Supporting the Underdog this Christmas Wine If anyone orders Merlot, I’m leaving. I am NOT drinking any f****** merlot!”. It was the line, uttered by Paul Giamatti in the film ‘Sideways’, that triggered a two per cent drop in Merlot sales in the USA and relegated the grape to underdog status for years to come. It is still trying to claw [...]
High Low Pairings: Fried Chicken Wine It was the revered Château d’Yquem that first introduced me to the beauty of the high-low pairing when they served their premier sweet wine with KFC-style fried chicken. It was the taste sensation I never knew I needed, and I set out to discover what other fine wines would enhance the humble (but rightfully beloved) [...]
The Naked Truth Wine Charles and Ruth Simpson, co-founders of Simpsons’ Wine Estate and Domaine Sainte Rose, tell Libby Brodie about their journey with Naked Wines How did you get Naked? We started working with Naked Wines in 2012 and they were with us from the outset, helping us through our first vintage in 2016. An amazing 1,200 Angels pre-purchased a case [...]
Move over Malbec: Why There’s more to Argentina November 12, 2024 Argentina is famed for its wine; in fact, wine is legally recognised as the country’s national beverage. Historically its famed Malbec has had ‘Main Character Energy’ but, on a recent trip to the wine region of Mendoza (pronounced ‘Mendosa’ with an ‘s’), there were some other finds that struck me with their star quality. Eduardo [...]
Rowing – Outdoorsy vs Outsidey November 6, 2024 I have recently been made aware of the important difference between being “Outdoorsy” and being “Outsidey”. The main distinguishing factor here appears to be that the former requires some type of skill or capacity for endurance. It is the difference between enjoying a long countryside walk to a good pub for lunch and signing up [...]
Bonfire Night Wines November 5, 2024 During the time of Guy Fawkes, the historical figure for whom today’s Bonfire Night was created, drinking water was often riddled with dirt and germs meaning fermented or brewed alcoholic beverages were deemed safer to drink. Ale and beer, both lower in alcohol than modern day versions, were the staple of most adults and children [...]
The Naked Truth October 30, 2024 The love child of Adam Barton and Amy Lane, Atlas Wines began as a vineyard of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon in Australia’s Clare Valley. Here Adam tells us more about their partnership with Naked How did you get Naked? Amy and I were approached by Naked Wines in 2012 after our Atlas Wines received some national press. [...]
What to wash your Halloween haul down with October 29, 2024 Never has there been a festival so associated with sweet treats as Halloween and now is the time to stock up for trick-or-treaters. Whether clearing the leftovers or raiding your child’s haul there is a way to make the experience even better with a glass of the good stuff. Chocolate I tend to go with [...]
Wine Cocktails are Winning Gen-Z October 23, 2024 Wine is wonderful, but a certain demographic (I’m looking at you Gen Z) seem to increasingly prefer cocktails. “Customisation is key, which is why cocktails are the perfect drink of choice for Gen Z,” says Carmen O’Neal, Saturday Kitchen’s spirits expert and founder of 58 and Co distillery. “Cocktails can be tailored to their tastes [...]
The Naked Truth October 16, 2024 Kieron Atkinson – aka ‘Tom Booze’ – is founder of the English Wine Project and winemaker at Renishaw Hall. We quiz him on the future of winemaking. Why did you get Naked? Being part of Naked Wines is being part of the best wine club in the world. As a producer I get to meet [...]