrate Chocolate Week, astrologer and TV presenter, Russell Grant wrote a choc-zodiac.

According to the nation's favourite star-gazer, 'each sign has specific tastes.'

Here are suggestions based on Russell's chocoscope with a tipple to match:

Aries 'fruit, rum and fudge fillings' - Cabana bar + Cuba Libre
Taurus 'sexy flavours in expensive wrapping' - L'Artisan du Chocolat truffles + Petrus
Gemini 'chocolate coated marzipan' - Harrods gold dragees + Amaretto
Cancer 'spicy exotic flavours as an emotional uplift' - Fry's Turkish Delight + Chateau Musar
Leo 'the bigger bar the better' - Giant Toblerone + a magnum of Margaux
Virgo 'like to eat healthily' - Chocolate dipped berries + brut zero Champagne
Libra 'novelty shapes will amuse this chocolate lover' - Something edible from Ann Summers + a pina colada
Scorpio 'creamy flavours melting on their tongue' - Melt salted caramel bar + 20 year old Tawny Port
Sagittarius 'smooth dark chocolate laced with aniseed' - Willie's 70% Peruvian single estate + Ouzo
Capricorn 'may be hesitant to step outside their usual boundaries' - Waitrose double pack of 'Continental' + Cotes du Rhone
Aquarius 'decadent fillings with a mix of textures' - Paul A Young chocolates + Vintage Port
Pisces 'smooth chocolate that melts in their mouth' - Green & Blacks + Zinfandel
Credit to www.russellgrant.com.
(photo - humanbodyart.blogspot.com)

SAINT MONT & SAUSAGES..

2011-10-07T08:30:00.010+01:00

Seasonality is catchy marketing speak for the time of year. As jumpers, gloves and Uggs go on when the thermometer drops, so wine choices switch to suit the weather.

Big reds match hearty food. Spicy flavours from ageing in barrel go well with herbs and peppery, meaty dishes.

South west France (Sud Ouest) has a remarkable 150 varieties - 90 of them red - some of the better known ones being Syrah, Merlot, Cabernets Sauvignon and Franc and Tannat - all making comforting, winter warmers. Native grapes such as Duras and Braucol/Pinenc add interest.

The area under the Sud Ouest umbrella name centres around the attractive city of Toulouse, famous for its garlicky sausages. Some of the more commonly seen (in the UK) appellations are Cahors, Gaillac and Cotes de Gascogne.

Two red recommendations from the Sud Ouest are:

Brumont, Merlot/Tannat, 09, VdP des Cotes de Gascogne, 13.5%, £9, available from Highbury Vintners. Feral, mocha aromas and plummy, hedgerow berry flavours are lifted nicely by lean, crisp freshness. A likeable, good value wine that would go well with a charcuterie platter. Try UK company Real Boar Co's excellent cured meats.

Domaine de Pialentou, 'Les Gentilles Pierres' Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot, 07, AOC Gaillac, 13.5%, £8.75, 2005 vintage available from The Wine Society. Chunky and spicy with chewy, toasty tannins, this is begging for a Lancashire hotpot by a roaring woodburner after a wild, windswept walk. Book that November mini-break now. For classic English recipes see BBC Food website.

For reviews of wines from Saint Mont by the well regarded Cave de Plaimont, see Tim Atkin MW and Joanna Simon. For more information on the wines of the region, see Vins de Sud Ouest

For one of the best Toulouse sausages in the UK, see Borough Market's Ginger Pig.
(photo - realliferamblingssa.wordpress.com)

WINE TASTING BASICS..

2011-09-30T07:30:00.000+01:00

Want to learn about wine?

Start at the beginning with this video showing you how to taste wine.

Jamie Goode, one of the UK's top wine writers, takes you through every step HERE.

(photo - wineanorak.com)

FAST FORWARD, SLOW WINE..

2011-09-29T07:30:00.001+01:00

Slow Food was established by Carlo Petrini. The principles are 'good, clean and fair'.

Slow Wine encompasses more than 50 Italian artisan producers reflecting the whole country - Alto Adige to Sicily - and, in keeping with popularity in the UK, many from Piedmont and Tuscany.

