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Newspaper Roundup.
A quick link-fest of the nations main newspapers.
Starting at the Telegraph Jonathan Ray looks at Putting New Zealand on Cloud Nine and recommends several stunning Sauvignon Blancs.
Over at the Guardian it is Sloe Gin time with Victoria Moore in the Sloe Lane while Malcolm Gluck looks at longevity in wine in his usual SuperPlonk column.
Down at the Times Jane MacQuitty tries to keep winter at bay with a rustic, violet redolent armagnac, asks What's Wrong with Sherry and still has time to recommend some star buys.
Lastly The Independent with Richard Ehrlich who asks What makes French wines so special?, looks at The Italian for Zinfandel, recommends cellaring Amarone in the Amarone All-Stars and recommends a little Something for the Weekend
Over at the Guardian it is Sloe Gin time with Victoria Moore in the Sloe Lane while Malcolm Gluck looks at longevity in wine in his usual SuperPlonk column.
Down at the Times Jane MacQuitty tries to keep winter at bay with a rustic, violet redolent armagnac, asks What's Wrong with Sherry and still has time to recommend some star buys.
Lastly The Independent with Richard Ehrlich who asks What makes French wines so special?, looks at The Italian for Zinfandel, recommends cellaring Amarone in the Amarone All-Stars and recommends a little Something for the Weekend
Oddbins to buy Unwins.
According to a report in the the business section of the Times Oddbins is about to 'quaff' Unwins for £50m.
Castel, the French wine business that owns the Oddbins and Nicolas chains, is close to clinching a takeover of Unwins, after sidelining competition from rivals such as Maryland Securities, the owner of Wine Cellar, and Thresher, the off-licence group. After the deal, Castel is expected to keep two thirds of Unwins’ 387 outlets and rebrand them as Oddbins, which has 226 stores. Castel will aim to sell the remaining Unwins outlets, which overlap with its existing chain or are in unsuitable locations. Wine Cellar is seen as a potential buyer for the unwanted Unwins sites, possibly for conversion to its Booze Buster brand.
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,8209-1336165,00.html
Castel, the French wine business that owns the Oddbins and Nicolas chains, is close to clinching a takeover of Unwins, after sidelining competition from rivals such as Maryland Securities, the owner of Wine Cellar, and Thresher, the off-licence group. After the deal, Castel is expected to keep two thirds of Unwins’ 387 outlets and rebrand them as Oddbins, which has 226 stores. Castel will aim to sell the remaining Unwins outlets, which overlap with its existing chain or are in unsuitable locations. Wine Cellar is seen as a potential buyer for the unwanted Unwins sites, possibly for conversion to its Booze Buster brand.
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,8209-1336165,00.html
TN: Ironstone Shiraz-Grenache 2001, Margaret River, Western Australia.
Ironstone Shiraz-Grenache 2001, Margaret River, Western Australia.Available from Everywine, Fareham Wine Cellar, Majestic, Best Cellars, ItsWine £6.99.
On the nose a chocolate almost mocha edged richness. The palate has soft tannins buoyed up by the sweet, rich, black fruit richness. Nice and juicy with an underlying opulence from all that ripe fruit and a subtle underpinning of oak. The Grenache component provides a cherry and custard edge and lightens the deep Shiraz spice marvellously.
Scribblings Rating - 90/100
Vinopolis Wine Fair Update.
Not a company I am familiar with but they are more than welcome anyway. Just-In Wines, from SW11, will be joining us at Vinopolis. As they will be supported by James Yeo of Yeo & Co the wine range is sure to be superb. This is going to be a most excellent event with 17 (plus three still to confirm) of the best independent merchants showcasing their products.
You brought your tickets yet?
And Easy-Wine have also confirmed attendance.
You brought your tickets yet?
And Easy-Wine have also confirmed attendance.
Who says you can’t get great wine for a fiver?
"Which? has slated cheap wine. Joe Fattorini thinks the consumer magazine is wrong and challenges its rarefied palate.
I will not be inviting the writers of the Which? Wine Guide to our house for tea. According to their latest guide, you can't buy a decent bottle of wine for less than a fiver. Well, that's what they'd be drinking with me. There are plenty of sub-five pound wines that are fantastic, but it seems the bottles that I've enjoyed are too harsh for their rarefied palates. Or perhaps too dull, too commercial and boring."
http://www.theherald.co.uk/features/26991.html
I will not be inviting the writers of the Which? Wine Guide to our house for tea. According to their latest guide, you can't buy a decent bottle of wine for less than a fiver. Well, that's what they'd be drinking with me. There are plenty of sub-five pound wines that are fantastic, but it seems the bottles that I've enjoyed are too harsh for their rarefied palates. Or perhaps too dull, too commercial and boring."
http://www.theherald.co.uk/features/26991.html
AB asked to give up 2006 World Cup rights,
The organising committee of the 2006 World Cup in Germany is trying to persuade Anheuser-Busch to forego its exclusive rights over beer sales at the tournament. The committee said yesterday (27 October) that it is in talks with the brewing giant to allow German beers to be sold at the event’s venues.
“We are in talks with Budweiser about allowing German beer to be sold in the World Cup stadia,” the vice-president of the committee, Theo Zwanziger, told Agence France Presse. “But we need the go ahead from Budweiser to be able to do anything.”
FIFA had sealed a deal with AB making Budweiser the official beer of the tournament, giving it exclusive sales rights inside venues for the matches. The deal caused uproar in the proud beer-making home country.
Source: Just Drinks
FIFA had sealed a deal with AB making Budweiser the official beer of the tournament, giving it exclusive sales rights inside venues for the matches. The deal caused uproar in the proud beer-making home country.
Source: Just Drinks
Food & Wine at Henley - New Addition.
