High Low Pairings: Fried Chicken November 19, 2024 It was the revered Château d’Yquem that first introduced me to the beauty of the high-low pairing when they served their premier sweet wine with KFC-style fried chicken. It was the taste sensation I never knew I needed, and I set out to discover what other fine wines would enhance the humble (but rightfully beloved) [...]
The Naked Truth November 13, 2024 Charles and Ruth Simpson, co-founders of Simpsons’ Wine Estate and Domaine Sainte Rose, tell Libby Brodie about their journey with Naked Wines How did you get Naked? We started working with Naked Wines in 2012 and they were with us from the outset, helping us through our first vintage in 2016. An amazing 1,200 Angels pre-purchased a case [...]
Move over Malbec: Why There’s more to Argentina November 12, 2024 Argentina is famed for its wine; in fact, wine is legally recognised as the country’s national beverage. Historically its famed Malbec has had ‘Main Character Energy’ but, on a recent trip to the wine region of Mendoza (pronounced ‘Mendosa’ with an ‘s’), there were some other finds that struck me with their star quality. Eduardo [...]
Rowing – Outdoorsy vs Outsidey November 6, 2024 I have recently been made aware of the important difference between being “Outdoorsy” and being “Outsidey”. The main distinguishing factor here appears to be that the former requires some type of skill or capacity for endurance. It is the difference between enjoying a long countryside walk to a good pub for lunch and signing up [...]
Bonfire Night Wines November 5, 2024 During the time of Guy Fawkes, the historical figure for whom today’s Bonfire Night was created, drinking water was often riddled with dirt and germs meaning fermented or brewed alcoholic beverages were deemed safer to drink. Ale and beer, both lower in alcohol than modern day versions, were the staple of most adults and children [...]
The Naked Truth October 30, 2024 The love child of Adam Barton and Amy Lane, Atlas Wines began as a vineyard of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon in Australia’s Clare Valley. Here Adam tells us more about their partnership with Naked How did you get Naked? Amy and I were approached by Naked Wines in 2012 after our Atlas Wines received some national press. [...]
What to wash your Halloween haul down with October 29, 2024 Never has there been a festival so associated with sweet treats as Halloween and now is the time to stock up for trick-or-treaters. Whether clearing the leftovers or raiding your child’s haul there is a way to make the experience even better with a glass of the good stuff. Chocolate I tend to go with [...]
Wine Cocktails are Winning Gen-Z October 23, 2024 Wine is wonderful, but a certain demographic (I’m looking at you Gen Z) seem to increasingly prefer cocktails. “Customisation is key, which is why cocktails are the perfect drink of choice for Gen Z,” says Carmen O’Neal, Saturday Kitchen’s spirits expert and founder of 58 and Co distillery. “Cocktails can be tailored to their tastes [...]
Virgin Wines: Revenue flat as it looks to weather bottleneck in market October 22, 2024 Online wine seller Virgin Wines has reported flat year-on-year revenue as it searches for ways to acquire loyal customers and increase efficiency in a tough trading environment. Total revenue remained at £59m in the year ended 28 June, while profit before tax increased by £2.4m to £1.7m, from a loss of £0.7m in 2023. Adjusted [...]
This trip to Languedoc turned me into a wine snob October 17, 2024 I’m not a wine guy. The oenophile subjects alcohol to a level of scrutiny that, to me, feels antithetical to the loosening joys of boozing. I enjoy wine. I prefer wine that tastes nice. But to theorise about it, to intellectualise it, to hold it to the light and inspect its colour, to soliliquise about [...]