This blog began as a record of taking the WSET Diploma, during which I studied and explored wines and spirits made all around the world. Having passed the Diploma and become a WSET Certified Educator, the blog has become much more: a continual outlet for my passion for the culture of wine, spirits, and beer.
I aim to educate in an informal, enlightening, and engaging manner. As well as maintaining this blog to track my latest enthusiasms, I provide educational tastings for restaurants and for private groups. Details can be found on the website, and collaborations are welcome.
Wine is my primary interest and area of expertise and this blog aims to immerse the reader in the history of wine, to understand why wine tastes like it does, and to explore all the latest news. At the same time, beer and spirits will never be ignored.
For the drinker, whether casual or professional, today is a good time to be alive.
Priorat is one of Spain's most prestigious regions, the vines grown on steep slate slopes. Garnatxa (Grenache) and Carinyena (Carignan) are the two most important varieties, often from old vines. The wines of Priorat are known as big and full-bodied, but as I learnt on a recent visit there's a lot more diversity than that.
Mourvèdre is a grape best known as part of a Rhône blend with Grenache and Syrah, but it makes fantastic wine in its own right and in a wide range of styles. Originally from Spain where it's known as Monastrell, it's also planted in California and Australia where it's sometimes called Mataró. Whatever its name, Mourvèdre prefers a warm Mediterrean climate - in Spain, France, California, Australia, and California.
All-encompassing interview with Edouard Parinet of Château du Moulin-à-Vent, covering Beaujolais, Gamay, and the cru of Moulin-à-Vent itself. This is Beaujolais inside out — Edouard recognised the name of a restaurant before I'd even described it!
Priorat is one of the most historic wine regions in the Mediterranean, with plantings by monks going back to the 1200s. However, its modern history was only resurrected in the late 1980s—the region is a combination of the old and the new. In this interview, Ricard Rofes of Scala Dei, Priorat's oldest winery, talks about the history of Priorat, the climate and soils, the grape varieties, old vines, and in general the character of Priorat in relation to Catalan culture.
Interview with Mayte Calvo de la Banda of Bodegas Bilbainas/Viña Pomal in Rioja, in which we talk about the winery, different grape varieties, how the vineyard influences the style of the wines, and overall trends in a traditional region which is always changing.
Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio are the same grape variety, yet very different wines are made from them. That gives an indication of the versatility of the variety, which this episode explores—from simple and neutral to rich and aromatic and all levels of sweetness, from Alsace to northern Italy to Germany to New Zealand to Oregon to all places in between.
Interview with Alex Rosanelli of Hound's Tree Winery on Long Island, New York. We talk about Long Island's climate, the challenges that come with it, and the grape varieties best suited to the moderate temperatures and the Atlantic growing conditions, particularly Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Long Island is a young and exciting wine region—listen and learn
Riesling: the finest but also one of the most understood white grape varieties. This episode covers the many different regions Riesling is grown in around the world, and the many different styles of wine produced from the intense, aromatic variety
Tempranillo is the most planted black grape in Spain, grown across the country and most famous in Rioja and Ribera del Duero. This episode explores the different styles of Tempranillo according to blending and climate, as well as plantings in Portugal and the New World.
What’s it like to take the MW exam? Well, I found out a few weeks ago and just wanted to share my experiences with you and get the pain off my chest!
Cava is Spain's answer to Champagne, but lacks both a reputation for quality and a sense of identity. But is that changing? This episode explores how producers are trying to improve the quality of the wines—although this has not been without controversy as some producers have formed their own breakaway organisations. Exciting times for the future of Cava!
A conversation with Peter Fraser of Yangarra Estate in McLaren Vale, Southern Australia, revolving around old vines, the history of the region, Grenache and Roussanne. McLaren has a rich winemaking history, but one which has changed over the last 20 years. Learn how McLaren Vale has changed, but also how old vines contribute to character and quality and the attributes of Grenache and Roussanne, as well as other Rhône varieties.
Bolivia may not be known for its wine industry, but wine has been made there for hundreds of years. I interviewed Ramón Escobar of Chufly Imports about Bolivian wine, as well as how wine can benefit the local economy given that it brings jobs to so many sectors. And if you thought plantings in Argentina were high altitude, Bolivia is another level...!
Sauvignon Blanc is sometimes dismissed as producing one-dimensional wines which are grassy, herbaceous, and vegetal, designed to be drunk now. This episode discusses the much more versatile, varied, and diverse nature of Sauvignon Blanc, exploring the Loire, Bordeaux, Italy, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Chile, and California, from dry to sweet wines and the many expressions made from the grape.
Chenin Blanc is one of my favourite white grape varieties, with its high acidity and characteristic waxy texture. It's made in a range of styles, from dry to sweet to sparkling. This episode explores all the regions in which Chenin Blanc is grown, from the Loire to South Africa to California and even Argentina.
Merlot is the most planted grape varieties in France, and important across the world yet many consumers don't appreciate the quality and range of wines made from the variety. This episode explores the different regions for Merlot, the styles of wines, blends, growing conditions, and champions Long Island and Uruguay!
An in-depth conversation with Michael Terrien of Obsidian Ridge about Lake County, the importance of elevation, and the shiny, sharp obsidian rocks. Michael has worked with the high-elevation Obsidian Ridge vineyard for 20 years: the interview records how he has learnt from the land to make wine that reflects the land's character.
Syrah, aka Shiraz, produces some of the finest wine in the world in a range of climates: from the northern Rhône to all over Australia to Hawke's Bay to South Africa to California and Washington. Known for its meaty, peppery style, arguably no grape more reflects where it comes from. Listen and learn all about Syrah!
Grenache is one of the world's most planted grape varieties, commonly found in warm Mediterranean climates such as the south of France, eastern Spain, Australia, and California. This episode explores the extraordinary diverse range of wines made from Grenache: different blends, rosé, fortified wine, and from old vines. In a warming climate, Grenache may be the future!
Sardinia is a large, rugged island with a strong Mediterranean culture; it has a strong if rustic winemaking tradition which is beginning to become more internationally relevant. In this episode, I interview Mark Middlebrook of Portovino, an importer of unusual Italian wine. We talk about Vermentino and Cannonau (Grenache), as well as extraordinary wines made under flor (like fino sherry, but not fortified). Join us for a journey across the island!