A last minute sign up to the Wine and Food at Henley show - warm handshakes all round to Worldly Wise Wines. Not a name that slips off the tongue that easily, especially after the beer tasting I have just concluded, but this Reading based company organises wine parties and corporate events; which sounds like a hoot. They also plan to sell wine at the fair, which is even better!
Storm over Which? guide criticism of cheap wine.
"A fierce attack on cheap supermarket wine was launched yesterday by the consumer watchdog Which?, which said many under a fiver were inferior and made with sub-standard fruit.
The latest Which? Wine Guide claims pressure on growers to produce what it calls "wallet-pleasers" is putting price before quality, warning that "corners are being cut" to ensure maximum profits for the "big muscle buyers", such as supermarkets."
http://news.scotsman.com/uk.cfm?id=1246022004
Sean Thackrey uses tips from ancient texts to craft unforgettable wines.
"When harvest day arrives, almost every winemaker in the modern world labors from before dawn until well after dark, rushing to crush the freshly picked grapes as soon as possible in sterile, climate- controlled conditions. Not Sean Thackrey. At his Bolinas home, Thackrey goes medieval."
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?
f=/c/a/2004/10/21/WIG6U9ABJS1.DTL
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?
f=/c/a/2004/10/21/WIG6U9ABJS1.DTL
Yet another 'wine is good for you' story...
"Drinking red wine may help to ward off lung cancer, a study suggests. A team from the University of Santiago de Compostela in Spain found each glass a day reduced the risk of lung cancer by 13% compared to non-drinkers."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3959121.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3959121.stm
Interbrew hit by Boddingtons strike.
"Interbrew has come into conflict with the biggest trade union in the UK. The clash centres on the brewer’s plan to close the Boddingtons brewery in Manchester.The Transport and General Workers’ Union (TGWU) has voted for a 48-hour strike at the factory from 1 November. Manchester City Council has also thrown its weight behind the “Save The Cream” campaign."
http://www.just-drinks.com/news_detail.asp?art=25016&lk=rss
http://www.just-drinks.com/news_detail.asp?art=25016&lk=rss
Decanter Magazine Trophy Winners.
The latest issue of Decanter (November 2004) contains a full listing of the World Wine Awards results. This month specifically ‘The World’s Greatest Wines Under £10’ with dozens and dozens of wine tasting notes, analysis and country overviews. Far too many good wines to list but the Best of Show wines, here restricted to those available from UK online merchants, are –
International Red Single Varietal Trophy Under £10
Château du Cèdre Le Prestige, 2001, Cahors, France. (£9.95 Great Western Wines, H&H Bancroft, Lea & Sandeman)
“Classic ripe colours. Warm, rich almost firey aromas of deep fruit and minerals. Lush, deep, richly finished palate with earthy depths and hints of tar and violet”
International Red Bordeaux Varietals Trophy Under £10
Valentín Bianchi Bianchi Famiglia, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2002, San Rafael, Argentina. (£7.99 Berry Brothers, Great Western Wines)
“Nose of exotic spices, chocolate and vanilla. Ripe, concentrated cassis, plum and red berry. Silky, sleek and velvety.”
International White Single Varietal Trophy Under £10 Brokenwood Semillon, 2003, Hunter Valley, Australia. (£8.99 Surf4Wine, Moriarty Vintners, Noel Young) “Classic Hunter Valley. Good, lively, great acidity and fruit.”
International White Fotified Trophy Under £10
Gonzàlez Byass, Tio Pepe Extra Dry, Palomino Fino, Spain. (£8.19 Widely available)
“Pale. Classic, crisp. Elegant, good structure, full flavour, delicious”
International Chardonnay Trophy Under £10
Stonehaven Chardonnay, 2001, Limestone Coast, Padthaway, Australia. (£9.99 Bottleneck)
“Some evolution and moving to the secondary fruit with honey and toast. Good honeyed fruits with good balance and acidity. Lovely maturity”
International Aromatic Trophy Under £10 Stonehaven Viognier, 2003, Limestoen Coast, Padthaway, Australia. (£9.99 Virgin)
“Clean, fresh, lifted, peachy fruit sweetness. Excellent colume. Super rich, soft acidity”
International Sweet Trophy Under £10
Margan Family Winegrowers Botrytis Semillon, 2003, Hunter Valley, Australia.
(£9.99 37.5cl Cellar Door, Tanners, Noel Young) “Strong botrytis, apricot. Really good aromatics and fine acid balance. Still very young”
Château du Cèdre Le Prestige, 2001, Cahors, France. (£9.95 Great Western Wines, H&H Bancroft, Lea & Sandeman)
“Classic ripe colours. Warm, rich almost firey aromas of deep fruit and minerals. Lush, deep, richly finished palate with earthy depths and hints of tar and violet”
International Red Bordeaux Varietals Trophy Under £10
Valentín Bianchi Bianchi Famiglia, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2002, San Rafael, Argentina. (£7.99 Berry Brothers, Great Western Wines)
“Nose of exotic spices, chocolate and vanilla. Ripe, concentrated cassis, plum and red berry. Silky, sleek and velvety.”
International White Single Varietal Trophy Under £10 Brokenwood Semillon, 2003, Hunter Valley, Australia. (£8.99 Surf4Wine, Moriarty Vintners, Noel Young) “Classic Hunter Valley. Good, lively, great acidity and fruit.”
