Champagne is one of the iconic wines of the world. But why is it sparkling? Why is it made like it is? My recent trip to the region gave an insight into the history of style of champagne, which is much imitated but rarely replicated.
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.
All in france
Champagne is one of the iconic wines of the world. But why is it sparkling? Why is it made like it is? My recent trip to the region gave an insight into the history of style of champagne, which is much imitated but rarely replicated.
There is an extraordinary number of appellations within Burgundy. Some of them are quite obscure and provide an opportunity to find good-value alternatives to more famous names.
Dry, sweet, or sparkling, Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley can be world-class.
The most maritime of the Loire's wine regions, Muscadet produces seafood-friendly wines.
Fruity or serious, the diversity of Beaujolais wine is much greater than its reputation suggests.
Europe has a long history of both war and wine production. Unsurprisingly, the two have often been related.
The main town of the Côte de Nuits, Nuits-St-Georges produces surprisingly full, dark, tannic Pinot Noir.
What is a Bordeaux blend? There are many different answers to that simple question...
Bandol, located on the Mediterranean coast in Provence, is famous for some of the world's greatest rosés, but it also produces some fantastic red wine based on the Mourvèdre grape.