Riesling is often described as “racy.” The term usually refers to its high acidity but is even more apt when the same wines have that slight whiff of racing fuel. What causes this? Bottle aging and warm weather are two reasons most often given, but it’s more complicated than that. Isn’t it always? If you’re [...]

Selecting the perfect yacht juice Yachts? Rosés? But the markets are tanking and the summer is over! Damn the reality1, full speed ahead! For the past few years rosé sales have power-sailed at a record pace. No one knows exactly why given their perpetual image problem due to (in no apparent order): White Zinfandel Rosé [...]

This article appeared in the June 2007 edition of Connections Magazine (Ireland) People who know nothing about wine – no, not you, I’m talking about people who think Chardonnay is a brand name – somehow know enough to say “I like a dry wine” even if they don’t. Yes, the underlying insecurities that seem to [...]

These are my top ten most memorable and enjoyable wines from the past year. The only common thread in this eclectic group is that most would be good stumpers in a blind tasting. In no apparent order: Valdespino Coliseo Amontillado VORS Sherry I’ve heard that this wine can split the room in a group of [...]

The brief for this month’s Wine Blogging Wednesday given by William Wilson at Wine for Newbies is a to try a white varietal wine that isn’t Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.

Lemberger is probably not the best name for a wine. The first thing that springs to mind is a seriously stinky industrial cheese (Limberger). Something your father or grandfather ate after loosing a bet.

I was very pleasantly surprised to find a selection of Domaine Viret at my local Lea and Sandeman’s here in London.

All self-respecting wine geeks should try Château Musar at least once. Not just because of its unique character but also the historical significance and oddness of its region.

As a huge fan of Rhone Syrahs from Cornas to Cote Rotie, the memory of an excellent 2001 Chapoutier La Sizeranne Hermitage I had for New Year’s dinner definitely influences this note.

The 2001 Berthomieu Cuvée Charles de Batz Madiran was an unusual but excellent pairing with Cauliflower and Stilton Soup.