International White Fotified Trophy Under £10
Gonzàlez Byass, Tio Pepe Extra Dry, Palomino Fino, Spain. (£8.19 Widely available)
“Pale. Classic, crisp. Elegant, good structure, full flavour, delicious”
International Chardonnay Trophy Under £10
Stonehaven Chardonnay, 2001, Limestone Coast, Padthaway, Australia. (£9.99 Bottleneck)
“Some evolution and moving to the secondary fruit with honey and toast. Good honeyed fruits with good balance and acidity. Lovely maturity”
International Aromatic Trophy Under £10 Stonehaven Viognier, 2003, Limestoen Coast, Padthaway, Australia. (£9.99 Virgin)
“Clean, fresh, lifted, peachy fruit sweetness. Excellent colume. Super rich, soft acidity”
International Sweet Trophy Under £10
Margan Family Winegrowers Botrytis Semillon, 2003, Hunter Valley, Australia.
(£9.99 37.5cl Cellar Door, Tanners, Noel Young) “Strong botrytis, apricot. Really good aromatics and fine acid balance. Still very young”
Maradona branded wine - a warm reception in the UK?
"British wine consumers could soon be buying Diego Maradona branded wine should Argentine winemaker Raices de Agrelo find a UK distributor."
http://www.commentwire.com/commwire_story.asp?commentwire_ID=6081
http://www.commentwire.com/commwire_story.asp?commentwire_ID=6081
Vote Earl Dodge, Prohibitionist Party!
"Despite the proliferation of special interest groups in US politics over the past few decades, one group that has been sadly underrepresented is wine enthusiasts! With all the politicians pandering to Joe Sixpack, how about some kissing up to John Halfacase?! To aid our cause, I have constructed a table on the key issues for wine lovers with a blend of mostly old-vine seriousness (60%) as well as a bit of hand-crafted humor (40%). On November 2, the choice is yours!"http://www.drvino.net/winepolitics.php?id=17
Couple decant wine party game.
TWO corking game ideas from a Welsh entrepreneur are set to grip nation's dinner parties as the festive season approaches. The bluetree company has announced that its new party games, The Wine Tasting Game and The Whisky Tasting Game, will be launched in major supermarkets today.
http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0200wales/
tm_objectid=14794234&method=full&siteid=50082&headline
=couple-decant-wine--party-game-name_page.html
http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0200wales/
tm_objectid=14794234&method=full&siteid=50082&headline
=couple-decant-wine--party-game-name_page.html
Argentine Malbec Offer.
Argentinean specialist Vinos Vinos has the superb Cicchitti Malbec 2002 on offer as Wine of the Month (not sure if this is October or November so had better snap it up quick) Six bottles for just £41.94.
http://www.vinosvinos.co.uk/erol/erol.html#641x0
http://www.vinosvinos.co.uk/erol/erol.html#641x0
French debate law to label wine with pregnancy health warning.
"Historically, the French have always talked up the healthy qualities of wine, believing the drink to be no more harmful than a soft beverage. But now the country is reassessing its attitude, as legislation being debated this week demands that bottle labels warn pregnant women of the dangers of drinking. If the measure receives final government approval later this year, all brands of alcohol will be forced to carry a health warning advising pregnant women of the risks of foetal alcohol syndrome and recommending total abstinence."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/france
/story/0,11882,1333178,00.html
http://www.guardian.co.uk/france
/story/0,11882,1333178,00.html
Damn, that's fine bourb ... sorry, whiskey.
"Just as wine makers will pronounce terroir -- the special, intangible character elements imparted into a wine by the area in which its grapes grow -- as a differentiating factor when selling their wines to discerning drinkers, the spirits world has gone upmarket in recent years, and with it the rise of regionalism and specific identity."
http://www.nbr.co.nz/home/column_article.asp?id=10508&cid=31&cname=Wine
http://www.nbr.co.nz/home/column_article.asp?id=10508&cid=31&cname=Wine
Joanna Simon/Sunday Times Recommendations.
Joanna Simon appears to be relishing the increased space the Sunday Times Style section has allotted her. Today she recommended three Shiraz-Viognier blends from Australia –
Zonte’s Footstep Shiraz-Viognier, 2003 (£6.99-£7.99 Sainsbury’s, Unwins) “Succulently fruity, with a tantalising whiff of apricot”
John Loxton Shiraz Viognier, 2003 (£7.99 Marks & Spencer) “Spicy aromas and a dense, chocolatey, oaky palate”
Henschke Henry’s Seven Shiraz-Grenache-Viognier, 2002 (£14 Waitrose) “Juicy, minty, raspberry fruit and chocolatey richness. Very stylish”
Simon also recommends Mission Hill Five Vineyards Pinot Noir, 2002 (£7.99 Sainsbury’s) “It hums with textbook strawberry-scented pinot fruit. Try it with fish as well as meat” and the 25cl bottle of Royal Tokaji Aszu 5 Puttonyos (£8.99 Waitrose) “Foie gras, creamy blue cheeses such as Roquefort and chocolate truffles. Perhaps you had better have a second bottle in reserve” . Then there is the Benoit Lahaye Champagne (£16.50 from a company I have never heard of and yet another to add to UKWOL – Vine Trail ) and The Peat Monster whisky (£30 - £30.99 Selfridges, Royal Mile Whiskies, The Whisky Exchange)
Zonte’s Footstep Shiraz-Viognier, 2003 (£6.99-£7.99 Sainsbury’s, Unwins) “Succulently fruity, with a tantalising whiff of apricot”
John Loxton Shiraz Viognier, 2003 (£7.99 Marks & Spencer) “Spicy aromas and a dense, chocolatey, oaky palate”
Henschke Henry’s Seven Shiraz-Grenache-Viognier, 2002 (£14 Waitrose) “Juicy, minty, raspberry fruit and chocolatey richness. Very stylish”
Simon also recommends Mission Hill Five Vineyards Pinot Noir, 2002 (£7.99 Sainsbury’s) “It hums with textbook strawberry-scented pinot fruit. Try it with fish as well as meat” and the 25cl bottle of Royal Tokaji Aszu 5 Puttonyos (£8.99 Waitrose) “Foie gras, creamy blue cheeses such as Roquefort and chocolate truffles. Perhaps you had better have a second bottle in reserve” . Then there is the Benoit Lahaye Champagne (£16.50 from a company I have never heard of and yet another to add to UKWOL – Vine Trail ) and The Peat Monster whisky (£30 - £30.99 Selfridges, Royal Mile Whiskies, The Whisky Exchange)
Wine group hopes to cash in with Richard and Judy.