Re-cultivating obscure, indigenous varieties is a very welcome, Europe-wide trend - Susumaniello anyone?
Anas-cetta is a tropical-fruit, spicy white from Elvio Cogno in Piedmont. Refosco makes a stylish red blend with Merlot in Friuli Venezia Giulia from Davino Meroi.
The aromatic Aleatico makes delicious, unfortified sweet wine from bird-loving Acquabona family on the island of Elba, whose daughter designed the logo when she was little. How warm and fuzzy is that?

Outstanding Brunello di Montalcino from romantically named Il Paradiso di Manfredo is available from UK merchant, Les Caves de Pyrene as are top quality white Nosiola and red Teroldego from Foradori in Trentino.

Other notable producers are Moroder in Marche using the juicy, late-ripening red Montepulciano grape and Pra, making elegant Soave (Garganega) and Amarone della Valpolicella (Corvina), available via UK importer Boutinot.

There is an English language version of the iPhone app of the Slow Wine Guide 2011. Slow Wine adopts a different approach to wine criticism considering ethical and environmental values as well as taste and value for money.

For more information on Slow Food see slowfood.com.

(photo - "Slow Wine", a conceptual sketch from the notebooks of Illya Furlonge-Walker projectgalvanize.blogspot.com)

COOL WINE SCHOOL..

2011-09-28T07:00:00.001+01:00

If you're fed up with drinking shoddy wine, your post summer resolution could be to take a wine course.

Wine schools and classes have sprung up everywhere and you can learn about any aspect of wine in as formal or informal a setting as you want.

At the fun level, for those seeking more knowledge in a sociable environment, there are numerous classes listed on Local Wine Events.

One award winning London group with a wide range of fun activities is Tastour.

Acclaimed wine schools run by experts from BBC1's Saturday Kitchen are Tim Atkin MW's at Vinoteca, and the Winchester Wine School run by husband and wife team Peter Richards MW and Susie Barrie MW.

Winchester is an hour from London and a great place to spend a short break or weekend with lots of vineyards nearby including Wickham.

A school in Fulham offering all levels of courses from fun to professional is West London Wine School, run by Sherry wine aficionado, Jimmy Smith.

Other popular classes include those run by world-renowned wine expert Michael Schuster - see here.

For details of more classes and schools, including their own, see Decanter magazine's website.

If you want to take it more seriously, the WSET (Wine and Spirit Education Trust) runs professional courses all over the world and from its headquarters in London's Bermondsey Street, leading to the highly accredited 2-year Diploma, its top qualification and recommended for those wishing to go on to study the challenging Master of Wine programme.

One word of warning though, wine learning is so enjoyable that you may end up ditching the day job and joining the wine world.
(photo - collegecandy.com)

GORGEOUS GRENACHE..

2011-09-20T08:30:00.002+01:00

Most foods have a dedicated day. If sausages, doughnuts and mackerel are worthy, grape varieties surely are too.

To bring one little known but widely grown to prominence, International Grenache Day is on 23rd September 2011.

There will be many Grenache-oriented activities. For example, promotions in wine shops, wine-tastings and special restaurant menus.

Many people love Grenache-based wines but are not aware of it. A key element in lots of blends, it rarely gets proper credit on the label.

In numerous regions, old Grenache vines are being uprooted in favour of more familiar grapes.

From white to rosé to sweet fortified wines, as light varietal reds or complex blends, it has historically and most famously been part of red blends from regions like Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Priorat - making great wines but lacking the brand recognition of the 'internationals' such as Chardonnay or Pinot Noir.

If you are enjoying an autumn break in Suffolk this weekend, local merchant Adnams is holding a Grenache supper in Southwold. Adnams has also put together a special case of Grenache based wines. To order online, see here.

(photo - www.loudclothing.com)

CHAMPAGNE STYLES..

2011-09-19T08:00:00.003+01:00

With London Fashion Week in full swing, chic chicks will want to know their on-trend Champagne styles.

The world's most famous sparkling wine is like fashion. You get what you pay for.

