Jul 14

Jul 14 What's in a name...again

Catalan sparkling wine continues to confuse, and the issue isn’t helped by writers and retailers referring to wines as Cava when the producers have left the designation. Let’s call the producers by the names they have chosen to use!

Aug 25

Aug 25 Understanding Appellations and Wine Regulations: The Controversies

Matthew Gaughan

Other Countries

When producers leave appellations, it can create a lot of confusion which can sometimes be easier to ignore than address. Why do producers leave appellations and why do appellations matter? And should wine exams feature producers who have left the appellation?

Nov 23

Nov 23 Understanding What’s Cava and What’s Not Cava

Matthew Gaughan

spain

Cava can be confusing and controversial. There are several breakaways making very similar wines due to concerns over quality—but there is still lots of great Cava being made within the designation. So why are there these rival regional entities and how do we know what to buy? Here’s an overview of the situation.

Oct 8

Oct 8 Cava Discovery Week

Matthew Gaughan

spain

An intense week tasting lots of Cava in New York while running from restaurant which demonstrated just how many good producers there are making wine which reflects their families’ long histories and the land the grapes are grown in.

Apr 29

Apr 29 Cava Academy

Matthew Gaughan

spain

A trip to Catalunya to learn all about Cava, confirming that the wines are a reflection of place and realising the importance of blending for sparkling wine.

Oct 18

Oct 18 Terroir and Sparkling Wine

Matthew Gaughan

Other Countries

“Can we talk about terroir in the context of sparkling wine?” For those who want to dismiss the concept of terroir, sparkling wine is a convenient weapon because production method is so important. But the quality and style of sparkling wine changes from region to region and within regions. Why? Because of terroir.

Sep 21

Sep 21 Should We Be Drinking More Cava?

Matthew Gaughan

spain

How to find the best Cava and why we should be drinking more of it… As with any other wine region, seek out the small producers who marry tradition and innovation to make distinctive wine.

Apr 12

Apr 12 Cava: Back to the Future?

Matthew Gaughan

spain

Cava is sparkling wine from Spain made in the traditional method. It’s too often simple, inexpensive, and lacking identity. However, things are changing, with more of an emphasis on regionality, vineyard location, and grape varieties. Here’s an overview of why we should be more excited about the future of cava.

Feb 26

Feb 26 Sparkling Wine Blind Tasting

Matthew Gaughan

sparkling wine podcast

Blind tasting is fun, challenging, and humbling - as well as necessary for WSET Level 3 and 4 exams. Find out what students taking the Diploma made of tasting four blind sparkling wines.

Jan 28

Jan 28 Cava

Matthew Gaughan

spain

Cava is known for being simple and inexpensive, but producers are finally beginning to think about making more expressive, structured wines. I learnt about the new Paraje designation, created with the aim of improving the quality and reputation of cava.

About Matthew's World of Wine and Drink.