A Bristol-based wine merchant is hoping the "Richard and Judy effect" will help its profits soar as the king and queen of daytime TV launch their wine club next month... Averys, which currently has a turnover of about £15m, has sourced the wine from European suppliers and has stockpiled around 6m bottles to cope with the expected demand."
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/main.jhtml?
xml=/money/2004/10/23/cnavery23.xml&menuId=242&sSheet=
/money/2004/10/23/ixcity.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/main.jhtml?
xml=/money/2004/10/23/cnavery23.xml&menuId=242&sSheet=
/money/2004/10/23/ixcity.html
Who's (ir)responsible for that 11th tequila?
"It could be argued that if pubs become more expensive then more people will be encouraged to drink at home. No one restricts how much alcohol you buy in the supermarket, and no one seems concerned about their half-price beer kegs. Or two-for-one wine offers. Or three-for-the-price-of-two Bacardi Breezers. You get the idea. "
http://news.scotsman.com/opinion.cfm?id=1231192004
http://news.scotsman.com/opinion.cfm?id=1231192004
Harrogate Wine Fair Update.
WineCave - the excellent Yorkshire merchant attached to the Angel Inn at Hetton is joining the merry crowd at the Harrogate Wine Fair.Their website has also been added to UKWOL. They offer a small European range of wines including an own label champagne and concentrate on Burgundy.
http://www.winecave.co.uk
Wine Dinners.
Details of three different wine dinners have been forward to me. Decanter Wines is hosting a Spanish wine dinner at the Woodlands Park Hotel, Cobham on Saturday 27th November. Luis Valentin, Managing Director of Compania de Bodeguera de Valenciso and producer of the award winning Rioja Valenciso Reserva, will talk through 6 excellent examples of Spanish wines over a 4 course meal.
http://www.decanterwines.co.uk
Earlier in November (the 15th to be precise) Ultimate Wines is also hosting a four course dinner. Here Aldo Vacca, managing director of Produttori del Barbaresco, and Paula Sindberg will be presenting a selection of wines during a dinner prepared by Sonia Blech, an award-winning chef. Dinner will be at 57 Pelham Street, London SW7 2 NJ. Tickets are £80 per person and include a pre-dinner wine tasting, a 4-course dinner, coffee and petits fours, with wines for each course. Space for dinner is strictly limited so reserve your place today!
http://www.ultimatewines.co.uk
The Fareham Wine Cellar is hosting a Nieport Fine Wine Dinner on the 10th November. The venue is The Old House Hotel, The Square, Wickham, Hampshire. Tickets are £45.00 per person and available from us at the shop or over the phone on 01329 822733. Numbers are very limited and are on a strictly first- come, first-served basis.
http://www.farehamwinecellar.co.uk
http://www.decanterwines.co.uk
Earlier in November (the 15th to be precise) Ultimate Wines is also hosting a four course dinner. Here Aldo Vacca, managing director of Produttori del Barbaresco, and Paula Sindberg will be presenting a selection of wines during a dinner prepared by Sonia Blech, an award-winning chef. Dinner will be at 57 Pelham Street, London SW7 2 NJ. Tickets are £80 per person and include a pre-dinner wine tasting, a 4-course dinner, coffee and petits fours, with wines for each course. Space for dinner is strictly limited so reserve your place today!
http://www.ultimatewines.co.uk
The Fareham Wine Cellar is hosting a Nieport Fine Wine Dinner on the 10th November. The venue is The Old House Hotel, The Square, Wickham, Hampshire. Tickets are £45.00 per person and available from us at the shop or over the phone on 01329 822733. Numbers are very limited and are on a strictly first- come, first-served basis.
http://www.farehamwinecellar.co.uk
Sauvignon Blanc Parcel.
"We have just added two cracking Sauvignon Blancs to our list. The La Forge Pouilly Fumé is brimming with slatey-green fruit and at just £9.99 is well below its usual retail price. Equally good is the Oscar Brillant Menetou Salon - but with just SIX bottles available it is not going to hang around long; especially at £3 under the recommended price of £11.99."
http://www.wine-parcels.co.uk
http://www.wine-parcels.co.uk
TN: L'Avenir Estate Pinotage, 2000, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
L'Avenir Estate Pinotage, 2000, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
Contact Capricorn Wines for Stockists 0161 908 1360.
Made from hand harvested old bush vines (little bushes as opposed to grown around wires) this is one of my favourites. A rich almost sumptuous nose with plenty of "oomph" as Francois Naude, the winemaker, expressed. It's a big wine, this vintage still a little young and tannic but with careful storage will last 10 years. It was also a trophy winner at the International Wine and Spirit Competition. Alcohol 15%.
Scribblings Rating - 94/100
TN: Bellevue Estate Pinotage, 2002, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
Bellevue Estate Pinotage, 2002, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
Available from Morrisons/Tesco as 'Tamara' and from Marks & Spencer as Haudamont.
Another wine that will last 10 years. This comes from a single block of 50 year old vines, The distinct vanilla edge bears witness to the American oak influence that adds another layer to the savoury-edged fruit. 15% Alcohol.
