by di Nov 01, 2025 0 comments
Tannat is never referred to as a "light and subtle" grape variety! What Tannat brings to the party is muscle, the serious strong type that no one messes with or even makes eye contact with. The name Tannat should tell you enough, resembling the word to tannic, the word used to describe dryness in wine.
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by di Sep 30, 2025 0 comments
Carignan has been grown for centuries and it's origin is presumed to be Spanish. It was, at one time, the worlds most heavily planted grape variety although that has long been surpassed - today that title falls to Grenache. Pretty rough on it's own, Carignan needs a blending partner to make it rounded.
by di Mar 26, 2025 0 comments
Other Whites There are so many different grape varieties out there, too many to have their own page. I've only listed some of the main ones on this site so the rest of them have to find their place here!
Other Reds There are so many different grape varieties out there, too many to have their own page. I've only listed some of the main ones on this site so the rest of them have to find their place here!
by di Mar 21, 2025 0 comments
Chardonnay Some love it, some hate it. Many don't know what it is and others think it's an over syrupy, over oaked Australian white wine. The many faces (especially the last) of Chardonnay have, unfortunately, left it with rather a large hole to climb out of.
Tempranillo Everyone has heard the name Rioja but rarely do people know what Tempranillo is. They are one and the same - or rather they aren't! Rioja is a wine region in northern Spain that produces wines that are Tempranillo based.
Grenache Grenache is one of the most widely planted grape varieties in the world. It is responsible for some of the most famous wines around and most people don't even know the name as it is widely blended to make those famous wines. I read somewhere the other day that Grenache is as important in the wine world as Cabernet Sauvignon - and i'd whole-heartedly agree.
Sangiovese Doesn't it sound SO Italian? Sangiovese...It rolls off the tongue so easily, it has to have an Italian accent.
Nebbiolo Talk about surprise in your glass!
Malbec Malbec wine has been around for centuries although it wasn't until recently that it became popular drinking with wines from Argentina taking the stage front and centre.
Merlot Soft, silky and well rounded - that's how I imagine a good Merlot to taste.
Cabernet Sauvignon The King of Red Grapes and probably the most famous red wine grape variety on Earth. Cabernet has successfully spread to almost every wine growing country in the world.
Pinot Noir Without a doubt Pinot Noir the most romanticized red wine in the world. No other grape brings out such emotion and devout worship among its enthusiasts. Considered by many to produce the finest wines in the world, Pinot Noir has a special place in my heart.
by di Nov 13, 2017 0 comments
Ribera del Duero is a Spanish wine region, located in the north central area of Castilla Y León not too far away (as the crow flies) from well known Rioja. Ribera del Duero DO (Denominación de Origen) is a small region that packs a big punch with wine lovers worldwide.
by di Nov 12, 2017 0 comments
Have you ever heard someone refer to a wine as "Left Bank Bordeaux" or "Right Bank Bordeaux" and have no idea what they mean?
by di Nov 08, 2017 0 comments
The wine region of Cahors is located in SW France’s “Hidden Corner” in the heart of Gascony. An area steeped in history through Roman and Medieval times. It has some of France's earliest vines and it’s also Three Muskateers, Armagnac and duck country!
by di Nov 03, 2017 0 comments
Côtes du Rhône Villages - Plan de Dieu AOC Taking up one of the 20 named Côtes du Rhône Villages spots, Plan-de-Dieu is located in the southern Rhône Valley and just to the north of the region of Vaucluse (Provence).
by di Oct 06, 2017 0 comments
Merlot Luvliness Merlot is considered to be an entry level, easy drinking, palate teaser by geeky wine folk. Typically Merlot is a smooth fruity wine (plum, black cherry) with medium body and medium tannin, produced by fleshy plump grapes in wine regions all over the world.
by di Mar 21, 2017 0 comments
Chenin Blanc Chenin Blanc is a relatively unknown an yet up-and-coming grape variety that, until recently, had fallen into the "if you don't know it you don't buy it" category.
by di Jan 26, 2017 0 comments
Like many wine lovers the Rhône valley, and it's wines, intrigues me and has done ever since I became interested in the subject. One of my earliest wine memories involved a bottle (or two) of Côtes du Rhône, a rather large chunk of Stilton cheese and a wonderful raucous evening spent with great friends.
