champagne

Bride Valley Vineyard and the future of English sparkling wine

Bride Valley Vineyard and the future of English sparkling wine

By Steven Spurrier Probably the most recent entry to wine categories around the world, barely quarter of a century old, is that of English Sparkling Wine.  Made in the traditional method and mostly from the three ‘Champagne grapes’ Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir, its success has been remarkable and investors with deep pockets have been boosting the acreage under vines across southern England at the recent rate of 240 hectares – one million vines based on an average of 4,000 vines a hectare – over the past three years.  Over the last…Read more
Wine marketing: listening to the consumer

Wine marketing: listening to the consumer

By Juan Park I must confess that I know of hardly anyone who voted for Brexit or Donald Trump. I live in London; I have dual British-American citizenship, but there were no signs. No conversations within my circle of friends, with my work colleagues, or on Facebook or Twitter gave an inkling as to what was to occur in 2016. I woke up a little shocked, as many did. Despite the polls indicating it was neck and neck, particularly in Britain, the fact that no one thought that result was possible is interesting.…Read more
The best bottles of 2014

The best bottles of 2014

Some of the most exciting bottles enjoyed in 2014. Red Clos Mogador 1989 Clos Martinet 1989 Clos Dofí 1989 Clos Erasmus 1989 Chave L'Hermitage 2009 Château Rayas Châteauneuf-du-Pape 1998 Armand Rousseau Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Clos St. Jacques 2008 Flor de Pingus 1995L’Ermita 1993 Jaboulet Hermitage La Chapelle 1978 Jaboulet Hermitage La Chapelle 1990 Marqués de Murrieta Castillo Ygay Reserva 1954 Château Grand Puy Lacoste 1982 Château Lagrange 1982 Château Mouton Rothschild 1982 Château Latour 2000 Domaine Trapet Chambertin Grand Cru 2010 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti La Tâche 2003 (Magnum) Viña Real Reserva 1964…Read more