Articles
1st Jan 2013
Georgian qvevri wine: if it's good enough for God . . .
by Simon Woolf
For Father Gerasim, whether to treat his wines with sulphur or any other additive isn't a matter of choice. The imperative is simple. Any impurities in the finished product would render it unworthy in the eyes of... Read more
16th Jul 2012
Pierre Mansour: Wine Society selector
by Matt Walls
It does not sell Armand de Brignac ‘Ace of Spades’ Champagne, nor does it sponsor the drinks at footballers’ weddings. The Wine Society doesn’t court the ‘glamour’ end of the drinks business. It quietly gets on with what it has been... Read more
31st May 2012
Sicily: a continent comes of age
by Tim Atkin
There’s a spot on the north face of Etna, Sicily’s smouldering, still active volcano, where you can stand in front of the remnants of the last big lava flow, a jagged solidified wall of black pumice. It’s a useful reminder of two things:... Read more
5th May 2012
Alsace and the meaning of tradition
by Tim Atkin
The wine world thrives on novelty: new vintages, new flavours, new producers. In some ways, this is both understandable and necessary. Creating a bit of sizzle around a category that, in the UK at least, is struggling against a combination of... Read more
18th Mar 2012
2010 Rhônes: still time to flash the plastic
by Tim Atkin
“They are both for sale.” The response of the Bordeaux château owner to my question about the relative merits of the 2009 and 2010 vintages was delivered with tongue lodged firmly in cheek. But then he paused for a second. “I think we will... Read more
8th Dec 2011
Twelve Christmas wines under £10
by Tim Atkin
Bearing in mind that most of us are broke at this time of year, I've decided to keep things simple and affordable this Christmas, restricting my choices to just a dozen bottles, all of them under £10. What I've focused on is great value, which... Read more
11th Nov 2011
My top dozen wines from the Biodyvin tasting
by Tim Atkin
2007 Domaine Bott-Geyl Gewurztraminer d’Alsace Grand Cru Sonnenglantz (available from OW Loeb)One of a series of stunning wines from this outstanding... Read more
4th Nov 2011
The pick of Waitrose's wine range
by Tim Atkin
RED2010 Saumur, Les Nivières (£7.49, 13%) Essence of Loire Cabernet Franc, this unoaked red is a delight: soft and grassy with fresh acidity, no oak and pure blackcurrant and green pepper... Read more
30th Oct 2011
My pick of Sainsbury's 25% off wine deal
by Tim Atkin
Sainsbury's is offering a 25% discount on six bottles of wine until midnight on 1st November, both online and in store. This includes fine wines,... Read more
15th Sep 2011
Independents' day with The Dirty Dozen
by Tim Atkin
Dartmouth House, the home of the English Speaking Union, is an unlikely place for a revolutionary gathering. Set in the heart of Mayfair, it feels like a slightly fusty gentleman's club and has the Duke of Edinburgh as its president. The sense of... Read more