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Grenache - A grape of multiple personalities
One of the most widely planted grapes in the world, Grenache has long been an essential ingredient in famed blends of Southern France and Northern Spain, perfect for adding fruit and softness to your favourite Chateauneuf du Pape or Rioja. To celebrate International Grenache Day on 17th September, we take a look at this talented grape, exploring its history and its rising popularity as a modern varietal.
Franschhoek Valley - South Africa's French Corner
Franschhoek Valley literally translates as 'French Corner' and thrives on its history of French influenced viticulture. Lined with wine estates, it is proud to be a haven for wine tourism in the Paarl region of South Africa. We take a look at what makes this area so special with new ranges of the best wines to match.
The Secrets of Cinsault
Cinsault is a grape originally from the south of France that was traditionally a key component of red blends in the Rhone Valley and Languedoc-Roussillon. Plantings in France have declined over time, but it remains a key ingredient for many Provence and Provence-style rose wines, as well creating some beautiful varietal wines in the New World and helping provide those famed aromatic and fruity notes for French-style red blends in the warmer climes of North Africa. We explore this aromatic grape.
The Marvel of Marlborough
A sure Mother's Day favourite, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc makes up around 85% of its wine exports. The country has produced wine since the 19th century, but it was the discovery of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc in the 1980's that really placed it on the world wine map. We take a look at why this remains an essential go-to wine.
Suave Sicilian
This island in the Mediterranean Sea is classed as part of Italy, but in terms of its size and industry it is like a small country in itself. We take a look at its personal and unique wine history and modern industry, with an overview of the unique grapes still used to create unquestionably Sicilian white wines.
Understanding Bordeaux
As one of the most productive wine regions in France with 57 appellations, many considered the best in the world, Bordeaux produces classic fine wines that have remained popular for centuries. Here we take a look at the region before focusing on some of its exceptional Right Bank red wines.
The Richness of Rioja
There are over 60 wine regions in Spain, but most people will immediately think of Rioja when choosing red wine and for good reason. Internationally renowned, it is truly in a class of its own.
Wine of the Czech Republic
The Czech Republic has more than twenty centuries of viticultural history. An inevitable slump due to the political climate post-Second World War lasted for several decades, but the last two decades have seen dramatic development and recognition in both the native country and the wider European wine market, with further outreach other continents on the rise.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The Cabernet Sauvignon grape is the most popular for wine making in the world. Thought to be a natural hybrid of the robust Cabernet Franc red grape and the versatile Sauvignon Blanc white grape, it can be grown in a variety of climates, although it prefers warmer climes.