Scribblings Rating - 90/100
Available from Morrisons/Tesco as 'Tamara' and from Marks & Spencer as Haudamont.
Another wine that will last 10 years. This comes from a single block of 50 year old vines, The distinct vanilla edge bears witness to the American oak influence that adds another layer to the savoury-edged fruit. 15% Alcohol.
Scribblings Rating - 90/100
TN: Graham Beck Old Road Pinotage, 2002, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
Graham Beck Old Road Pinotage, 2002, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
This is rather different in style to the previous two. Here the fruit is drier and the tannins are more noticeable. Big and bold. The grapes are sourced from a single vineyard on the Old Stellenbosch Road. 14% Alcohol.
Scribblings Rating - 90/100
This is rather different in style to the previous two. Here the fruit is drier and the tannins are more noticeable. Big and bold. The grapes are sourced from a single vineyard on the Old Stellenbosch Road. 14% Alcohol.
Scribblings Rating - 90/100
UKWinesOnline Update - EasyWine.
Although the delivery charge is a little high at £13 the Easy Wine website is well worth delving into. This is a site with a refreshing take on listing their wines. All the products are grouped by category. Browse through the list of `Party Wines` (generally under £5), `Explore` (wine classics Cotes du Rhône, Chianti and the like) and `Discover` (wines with a difference) to list just three. For those more use to searching by country you can do this too via a drop-down menu or a search facility.
UKWinesOnline Update - ItsWine Revamped.
Apparently Its-Wine have been selling wine over the internet since 1998 - making it the first web-only wine shop in the UK. I am sure I have read the same type of claim on at least two other websites... but lets not get picky. The range seems to have improved since our last visit too - a broader range and better coverage of the worlds main countries. Prices are still focused on the sub £10 level but there are wines above this point. Spirits, books, beer and accessoires join the line-up with several gift packs too. We did note several non-working links however and have duly reported these to the webmaster.
Win a holiday to South Africa.
Oddbins have a 5 day holiday to South Africa up for grabs. It is free to enter.
http://www.oddbins.com/Competition/Competition.asp
http://www.oddbins.com/Competition/Competition.asp
UK faces booze cruise court case.
The European Commission is taking legal action against Britain over cross-Channel shoppers, despite a last minute concession from the government. The EC says British Customs officers are too tough in their treatment of consumers bringing cheap alcohol and cigarettes into the country.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/3758476.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/3758476.stm
Hosts await drink-drive verdict.
"A French court is due to deliver its verdict on a couple who are being prosecuted for allowing a dinner guest to get into his car while drunk. Frederic Colin crashed on the wrong side of a motorway, killing himself and a family of four."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/3755070.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/3755070.stm
New Retailer - Chase Wines, Portuguese Specialist.
Portugal is very unrepresented in the UK high street - lucky for us canny internet users Chase Wines is now offering a great range via this new website. All the main regions are covered - from the Alentejo through to Vinho Verde. Port has a good representation from some smaller bodegas. Gift items are also available. http://www.ukwinesonline.co.uk/Wines/Retailer.asp?&RI=737
Wine & vine: 'Hare's' to a tasty treat.
"Wine choice is of course a seasonal matter; standing around quaffing big Rhone reds under the blazing Ballymena sun is problematic.
Nor is there much pleasure in sipping a thin-chilled rosé as autumn rolls into icy winter.
But now, as right-thinking carnivores delight in the prospect of hearty, rib-sticking casseroles, ripe-rotten game and the like, rather than the finicky rabbit-food salads of summer, the wine-drinker's fancy turns to heavier, foodie fare."
http://www.sundaylife.co.uk/features/story.jsp?story=573156
Nor is there much pleasure in sipping a thin-chilled rosé as autumn rolls into icy winter.
But now, as right-thinking carnivores delight in the prospect of hearty, rib-sticking casseroles, ripe-rotten game and the like, rather than the finicky rabbit-food salads of summer, the wine-drinker's fancy turns to heavier, foodie fare."
http://www.sundaylife.co.uk/features/story.jsp?story=573156
UKWinesOnline Update.
H&H Bancroft have launched a new sister site to their Wine-selections
website. The older site is still available and now focuses on `more mixed cases of everyday drinking wine`. As Carlos de Haan informed us `We run that from a separate fulfilment warehouse using a next day courier service.`The new site is a very slick affair offering access to gift packs and a full range of wines. On the slightly negative side there is no mention on the site of a return policy or a privacy policy and the tasting notes are a little brief too.
http://www.ukwinesonline.co.uk/wines/retailer.asp?RI=418
TN: Badgers Creek Shiraz-Cabernet, 2003, Australia.
Badgers Creek Shiraz-Cabernet, 2003, Australia.£4.99 available from Budgens, Aldi and Le Bon Vin.
Perfectly acceptable drinking. Upfront fruit, soft hardly noticeable tannins and marked, food friendly, acidity. Basic soft berry fruit flavours with a layer of oak and spicy hints. Rather good for the price when matched with a cinnamon-spiked meaty pasta dish of a Thursday evening.
Scribblings Rating - 86/100
I don’t suppose many go out of their way to visit a Budgen’s – well not for wine at least.
Under the auspices of another work project I had to locate a Budgen's in a rather ubiquitous Berkshire towns backstreets. It was obviously not one of their top stores but offered a safe, if smallish, range of wines. This Shiraz-Cabernet blend was on offer with a 3 for £10 deal.
Wine Blogging Wednesday No.3
The Third Wine Blogging Wednesday is the 3rd November. This time around hosted by Seattle Bon Vivant with a 'Australian Shiraz' theme. With the huge array of Aussie Shiraz available just about everywhere in the UK you have no excuse not to participate in this fun - world-encompassing - blogging event. Even if you don’t have a blog you can still email in your tasting note/experiences.
