Cold Rush

November 26, 2013

It was a crude but effective way of making a wine buying decision: Old World vs. New World. You had savoury, medium-bodied classic styles from Europe on…

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Wine Buying Options Part 2: Supplementary channels

November 12, 2013

Yesterday we looked at the three primary channels for commercial wine buying in the UK: wholesalers, agents and buying direct from producer. In this follow-up article we look at the additional supplementary channels that can help you build the strongest range possible. For those looking to buy wine for resale in the UK, it’s a rare business that doesn’t work with at least one of the following:…

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Wine Buying Options Part 1: Wholesalers, Agents, Direct to Producer

November 11, 2013

Here's a recent article I wrote for wrote for trade magazine Harpers Wine & Spirit on commercial wine buying. When it comes to developing your wine range, there are many different sourcing channels to consider. It’s important to understand the pros and cons of each before choosing the right mix for your business. In the first of this two-part investigation, I take a look at wholesalers,…

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Cornas: the sweet smell of success

October 29, 2013

Olivier Clape Of all the red wines of the Rhône Valley, there is one that has an unfortunate reputation. Cornas has often been accused of having a rustic or ‘animal’ side to…

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No place like Beaune

October 15, 2013

A brief introduction to the wines of Beaune... If you’re new to Burgundy, the handsome city of Beaune is the perfect base from which to explore. This ancient citadel sits proudly at the centre of the region, in the foremost quality zone known as the Côte d’Or. It is surrounded by a sea of vines, spreading out like green ripples along the hillsides, radiating from its stone ramparts. There are no…

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Castillon: cast iron bargains

September 30, 2013

A brief introduction to the wines of Castillon... In terms of both reputation and prices Bordeaux stands victorious among the wine regions of France. It is hardly surprising that its neighbours have tried to emulate its success. Although the Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated Left Bank is largely hemmed in by river and forest, the vineyards of the Merlot-dominated Right Bank have fewer natural…

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No grannies allowed: proper sherry

September 16, 2013

Here's a link to an article I wrote on the rise of proper sherry for Imbibe magazine: http://imbibe.com/feature/no-grannies-allowed/16718  

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Wedding wines – bling vs. bargain

September 16, 2013

When planning the wines for your wedding, sometimes it pays to look beyond the big names if you want maximum bang for your buck. Here are some reliable producers of classic styles and alongside some under-the-radar alternatives that offer outstanding value for money. Serious fizz When it comes to sparkling wine, Champagne still reigns supreme, particularly class acts such as Louis Roederer Brut…

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A wine lover’s guide to Granada

September 6, 2013

The Alhambra, the jewel of Andalusia, stands proudly overlooking the town of Granada. Constructed in the mid 14th century… Now shut the guide book and show me the…

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Vouvray: a class act

August 20, 2013

A brief introduction to Vouvray... The celebrity grape of the Loire Valley is Sauvignon Blanc. She’s famous for her role in Sancerre, a classic dry white known the world over. Sauvignon is certainly talented, but her strong character can sometimes be overbearing. An even more gifted grape making whites in this part of France is Chenin Blanc. She may not be as naturally striking, but she’s…

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