Become the Next London Ale Taster

London is an amazing city—the centuries of history and tradition combine with the most modern and cosmopolitan culture in the world to form the first ‘world city.’ But just when you think all is bright and modern, with a cocktail culture to rival New York, the very best wine bars, and restaurants with simply superb wine lists, the city throws something at you that reminds you of its long, long history.

The Sparkling Loire

With great pricing, cool and attractive packaging, and deliciously drinkable wine, I’m still in a quandary why the Loire sparkling wine category as a whole is so overshadowed. Perhaps it’s just the dictates of fashion, and their time to shine again is just around the corner.

2005 Journey’s End Cabernet Sauvignon

Some age to the Cab here; evident in a beautifully developed, complex aroma. A strong, muscular lad is this, a firm tannic structure only slightly mellowed by age, holding, like Atlas, a world of herb and liquorice edged black fruit compote, all encased in a dusty-brick whole. A tight, food-hungry, belt of acidity and a decently long length complete the statuesque whole. Alcohol 14.5%. Comprised of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon plus 8% Merlot. For other wines on this producer, see this Selection on Spittoon.

By Train To Portugal: The European Wine Bloggers Conference

That bottle of Taittinger, wasn’t destined to last long so extracting a corkscrew from the new leather man-bag a rather pleasant Pinot Noir from Jadot (Les Climats, 2004 vintage) was cracked open to accompany the various tit-bits extracted from Waitrose.

R Is For Riesling

Parsnips are the work of the devil as are mushy peas. I really don’t care if I never hear a Beatles tune ever again. Prog Rock is pretentious rubbish and I can’t abide reality television and bananas. I also don’t like Riesling.

Harvest Report: England

In England, the 2009 vintage is set to produce an ‘outstanding harvest’ both in terms of quality and quantity.

Andrew Barrow

Andrew Barrow  is the author of Spittoon, one of the top wine sites on the internet. A member of the prestigious UK based Circle of Wine Writers and WSET Diploma holder it would appear that total immersion in the online world of wine (with a sideline in food)  is just a step away. Travel and photography are [...]

Alsace: the Go-To Region for Gastronomic Bliss

In Alsace, the point of wine is the food. Andrew Barrow offers tried-and-true pairing tips for the region’s seven prime wine types.