TN: Michel Laroche Chardonnay 2003, Vin de Pays d'Oc, France.
Michel Laroche Chardonnay 2003, Vin de Pays d'Oc, France.Available from PMH Wines for £6.29
A nice weighty palate, lovely mineral texture coupled with a nice toasty edge. Plenty of crisp apple flavours plus a touch of apricot and a distinct nuttiness too, all of which combine into a great little Chardonnay, packed with flavour and drinkability. Good length too. Alcohol 13.5%.
Scribblings Rating - 90/100
Drink of the Week from DrinkNation.com
Well this made me laugh... axes at the ready!
"Well, it's that time of year again, and it's sneaking up on us quick. Halloween! Or as we call it around here, "I'm a pirate, so gimme some candy. And some rum." Day, or sometimes "I'm a hobo, so gimme some candy. And some rum." Day. The costume doesn't matter so much, as long as we get results. And rum. We may not go out trick or treating this year though, as the zombie infestations around our neck of the woods have blossomed into an endemic. They'll be out everywhere, wandering around, groaning and trying to eat people's brains. The nice thing about zombies is that their maximum cruising speed is somewhere between shuffling and shambling, so when you see one coming to try to eat your brain, you can break out the eggs and TP and have a few laughs at the expense of the undead before being forced to defend yourself with an axe.
Anyway, in the spirit of the occasion, you may have noticed that we've decorated Drinknation.com all Halloween-like. We've got a killer selection of Halloween drinks, which you can find at http://www.drinknation.com/theme/Halloween. If you're throwing a Halloween party, you should swing by the forums and post your party ideas, we'd love to hear what you'll be doing. And stay tuned for some Halloween Drink of the Weeks."
Anyway, in the spirit of the occasion, you may have noticed that we've decorated Drinknation.com all Halloween-like. We've got a killer selection of Halloween drinks, which you can find at http://www.drinknation.com/theme/Halloween. If you're throwing a Halloween party, you should swing by the forums and post your party ideas, we'd love to hear what you'll be doing. And stay tuned for some Halloween Drink of the Weeks."
UK Merchant Round Up.
A selection of the latest offers and new listings from a variety of (UK) retailers.
OzWinesOnline has a Double Kiwi Classics offer – Rockburn Pionot Noir 2002 (£16.99) Gold Medal at the New Zealand Wine Societies Royal Easter show and Coopers Creek Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2003 (£10.99) Best Value Sauvignon Award New Zeland’s Cuisine Magazine. Try a mixed dozen of New Zealands Best (6 of each wine)
and save £15 delivered free anywhere in mainland UK within 5 days. (Offer valid only until October 22, 2004 or while stocks last!)
Waitrose is to stock Hendrick’s Gin – a new super premium ‘boutique’ gin. Apparently Hendrick's should not be served with lemon or lime slices, the traditional accompaniment in a gin and tonic. Instead serve with Tonic and a slice of cucumber for a delicious refreshing drink.
£20 per bottle.
The Fine Wine Company is offering 3 bottle of each of d’Arenberg’s 4 Musketeers for £95.88 saving £24 off the RRP.
Now is the season for Beaujolais Nouveau – the bandwagon has moved on to Japan leaving us with higher quality wines like those listed by Nick Dobson. This year he is offering two from Jean-Paul Devay and a Beaujolais Nouveau Villages from Vincent Lacondemine.
http://www.nickdobsonwines.co.uk/acatalog/Beaujolais_Nouveau.html
Noel Young Wines reports that “We have some superb new offers available, including a fantastic selection of International Wine Challenge Trophy and Gold Medal winning wines, a small Magpie Estate Offer, new Austrian wines, a Champagne Offer, a Germany Pre Release Offer, some of the tremendous award-winning wines from the International Wine Challenge 'White Winemaker of the Year' Horst Sauer , and some 2002 Louis Jadot Burgundies in tiny amounts. The Mixed Cases have also been updated including a variety of cases based upon the wines that succeeded at the 2004 International Wine Challenge.”
Wine-Parcels has added a few wines to their list including Yalumba Viognier at just £5.59 a bottle (RRP £7.99) they also have a mixed case of Spanish reds at £65 saving over £12. Some good bargains here.
Waitrose is to stock Hendrick’s Gin – a new super premium ‘boutique’ gin. Apparently Hendrick's should not be served with lemon or lime slices, the traditional accompaniment in a gin and tonic. Instead serve with Tonic and a slice of cucumber for a delicious refreshing drink.
£20 per bottle.
The Fine Wine Company is offering 3 bottle of each of d’Arenberg’s 4 Musketeers for £95.88 saving £24 off the RRP.
Now is the season for Beaujolais Nouveau – the bandwagon has moved on to Japan leaving us with higher quality wines like those listed by Nick Dobson. This year he is offering two from Jean-Paul Devay and a Beaujolais Nouveau Villages from Vincent Lacondemine.
http://www.nickdobsonwines.co.uk/acatalog/Beaujolais_Nouveau.html
Noel Young Wines reports that “We have some superb new offers available, including a fantastic selection of International Wine Challenge Trophy and Gold Medal winning wines, a small Magpie Estate Offer, new Austrian wines, a Champagne Offer, a Germany Pre Release Offer, some of the tremendous award-winning wines from the International Wine Challenge 'White Winemaker of the Year' Horst Sauer , and some 2002 Louis Jadot Burgundies in tiny amounts. The Mixed Cases have also been updated including a variety of cases based upon the wines that succeeded at the 2004 International Wine Challenge.”
Wine-Parcels has added a few wines to their list including Yalumba Viognier at just £5.59 a bottle (RRP £7.99) they also have a mixed case of Spanish reds at £65 saving over £12. Some good bargains here.
