Simon
-
New Research Adds to the Story of Wine and Health
Up to recently, there has been an intriguing relationship between culture, diet and health outcomes, particularly focusing on the Mediterranean diet and the historic and cultural significance of wine. The concept of the French Paradox played a central role in this narrative, highlighting the seemingly contradictory observation that the French population enjoys a lower incidence…
-
Italian Whites for Food
Fiona Beckett in The Guardian Newspaper discusses how Italian wines, particularly white wines, are specifically crafted to complement food. It highlights that Italian wines often lack overt fruit flavours or excessive oakiness, maintaining lower alcohol levels to enhance rather than overwhelm simple, seasonally focused dishes. The article notes the appeal of Italian whites due to…
-
Wine With Sweet Course
Pairing wine with sweet courses, such as desserts, is a great way to enhance the overall dining experience. The key is to select wines that complement or contrast the flavours in the dessert without overwhelming them. Here are several wine options to consider for various types of sweet courses: Tips for Pairing:
-
Free Booze Cruises
French wine shops Calais Vins and Olivier Vins have collaborated with P&O Ferries to offer British citizens complimentary ferry trips to Calais for wine purchases. This partnership allows customers who spend €300 or more at these stores to receive a free return day trip from Dover to Calais, with a three-day return trip available for…
-
Evolution of the Drinks Industry
Drinks retailing news has an interview with Mauricio González-Gordon, president, González Byass known for brands like Beronia, Tio Pepe, Quinta do Noval, Wirra Wirra, Jackson Estate and Disznókő Tokaji. Mauricio González-Gordon has a long background in the drinks industry, spanning over three decades. He has witnessed substantial changes in winemaking origins and global consumption patterns….
-
Ángeles de Amaren
The Bodegas Ángeles de Amaren Rioja 2017 is a modern interpretation of Rioja Alavesa, consisting of a blend of 85% Tempranillo and 15% Graciano grapes. I thought I’d try this wine again having previously singled it out at a Rioja tasting, although the vintage I received via retail is 2017, rather than 2019 as was…
-
Wine With Chinese Food
Chinese food is known for its diverse flavours ranging from sweet and sour to spicy and umami. Here are some wine recommendations that can complement the variety of tastes found in Chinese cuisine: The key to pairing wine with Chinese food is to consider the dominant flavours of the dish—whether it’s spicy, sweet, sour, or…
-
Wine With Fish
Pairing wine with fish can offer a harmonious blend of flavours. The best wine choice often depends on the type of fish and its preparation. Here are some general guidelines: Light and Delicate FishFor fish that are light and delicate in flavour, such as sole or flounder, opt for light-bodied white wines. A classic choice…
-
Different Wine Pairings
Will Lyons in The Times, has an article on Six Wine Pairings That Break the Rules and Work. (Might be behind paywall now because is only visible for short time to get indexed by search engines). Will provides a selection of wines offering a variety of options to pair with a range of dishes, emphasising…
-
Kir-Yianni Assyrtiko
The Kir-Yianni Assyrtiko 2022 from Greece is an example of the increasing popularity and distinctive character of the Assyrtiko grape, traditionally associated with the volcanic terroir of Santorini. However, under the stewardship of Stelios, the son of Yiannis who founded the Kir-Yianni winery, this particular variant is cultivated in the cooler, higher altitude vineyards of…
-
Wine With Fish and Chips
Pairing wine with fish and chips can elevate this classic comfort dish to a more sophisticated culinary experience. Given the crispy, fried nature of the fish and the savoury flavours of the chips, you’ll want a wine that can cut through the richness while complementing the delicate taste of the fish. Here are a few…
-
Do You Want a ‘Watered’ Down Version of a Wine?
Richard Siddle writes on the London (Trade) Wine Fair web site on how our wines might be changing soon, without our consent. Richard discusses the complexities and strategies behind wine selection and sales in retail outlets, driven primarily by industry dynamics rather than consumer preference. Factors like international currency strength, harvest quality and government taxes…
-
Roche Lacour Crémant de Limoux
This sparkling wine captures the essence of the South of France, specifically from beneath the hills of Limoux. It is made from a blend of 60% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Noir and 20% Chenin Blanc and is 12.5% ABV. This 2020 vintage heralds the return of Laurent Mingaud, its original winemaker, who brings his expertise back…
-
Co-op Buy 3 Save £5
Co-op Members have the opportunity to save £5.00 when purchasing three bottles of wine. This offer includes a broad selection of wines and sparkling priced over £7. The promotion will be in effect from the 3rd to the 23rd of April 2024, inclusive. Examples of wines included in the deal are…Les Pionniers NV ChampagneThe Ned…
-
Crémant Rising in Popularity in the UK
An article in Joe discusses a shift in the UK’s sparkling wine preferences, with Crémant emerging as a popular alternative to Prosecco. Despite Prosecco’s continued popularity, with Brits consuming around 130 million bottles annually and making up nearly 25% of Italy’s exports of the sparkling wine to the UK, the French sparkling wine Crémant is…
-
Wine With Chicken
Pairing wine with chicken offers versatility due to the wide range of preparation methods and flavours chicken dishes can encompass. The ideal wine pairing depends on the preparation and seasoning of the chicken. Here are some classic pairings to consider: The key to a successful pairing is balancing the intensity of flavours between the dish…
-
Co-op Online Rioja Tasting
Co-op has introduced an innovative online wine tasting series, granting members exclusive opportunities to engage directly with the winemakers responsible for their own-brand wine range. This initiative is designed to spotlight the exceptional talent behind Co-op’s wine selection and to educate members interested in expanding their wine knowledge. Each session, taking place monthly, will explore…
-
The Challenges of Contemporary Wine Scoring
WineMag has an informative article by Jamie Goode, who wrote the Wine Science book, that looks into wine scores. Jamie notes a significant expansion in the wine criticism landscape, with numerous critics adopting the 100-point scale, except for a few like Jancis Robinson who opted for a 20-point scale. However, Jamie observes a narrowing in…
-
Lighter Wines for Spring
Fiona Beckett in the Guardian Newspaper, discusses the shift towards lighter red wines suitable for spring, highlighting the changing preferences in wine styles towards lighter, fresher varieties. This change isn’t limited to traditional wine regions but is also seen in areas like Australia, South Africa and Chile. Even grapes typically associated with fuller-bodied wines, such…
-
Wine With Duck
Duck is rich, flavourful, and can be prepared in various ways, each influencing the best wine pairing. The right wine can complement the duck’s richness and enhance its flavours. Here are some suggestions: The preparation and accompanying ingredients of the duck dish are crucial in selecting the perfect wine. Consider the dish’s primary flavours and…
Recent
-
Tesco Autumn Winter Tasting
-
Majestic Autumn Winter Tasting
-
25% Off Wine at Tesco
-
The Grape Unveiling
-
Hatch Mansfield Autumn Portfolio Tasting
-
Villa Maria Seaspray Sauvignon Blanc
-
Virgen del Galir Val do Galir Godello
-
Viña Pomal 106 Barricas
-
Aldi Autumn Winter Wine Tasting
-
Rising Corkage Fees to Upwards of £100