The supermarket own label on deal at a tenner is a dress from Primark.

A step up are non-vintage (NV) brands. This is the High Street, from hip Top Shop to square Country Casuals and often where the best value is to be found.

Vintage is similar to designer - an expression of a single year. Think Ralph Lauren - understated, elegant and more expensive.

Finally, there are 'grower' Champagnes. They can be vintage and NV. Imagine them as fashion students' designs at Portobello Market - from deconstructed Issey Miyake-like to retro-70s. This is your chance to enjoy artisan, individual work for a fair price.

UK food retailer M&S specialises in this area as do many independents such as Adnams and The Sampler.

Champagne is usually a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Blanc de blancs are Chardonnay only. Blanc de noirs are Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Meunier. Rosés are usually made from the Pinots for colour with Chardonnay for elegance.

Champagne comes in various sweetness levels ascending from zero dosage, brut and less common in UK but still popular in France; sec, demi-sec and doux.

For more info on Champagne see UK wine expert Jamie Goode's website Wine Anorak.
For in-depth info on Champagne see the work of UK expert, Tom Stevenson, details here.
(photo - westfieldstylenotes.com)

SOME WINE FOR THE WEEKEND SIR?

2011-09-16T08:00:00.003+01:00

In the olden days, a gentleman would pop into his preferred merchant, (who wore a suit and tie) be gently advised on some claret and red Burgundies before easing himself into a three hour lunch followed by a snooze at the club.

This has been replaced for most by a trolley dash down the wine aisles. However, a trip to a 'proper' wine shop pays dividends in quality and wine exploration.

Even if only once a week, visiting an independent and chatting to the staff who will usually have a good knowledge, certainly about their stock, will reward you with far better and more interesting wines.

A group of top independent merchants called The Bunch comprises venerable names Berry Brothers, Yapp Brothers, Tanners and Corney & Barrow along with Adnams and Lea & Sandeman.

The simple philosophy is to champion the cause of independent merchants and individual, grower-made wines. When you think of the effort many people go to, seeking out good food in farmers markets and delis, it makes sense to match that with better wines, at least at the weekends. No suit and tie required.

All the merchants above have websites with online ordering and delivery. Adnams also has highly recommended hotels in Suffolk and Norfolk.
(photo - elle.com)

CHARMING CHIANTI..

2011-09-14T06:00:00.003+01:00

Chianti from Tuscany offers excellent value red in all price ranges and numerous styles.

It is the third most popular Italian wine in USA restaurants according to Wine & Spirit Magazine's annual poll wineandspiritsmagazine.com.

The Chiantigiana is one of the most scenic roads in Italy, running from Florence to Siena through vineyards producing Chianti Classico DOCG - the highest Chianti classification.

The best time of year to visit the area is at harvest time in September.
Many towns celebrate with wine festivals (festivals-of-tuscany) including Vagliagli, which has a parade, dancing and fabulous local food and wine. At the family-owned Fattoria Montagliari (fattoriamontagliari) estate, there is a restaurant offering traditional Tuscan cooking and breathtaking views over the Greve valley. Villa Trasqua (villatrasqua) in Sinalunga offers a guided tour of the cellars with a wine tasting.

As with all wine regions, temperature has a major impact on the ripening of the grapes just before harvest to determine the wine's aromatics. Sangiovese is the main grape of Chianti, with other local varieties and sometimes Merlot for roundness. Cooler weather will produce a fresher wine with cherry and raspberry flavours. A warmer end to the season will impart a baked plum and prune-like character.

If you love cooking and want to make the most of Tuscany's enoteca (wine shops) and local ingredients, rent a villa with family or friends and live the dolce vita; eating, drinking and relaxing by the pool. To Tuscany has a wide choice throughout the Tuscan wine regions. Visit www.to-tuscany.com.

For more info on Chianti Classico see chianticlassico.com.
(photo - to-tuscany.com)

COOL CHILE..

2011-09-13T07:00:00.003+01:00

Chilean wine is often seen as the backing singer or fitting model - dependable, attractive and unobtrusive.