Forthcoming Tasting Events.
Treat yourself to a tasting session over the coming weeks. There are a host to choose from including –
25th October
The Wines of Planeta, Sicily
Sit down tasting £15 Handford 105 Old Brompton Road SW7
27th October
Wild Duck Australia
£20 Great Grog Bar, 43 Rose Street, Edinburgh
4th November
De Bortoli Archive Tasting
Sit Down Tasting £30 Handford 105 Old Brompton Road SW7
9th November
Princes of Portugal – Dirk Niepoort & Fracisco Olazabel
Sit down tasting £35 Handford Kensington Suite, Jury’s Hotel, SW7
New Zealand Wine Fair
6-8.30pm Prestonfield House, Priestfield Road, Edinburgh. Tickets from Wines Of New Zealand. £13 (or 11 for the price of 10) Phone 020 7973 8079 or email: info@winzuk.com Tickets must be bought in advance.
15th November
Winemakers Dinner
Aldo Vacca, managing director of Produttori del Barbaresco, and Paula Sindberg will be presenting a selection of wines during a dinner prepared by Sonia Blech, an award-winning chef. Dinner will be at 57 Pelham Street, London SW7 2 NJ.
Tickets are £80 per person and include a pre-dinner wine tasting, a 4-course dinner, coffee and petits fours, with wines for each course.
www.ultimatewines.co.uk
16th November
Christmas/Winter Tasting
Over 100 wines from exclusive agencies and directly imported wines. The Royal Cambridge Hotel 6pm-9.45pm.
Tickets £10.
Noel Young Wines
The Wines of Planeta, Sicily
Sit down tasting £15 Handford 105 Old Brompton Road SW7
27th October
Wild Duck Australia
£20 Great Grog Bar, 43 Rose Street, Edinburgh
4th November
De Bortoli Archive Tasting
Sit Down Tasting £30 Handford 105 Old Brompton Road SW7
9th November
Princes of Portugal – Dirk Niepoort & Fracisco Olazabel
Sit down tasting £35 Handford Kensington Suite, Jury’s Hotel, SW7
New Zealand Wine Fair
6-8.30pm Prestonfield House, Priestfield Road, Edinburgh. Tickets from Wines Of New Zealand. £13 (or 11 for the price of 10) Phone 020 7973 8079 or email: info@winzuk.com Tickets must be bought in advance.
15th November
Winemakers Dinner
Aldo Vacca, managing director of Produttori del Barbaresco, and Paula Sindberg will be presenting a selection of wines during a dinner prepared by Sonia Blech, an award-winning chef. Dinner will be at 57 Pelham Street, London SW7 2 NJ.
Tickets are £80 per person and include a pre-dinner wine tasting, a 4-course dinner, coffee and petits fours, with wines for each course.
www.ultimatewines.co.uk
16th November
Christmas/Winter Tasting
Over 100 wines from exclusive agencies and directly imported wines. The Royal Cambridge Hotel 6pm-9.45pm.
Tickets £10.
Noel Young Wines
Autumn Wines.
"Eat according to the seasons’ is the mantra in foodie circles, but wine lovers have always known that certain wines are ideally suited to particular times of the year. Here’s how to find wines just right for autumn..."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes
/mostof_autumnwines.shtml
http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes
/mostof_autumnwines.shtml
The presidential wine experience.
"While the world natters about who will occupy the White House for the next term, I can't help wondering what will occupy the White Cellar. Do presidents pay much attention to wine, or do they just defer to some White House Jeeves who makes the decisions?"
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/daily/10-04/10-07-04/c05co622.htm
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/daily/10-04/10-07-04/c05co622.htm
Compounds found in wine could inhibit Alzheimer's.
New Japanese research could explain why drinking wine appears to prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s. Scientists have found compounds that inhibit an enzyme implicated in the disease.
http://www.nutraingredients.com/news/news-ng.asp?
n=55204-compounds-found-in
http://www.nutraingredients.com/news/news-ng.asp?
n=55204-compounds-found-in
Comments & Site Operability
After a weekend where Spittoon disappeared from view and even longer where comment posting didn't work at all everything now seems to be working correctly. Hurrah!
Wine Offers
WineWritersXtra, to which I contribute, has a very useful wine offers page. Dozens of the latest offers are compiled from different merchants on one handy page. Worth book-marking.
http://www.winewritersxtra.co.uk/FAQS/xtraPages.asp?
KC=7&FP=32&PG=AFP&SCI=8803&TYP=WX0
http://www.winewritersxtra.co.uk/FAQS/xtraPages.asp?
KC=7&FP=32&PG=AFP&SCI=8803&TYP=WX0
UKWineTastings Update.
Two more merchants will be joining us at Vinopolis on Sunday, 21st November. Garrigue Wines (coming all the way down from Scotland no less!) offer a superb range of wines from across the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France. For fans of New Zealand the addition of Hellion Wines and their range of boutique wines will be a huge draw.
Tickets are now available online – http://www.ukwinetastings.co.uk and cost £8 single/£10 double or £10 on the door.
Tickets are now available online – http://www.ukwinetastings.co.uk and cost £8 single/£10 double or £10 on the door.
New Retailer Listing.
Wine-Parcels.co.uk joins the competitive online fray this week. With 400 odd websites now listed on UKWinesOnLine what does this company offer that makes it stand out and why should you visit it?
The wines listed are an eclectic bunch – not a huge range but having chatted to the guys behind this venture last week they do offer something unique. As the name suggests they offer smaller parcels of interesting wines “Just a few cases of this; even a couple of bottles of that” as John explained.
