Highlights of LWF 2021 – Diatomists Medium Single Bota aged 19 years

By Adrian | 20/06/2021

This year’s London Wine Fair was held virtually and tasting samples were distributed in small test tube like bottles.  It worked really well and they arrived in perfect condition.  This was one of my favourites. Sweetened sherries sometimes get a bad press; however this one had aromas of marmalade, Christmas cake and cooked fruits.  It…

Highlights of LWF 2021 – Alpasion Grand Cabernet Franc 2018

By Adrian | 20/06/2021

This year’s London Wine Fair was held virtually and tasting samples were distributed in small test tube like bottles.  It worked really well and they arrived in perfect condition.  This was one of my favourites. From the Uco Valley in Argentina where some of their vineyards are located between 1,200 and 1,500 meters above sea…

Fox & Fox Inspiration Brut Blanc de Gris 2014 – Wine of the Month January 2021

By Adrian | 05/02/2021

Congratulations to Fox & Fox of Mayfield, Sussex for winning a Gold Medal in The Global Pinot Grigio Masters 2020. It was included in the top 10 Pinot Grigios with The Drinks Business saying “Should you be curious to know what top-quality, traditional method, sparkling wine from Pinot Gris tastes like, then turn to England…

Extend your wine horizon beyond France

By Adrian | 02/02/2021

A lot of people in the UK buy French wine because they are familiar with the names and they are relatively easy to pronounce in restaurants (compared to, say Greek or German ones).  Because of this ready market much French wine can be rather over-priced, so here are some alternatives to try: Muscadet – a…

Top Wine Shops

By Adrian | 25/09/2020

Congratulations to the following Sussex shops which were all in the top 25 of Harpers Top UK Independent Wine Merchants 2020: Butlers Wine Cellar South Downs Cellars Hennings Wine Merchants

Winery Visit – Chapel Down

By Adrian | 20/09/2020

Had the pleasure of a small group visit to Chapel Down across the border in Kent who were joint winners of the best winery in the South East at the recent WineGB awards. Tom gave us an excellent tour of the winery followed by a tasting of some of their excellent wines: Bacchus 2018 (still…

Vineyard Visit – Ashling Park

By Adrian | 20/09/2020

Had the pleasure of a small group visit to Ashling Park in Sussex who were joint winners of the best winery in the South East at the recent WineGB awards (which they also hosted). We saw the Chardonnay, Meunier and Pinot Noir grapes which will be harvested in the next few weeks and tasted the…

WineGB Awards 2020

By Adrian | 20/09/2020

Congratulations to our super Sussex wineries which achieved more trophy, gold and silver prizes than any other county. The full list of our winners is: Medal Producer & Wine Trophy Ashling Park Estate – Ashling Park Cuvée NV Trophy Ashling Park Estate – Ashling Park Sparking Rose NV Trophy Breaky Bottom Vineyard – Breaky Bottom…

Current Situation

By Adrian | 11/07/2020

With no tastings or events possible for the last few months the recent Wine of the Month recommendations have had to be taken from my own personal consumption. The restrictions enforced on us in recent months have had a terrible impact on the hospitality industry and on everybody’s health, finances and quality of life. I…

Perrin Cotes du Luberon – Wine of the Month June 2020

By Adrian | 11/07/2020

A straightforward wine to drink as an aperitif or to accompany a simple meal. A clear light straw-yellow colour with aromas of citrus fruit, pear, fennel and white flowers with a refreshing aftertaste. 10% of the blend goes in oak to give some flavour without overpowering the freshness. Grapes are Grenache Blanc and Bourboulenc. I…