Wine Blog

An attractive and delightful cheese first made by Alan and Jenny Gray in Withiel on the edge of Bodmin Moor in Cornwall in the early 1980s. Its casing is made up of nettles that are picked in May then frozen until later, and when required are applied by hand to the freshly formed cheese. This makes for quite a distinctive appearance.This nettle casing helps to break down the rind, that, after time, helps to make Cornish Yarg a delightfully soft and creamy cheese. The crumbly texture has a fresh creamy taste that is complimented by an almost earthy (akin to...

Labelling regulations are always changing and vary around the world. However in most countries it is obligatory to state on the label that the wine contains sulfites or contains sulphur dioxide, if the level exceeds 10mg/l. (The term sulfites is used as an inclusive term for sulphur dioxide and sulfite ions). This level means that virtually all wine needs to be labelled as such. Sulphur Dioxide is used to a varying degree in the making of almost all wines, aside from being a bi-product of fermentation. Very few winemakers will make wine without the additional use of sulfites. Red wines...

In 2008 it was reported in The Times that the death rate for coronaries among Men aged 35-64 in Toulouse was 78 per 100,000. This was compared to 348 in Belfast and 380 in Glasgow. The average drinker consumed the same level of alcohol in all three places, however in Toulouse it was exclusively red wine!Red wine is one of the oldest beverages known, and consumed moderately, has potentially (according to recent independent research) the following key benefits:Lowers the risk of coronary heart diseaseHelps to prevent ThrombosisOffers some protection to Dementias, such as Alzheimer’sHelps to inhibit all 3 stages of...

The world’s most southerly wine producing region, that has over the last few years become arguably the most exciting region for Pinot Noir outside of Burgundy. Particularly striking given that the region, covering an area of 10,000 km and inhabiting less than 18,000 people, still has a relatively small share of the New Zealand wine Industry as a whole. The vineyards are the highest in the country at between 2-400 metres above sea level, and they benefit from a sheltered inland climate characterized by hot dry summers, short cool autumns, and cold crisp winters. Pinot Noir is easily the most...

The region in North East Spain whose red wines have become hugely revered in the UK (accounting for around 40% of the market for Spanish wine). Even though it is now no longer the only high profile wine region in Spain it is still perhaps the best known. Rioja is traditionally known for its use of American Oak in the ageing of the wines. Nowadays with many winemakers using oak of different origin (particularly French, but also Slovenian in one or two cases) the style of Rioja can vary. This style is further dependent on the length of time the...