Cheers to the well-travelled Cabernet Sauvignon grape
James Viner uncorks five delicious bottles of one of the world’s most recognisable red wine varieties… This week I celebrate Cabernet Day on September 7 by raising a glass to five wonderful examples of this deeply coloured, classic black grape variety. Late-ripening, warmth-loving, small, thick blue-skinned Cabernet Sauvignon (CS) has plenty of colour, tannin […]
Raise a glass to British oysters with five complementary wines
James Viner looks forward to the native oyster season, which runs from September to April… Whether wild or farmed, oysters are nutritious and, for many, including me, delectable (à chacun son gout). Each region produces oysters with unique flavours, with some subtly sweeter, saltier, plumper, nuttier, silkier, juicier and more melony than others. I’m […]
Local & Live is 18
As Local & Live returns this weekend for its 18th anniversary, the music festival’s founder Paul Dunton previews the event and explains why you should come along… Local & Live returns to Tunbridge Wells this August bank holiday weekend. We are delighted to have the support from local business Maxipay Accounting Services who agreed […]
Cheers to International Pinot Noir Day!
In time for International Pinot Noir Day on Friday 18 August, Times Drinks Editor James Viner has tracked down a tasty selection of this influential (relatively) low tannin, early budding, early ripening, fussy, ancient red grape. Here are six humdinger bottles that are packed with flavour and possess the coveted Pinot magic that stimulates unqualified […]
Step into De Leite – Belgian craft beer at its best
Alex Greig, founder of Fuggles Beer Café, explores the beers of this world-renowned brewery… Founder Luc Vermeersch started what became De Leite all the way back in 1997. I love finding new, interesting and not often seen Belgian breweries, and having drunk their beer in Belgium on occasion, it’s great to finally share this […]
Salud to Albariño from rainy Rías Baixas, Spain!
Fashionable, crisp, aromatically floral Albariño – the same grape as Portugal’s Alvarinho – is a true testament to Spain’s contribution to the world of white wine. Ahead of International Albariño Day (August 1), I’ve chosen four superior, typically bone dry, unoaked ones that come from its heartland in the turbulent, rainy Atlantic DO of Rías […]
Wines to buy on a French road trip
Whether you’re heading back from a wine holiday, or looking for smart buys on a trip across the Channel, these are the labels to try, says Sam Wylie-Harris As any wine lover will agree, France has it all. But where do you begin if you’re not sure which are the go-to appellations if you’re […]
Make the time to say ‘cin cin’ to Verdicchio
Times Drinks Editor James Viner praises the grape from one of Italy’s least-known, high-quality wine regions 1) 2022 Moncaro Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico DOC (£6.99, Waitrose, waitrose.com) The Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico DOC subzone is restricted to vineyards located on the left (northern) bank of the Misa River. Of all […]
Raise a glass and celebrate English Wine Week
Times Drinks Editor James Viner seeks out five palate-pleasing English wines that are worth cracking open… The English wine industry is thriving, with increasing sales, production, and recognition through awards and accolades. English Wine Week, which started June 17 and runs until June 25, is a chance to discover wines made on our doorstep, […]
Celebrate Father’s Day with winning wines and spirits
Fired up by Father’s Day this coming Sunday, June 18, Times Drinks Editor James Viner says make June all about Dad (and English wine of course, since it’s English Wine Week from 17-25 June)! If he enjoys fine wine and spirits, your gift shopping for Dad just got more straightforward… 2022 Arbousset Tavel Rosé, […]