In the mainstream mid-market, it delivers well-made consistency - juicy, crowd-pleasing reds and crisp, inexpensive whites.

However, Chile is keen to be associated with headline acts and catwalk stars too, employing currently popular wine-making methods such as 'wild yeast fermentation' and producing varietals other than just Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc.

Regionality is the new buzz word - a 'terroir' differentiation based on soil, aspect, altitude and aspiring to wines that 'speak of their place' not just the perfectionist wine-making style that many so-called 'New World' producers aim for.

Errazuriz is one of the oldest family producers in Chile, founded in 1870 and based in Aconcagua Valley. It believes that matching grape varieties and clones to suitable locations is key to producing premium quality wines.

Pioneering vineyard development in Aconcagua is striving to grow cool climate grapes such as the elusive Pinot Noir.

Syrah and Chardonnay are also grown here, making more sophisticated styles. The cool valley of Casablanca nearby is also recognised as having a particular meso-climate conducive to high quality production.

For more information on Errazuriz see and Wines of Chile website here.
(photo - Steve Casimiro - nationalgeographic.com)

WINE & FOOD..

2011-09-09T08:00:00.092+01:00

Wine without food is like sex without
love - only half the pleasure.

There are numerous wine and food matching websites and blogs. One of the longest established is Matching Food and Wine.

A new wine competition, What Food What Wine, judges wines on their compatibility with classic dishes. See the winners here along with recipes by Jo Pratt.

A fun, end of summer competition being run by Diablo SupperClub is to match seasonal recipes to Chilean wines. Simply create a dish to go with one of the selected Casillero del Diablo wines - Chardonnay, Shiraz Rosé or Carmenere and post a photograph here.

Six winners will win two places at the Waitrose Cookery School followed by a night in a London hotel. There are also 3 runner up prizes of cases of wine.

The Casillero del Diablo Chardonnay is full bodied, with tropical fruit flavours lifted by a fresh finish. It can take meaty fish and the citrussy tang cuts through pastry. A salmon en croute with beurre blanc could fit the bill.

The Casillero del Diablo Shiraz Rosé has vibrant red berries, gentle spice and a raspberry ripple creaminess that would be great for a 'chevre chaud' goats' cheese salad with interesting leaves, crispy lardons and herb croutons.

The Casillero del Diablo Carmenere is smooth and deep with toasty, mocha character. Roast lamb, kebabs or tagine are all good with big reds. An award winning campaign, Carmenere Made For Curry, highlights this varietal's affinity with spicy foods.

Casillero del Diablo wines are widely available, including from Waitrose and Tesco.

The Diablo SupperClub competition closes on 20th September. For recipe inspiration, watch BBC1's Saturday Kitchen on iPlayer here.
(photo - glamourvanity.com)

CROATIAN WINE..

2011-09-08T07:30:00.000+01:00

If you ever wondered where Croatia is, it faces Italy across the Adriatic sea.

The indigenous white Malvasia Istriana grape is a distant brother of Mediterranean Malvasia but where it often produces sweet wines in France, Italy and Madeira, it is mostly dry in Croatia.

Istria is a key region to the north of Croatia producing complex, interesting wines from this variety as well as the international line-up including Chardonnay and Syrah.

Malvasia Istriana is often aged using acacia wood barrels, giving a piercing freshness.

Top producers include Roxanich, making a classy range at premium prices with their 'SuperIstrian' wine - a name to capture international consumers to an emerging region, full of winemaking history, stories and talent.

If the exciting wine scene were not reason enough to visit, Croatia is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, see www.croatia-beaches.com.

(photo - teenvogue.com)

POCKET WINE..

2011-09-06T07:00:00.001+01:00

Hugh Johnson (info) is one of the UK's most prolific and well known wine writers.

See a video of Hugh demonstrating his sabrage skill on Decanter.com here.

The Pocket Wine Book is one of Hugh Johnson's most famous books, selling more than 11 million copies over an equally impressive 35 years.

The 2012 edition has packed in even more information including a colour supplement on the South of France.

The allure of the Grenache grape, innovative producers, the importance of rosé and the Mediterranean food culture explain the popularity of this beautiful wine region.

