Articles
-
Who are WineGB?
The UK wine production industry has seen a remarkable surge in recent years, and at the forefront of this burgeoning sector is Wines of Great Britain Limited, commonly known as WineGB. Established on 1st September 2017, WineGB emerged from the merger of two key industry bodies: the United Kingdom Vineyards Association (UKVA) and English Wine…
-
Understanding and Using Wine Ratings
The world of wine can be a complex and sometimes intimidating space with countless varieties, regions, and producers, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This is where wine ratings come into play. They offer a guide to help navigate the vast landscape. However, it’s important to understand wine ratings to know why it’s possible you might…
-
What is Vegan Wine?
Vegan wine is wine that is made without using any animal products during the winemaking process. While it might seem surprising that wine could contain animal products, traditional winemaking often involves the use of substances like gelatin, egg whites or fish bladder proteins (isinglass) to clarify and stabilise the wine. These substances help to remove…
-
How Long To Keep Wines
Contrary to popular belief, not all wines get better with age. While some wines do indeed mature well, many are meant to be enjoyed in their youth. Only a small 1% of wines are designed to be stored for extended periods. The vast majority are best drunk when they’re fresh, lively and bursting with their…
-
Understanding Biodynamic Wine
Biodynamic vineyards view farming holistically, seeing the farm as a closed ecosystem where everything is interconnected. It goes beyond organic, emphasising the connection between the farmer, the vine, the earth and even celestial bodies like the sun, moon, and stars. This might sound unconventional, but since its inception in the 1920s by Austrian scientist Rudolph…
-
What is Organic Wine?
As consumers become more conscious of what they consume and its impact on the environment, organic wine has become more popular. But what exactly sets organic wine apart from its regular counterpart? And is it truly better for you? The Difference Between Organic Wine and Regular Wine The primary difference between organic and regular wine…
-
The Truth About ‘Contains Sulphites’ on a Bottle of Wine
If you’ve ever looked closely at the label of a wine bottle, you might have noticed the words ‘contains sulphites.’ What does this mean and should it concern you? Since 2005, it has been a requirement by law to declare sulphites if the present level is 10 mg/l or higher. This isn’t something new to…
-
The Art of Wine Serving: Ideal Temperatures for Red and White Wines
Something that’s often overlooked, but plays a significant role in your wine-drinking experience, is the temperature at which the wine is served. Serving wine at its ideal temperature can dramatically enhance its quality, revealing its complexity, balance, and true flavour.
-
Bulk Packaging and Local Bottling
A hidden part of the UK wine industry to consumers, is the process of bulk packaging, transporting and local UK bottling of wine. This reduces transportation costs and the environmental impact but also carries implications for the provenance and authenticity of the wine. If you look at the back label of a bottle you might…