It is an ever evolving range. Once the wine is sold through it is unlikely to be available again. The prices are keen – the website shows the recommended high street price against the (often heavily) discounted price that wine-parcels is offering. If you can find the wines on the high street that is! As John was keen to stress many of the listings are from smaller wineries and they are active in selecting only wines that “punch above the norm”.
Worth watching we feel is wine-parcels. A range of gift packs is soon to be introduced for the Christmas market.
You can read our tasting notes on a selection of their wines on UKWOL - http://www.ukwinesonline.co.uk/Wines/
retailerWines.asp?KC=7&PL=2&FP=53&RI=747
TN: Domaine Berthoumieu Madiran Cuvée Charles de Batz, 2001, Madiran, France.
Domaine Berthoumieu Madiran Cuvée Charles de Batz, 2001, Madiran, France.Allez Vins £11.74.
Buried in the Eclectic reds category of the International Wine Challenge, nestling between the Zinfandels and Pinotages is this little wine, which just happened to pick up the only trophy in this category. Not so little really as it is a big lad in all respects. Rich, ripe fruit backed up by substantial tannins - the hallmark of the Tannat grape from which it is made. There are black fruits aplenty on the palate edged with tar and wild berries. There is a splash of Cabernet in the bottle too.
Scribblings Rating - 92/100
How To Open Champagne Bottles Like A Pro.
"I am usually not hard-pressed to find a reason to celebrate.
It's not that I am a Pollyanna (OK, maybe I am -- just a bit). I just don't like to wait around for the "big moments" in life to break out the bubbly. So, I tend to keep a bottle or two of champagne chilling in the fridge, just in case there's enough of an excuse to crack one open."
http://www.wpxi.com/family/3400329/detail.html
http://www.wpxi.com/family/3400329/detail.html
Winemakers protect 'outlawed' vines.
"The wine produced in this remote valley of southern France is dark crimson, somewhat fruity - and illegal. For at least three generations, local families have tended to the gnarled vines that grow from rocky terraces above the Beaume River. The wine they make is banned for sale in Europe because it is made from an American grape that was ordered uprooted by the French government 70 years ago."
http://www.iht.com/articles/540401.html
http://www.iht.com/articles/540401.html
TN: Martin Berdugo Barrica, 2001, Ribera del Duero, Spain.
Martin Berdugo Barrica, 2001, Ribera del Duero, Spain.Unwins £6.99.
A lovely blackberry led aroma – rich, sweet fruit. The palate is more subdued offering more complexity in recompense. Deep, stewed fruits coupled with perfectly judged smooth tannins and blackberry acidity. Rounded, vanilla-edged and dripping with soft black fruits on the finish. Scribblings Rating - 90/100
There is a Spanish language website for this Bodega but it appears to be underconstruction as many of the links are inoperable. http://www.martinberdugo.net/
(Posted for Wine Blogging Wednesday)
UKWineTastings Update.
Tickets are now on sale for three Autumn/Winter wine fairs.
Vinopolis, London 21st November
Wine & Food at Henley 28th November
Harrogate Christmas Wine Fair 5th December
The participating merchants at each is as interesting and varied as the wines available for tasting and purchase. There is the French specialist Allez Vins and his IWC Trophy winning Madiran, Nick Dobson and wines from Austria and Switzerland and a superb Spanish selection from Decanter Wines.
There are drinking accessories from Hubbleydays, gourmet food items from Gourmet Essentials and many more. The latest addition is wine tour specialist and vineyard Les 3 Poules. Entry to each show is £6 single or £10 twin if you book in advance via the UKWineTastings website.
Vinopolis, London 21st November
Wine & Food at Henley 28th November
Harrogate Christmas Wine Fair 5th December
The participating merchants at each is as interesting and varied as the wines available for tasting and purchase. There is the French specialist Allez Vins and his IWC Trophy winning Madiran, Nick Dobson and wines from Austria and Switzerland and a superb Spanish selection from Decanter Wines.
There are drinking accessories from Hubbleydays, gourmet food items from Gourmet Essentials and many more. The latest addition is wine tour specialist and vineyard Les 3 Poules. Entry to each show is £6 single or £10 twin if you book in advance via the UKWineTastings website.
Now Wine Is Set for Richard & Judy Effect.
Richard & Judy’s Book Club was a surprise publishing phenomenon – now the TV hosts are hoping to have the same success with wine.
The couple are launching a live wine-tasting slot – Richard & Judy’s Wine Club – on their Channel 4 teatime show.Viewers will be asked to sample the vintage at home at the same time as Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan taste it in the studio.
Fans of the show – which wants to put an end to “wine snobbery” – will be able to buy wine at a reduced rate from the Richard & Judy Wine Club.
http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=3583402
Update: the website for this wine club is http://www.channel4.com/entertainment/tv/microsites
/R/richardandjudy/wine_club/wine_club.html
The couple are launching a live wine-tasting slot – Richard & Judy’s Wine Club – on their Channel 4 teatime show.Viewers will be asked to sample the vintage at home at the same time as Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan taste it in the studio.
Fans of the show – which wants to put an end to “wine snobbery” – will be able to buy wine at a reduced rate from the Richard & Judy Wine Club.
http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=3583402
Update: the website for this wine club is http://www.channel4.com/entertainment/tv/microsites
/R/richardandjudy/wine_club/wine_club.html
French winemakers go naked for calendar.
First the UK Women's Institute went naked, then the New York fire department and British prison officers, and now the winemakers of the Côtes de Bourg are releasing a nude calendar.
It's not exactly new as far as publicity stunts go but the Côtes de Bourg producers are used to being considered the black sheep of Bordeaux.
It's not exactly new as far as publicity stunts go but the Côtes de Bourg producers are used to being considered the black sheep of Bordeaux.