Monthly Archives: October 2010

Just had a note through from Loire specialist Charles Sydney detailing how tough conditions are for many growers in the Loire. Cheap wine will always be with us, but not without a human cost. Click on the picture of Charles to find out more… And an interesting idea about revamping […]

The real cost of selling £6 wine in the UK

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(Yes, I know it says Part 1 in the corner of the video, but it is Part 2 – the real Part 1 with the whites is here) Clos du Tue Boeuf Cheverny Rouge 2009, Loire, France (£12.99 Les Caves de Pyrene, Wadebridge Wines, Bacchus Wines, Philglas & Swiggot) Joyful […]

Natural Wines Part 2 – The Reds

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Did a piece for Spectator Scoff recently all about natural wines – you’ll find it here. Have to confess that it’s the first time I’ve ever started an article in such a fashion, but that’s just the effect that natural wines have on a boy. If reading’s not your thang […]

Natural Wines Part 1 – The Whites

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M&S Bordeaux Merlot 2008, France (£6.29 Marks and Spencer – they’ve moved on a vintage since I tasted this) Simple, gentle wine with a leafy edge to its plum, berry and blackcurrant flavours and just a hint of mint humbug. C+ Château de Pitray Côtes de Castillon 2006 (£8.99 Majestic) […]

An assortment of red Bordeaux + a Sauternes to finish

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Hacienda Araucano Syrah Reserva 2009, Lolol Valley, Chile (N/A in UK) Delicious gluggable youngster, unhampered by oak, awash with bouncy bramble and berry, flesh, with a finish that combines notes of pepper, spice and herbs with a charred character. You could almost chill this. S- Mont Tauch Fitou Terroir d’Altitude […]

Zinfandel, Fitou and Southern Hemisphere Syrah/Shiraz

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