The slimline, portable book is a meticulous combination of guide, dictionary, vintage reference and personal recommendation, separated into region and country chapters.

Particularly topical is the section on alternative wine suggestions. The variety listings are very useful for people just starting to feel their way along the wine shelves. The vintage guides will appeal to collectors and those buying fine wine to drink now.

The book is available now on Amazon. It also comes as an App.

(photo - amazon.com)

BORDEAUX TO DRINK..

2011-09-01T07:30:00.003+01:00

The most stray dogs at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home used to be Border Collies and Jack Russells.

Breeds may change with fashion, but anything difficult is easily abandoned, in products as well as pets.

Bordeaux has high consumer recognition yet many people don't drink the wines on a day to day basis.

They are among the most diverse and interesting wines in the world, but they vary widely in price and quality. Moreover, they can be seen as challenging due to their elitist image. Hence, less confident wine consumers often don't explore them.

The re-listing of the popular category, Cru Bourgeois should help, including dinner-party stalwarts such as Chateau Greysac, available from Majestic.

Chateau Carignan in the Cotes de Bordeaux AOC is a good example of a producer making affordable Bordeaux with youthful labels and approachable, fruity wines, made to enjoy now.

For information on Chateau Carignan, see here and to buy this and other wine from Bordeaux Wine Investments, see here.

Bordeaux is promoting a Good Food Enjoys Bordeaux campaign. Jaunty graphics put forward the idea that the wines are for eating with.

With red blends made from such a wide range of varieties - Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot - they certainly show their best at the dinner table.

Whites from Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon are excellent with or without food, as are the full-bodied rosés.

The sweet wines of Sauternes and Barsac have long been underrated and are some of the best wine bargains on the shelves.
They are particularly good for special dinners with foie gras, artisan cheeses and chocolates.

For expert UK critics' tasting notes on Bordeaux wines, see jancisrobinson.com and timatkin.com.

For one of the best websites on the region, see newbordeaux.com.
(photo - winedogs.com)

TANGO & TORRONTES..

2011-08-26T08:30:00.003+01:00

Tastes of Argentina is an exciting event coming up at London's Vinopolis - situated in foodie heaven, the huge Borough Market, London SE1.
See a video by organiser Decanter here and buy tickets here.

Taking place on Saturday 10th September, there will be hundreds of great wines to try, masterclasses, food matching and tango.

For more info on Argentine wine, see here.

For an excellent range of wines from one of the biggest Argentine specialists in the UK, see AWOL.
(photo - canopus.co.nz)

WINE HARVEST..

2011-08-25T08:30:00.001+01:00

Harvest time in the northern hemisphere runs from August to October, depending on the area and the weather.

Watch a video of grapes being picked at Hush Heath Estate in Kent, in the UK.
(photo freedating.co.uk)

FOOD & WINE FAIRS..

2011-08-22T07:15:00.051+01:00

What better way to enjoy the 'season of mists and mellow fruitfulness', than with relaxed weekends out of town?

There are numerous food and wine fairs at the end of the summer, focusing on a particular area, its people and produce.

Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival swings into action on the weekend 24 - 25th September - info here.

There will be over 90 producers at the atmospheric Snape Maltings along with activities and talks by well-known foodies such as Valentine Warner, Matthew Fort and Fergus Henderson.

Watch a video here of Valentine making deep fried courgette flowers, in season now.

The Suffolk Heritage Coast is a hot-bed of food and drink production with top quality butchers and farm shops along the scenic country roads. Friday Street is one of the best in the area, with 'pick your own' - great fun for children.

Orford, near Snape Maltings, is a little-known oasis of tranquility with the famous Butley Orford Oysterage, Richardsons smokehouse and the Crown and Castle run by TV hotel guru Ruth Watson.

The Jolly Sailor on Quay Street in Orford is one of the best pubs in the area with big rooms and camping in the orchard.

The thriving, unspoilt, seaside town of Aldeburgh has many food and wine shops including the small but well-stocked Marc1wines and excellent, casual restaurants.

Adnams, one of the UK's top wine merchants, has shops in Aldeburgh, Southwold and hotels in Suffolk and Norfolk.

For places to stay, see Owner's Direct.
(photo - pauseliveaction.wordpress.com)

GOOD VALUE FRENCH WINES..

2011-08-18T08:30:00.024+01:00

The French have a word 'buvabilité' meaning drinkability.
See a simple video here of how to assess a glass of wine for its 'drinkability'.

The diversity of French wines allows most consumers to find a region, style or blend they like.

Independent retailers in the UK say France remains the most popular country on their shelves.

Classic regions such as Champagne, Sancerre, Burgundy, Bordeaux and Provence may be the most familiar names but other less well known regions offer great value for money.

The Loire Valley Val de Loire Wines is an excellent region for sparkling wines and Sauvignon Blanc as alternatives to Champagne and Sancerre respectively. Try Slurp Wines.

In the south of Burgundy, Beaujolais offers fantastic value reds from the Gamay grape, similar to a lighter Pinot Noir and with lots of interesting style variations from the 10 Beaujolais 'crus' such as Chiroubles and Brouilly, to name just two of the ten. Find some at The Sampler.

Hard-core Bordeaux lovers are reluctant to stray from their region but Bergerac to the east offers the 'Bordeaux blend' Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc at an everyday price tag. M&S has good examples.

Pale salmon-coloured, minerally rosé from Provence has become a 'classic' in recent years, made from Grenache and Cinsault. The Languedoc-Roussillon Sud de France is an exciting, upcoming area producing top quality, great-value wines including rosés. A big range is available at Majestic.

With most UK retailers offering a wide range from areas giving good value, it's not hard to find great French drinking.

For more info on French wines see here.

(photo - lazy-lisaa.blogspot.com)

WINE SHOPS..

2011-08-12T07:30:00.004+01:00

If you're fed up with the 'wall of wine' in super markets, visit an interesting independent instead. They are currently springing up on every street corner.

Andrew Neather, wine writer for the Evening Standard, recommends a few in London, here.

Watch a fun video here of a visit to a wine shop in Paris.

(photo - babelwine.com)

TESCO'S FINEST WINES..

2011-08-11T07:30:00.001+01:00

Tesco is one of the biggest wine retailers in the UK and has admitted that sub £5 wine is not sustainable.

With 8 out of 10 bottles sold in supermarkets and 80% of those bought by women, leading the way in responsible wine retailing is up to the big boys.

Tesco is increasing its range in the £7-£10 category which offers better wine quality for the consumer and allows profitability in the supply chain.

This is a moving closer to a more realistic price for a bottle of good quality table wine within the context of comparable food products. For example, proper cheese is around £1.80 per 100g. A standard 750ml bottle at £7.99 is £1.90 a 175ml glass (4.2 per bottle), pro rata.

Recommendations from the current range include:
Tesco Finest Premier Cru Champagne NV, £19.99. A gold medal winner at the 2011 International Wine Challenge (website), this light, fresh, citrus style - Chardonnay/Pinot Noir - is a great aperitif or summer party fizz at a fair price.

Tesco Finest Soave Superiore Classico, £6.99. Italian whites have shot onto the radar for their value, texture and freshness. This one has all that and a lovely, snappy, sage-herb finish. Perfect for weekday pasta suppers.

Tesco Finest Cotes de Provence Rose, £7.99. Provence pinks are everywhere lately, of variable quality. This charmer is mineral and dry with wild strawberry flavours and pleasing substance. Refreshing 6 o'clock sipper.

Chateau D'Issan Margaux 2005, £420 case of 6 (£70 per bottle). OK, it's expensive but those of us without cellars or wine investment budgets have to pay a premium for classed growth Bordeaux when it's ready to drink. A warm, ripe, highly acclaimed vintage, this has chewy, sweet plums and dried fruit character with the Margaux pedigree and elegance. One to share with friends for a special occasion.

For Tesco Fine Wine by the Case, see here.

To find any wine, including fine wines, see Wine Searcher, here.
(photo - iwillteachyoutoberich.com)