There is a new generation of grape growers around the world making wines in their garages, hence the name Garage Wines. Traditionally small growers sell their grapes to a local winery or cooperative, where they have the facilities to make and store wine. This trend
If you are planning to stay closer to home this summer there are many places to discover and enjoy on day trips. Earlier this week I visited the Cooperativa de Viver, which is about a 45 minute drive from the centre of Valencia in the
In the 18th century Fondillón from Alicante was one of the most famous and prestigious wines in the world, it was more highly valued than the wines of Sauternes, Sherry and Port. It was said to have been a favourite of Louis XIV of France
The vineyards of Jumilla are scattered between the provinces of Murcia and Albacete, with Almansa to the north, Yecla and Alicante to the east and Bullas to the south. There are around 19,000 hectares of vineyards, compared with 13,000 hectares in the Valencia and 65,000
As part of my daily routine during lockdown I have been reading my old wine books, many of which I have not looked at since the time I was studying for wine exams. I am currently reading ‘Sherry’ (Jerez) by Julian Jeffs. It was originally
When we think of Galician wines the white grapes Albariño or possibly Godello come to mind. Yet there are many wonderful red wines to discover, as I did on a recent trip to the region
A good way to discover new wines is to focus on a common theme such as, wines from regions with a Mediterranean climate. This will involve tasting grapes you may not be familiar with and take you from Valencia to Italy, Croatia, Greece, Lebanon, Chile
Be wary of using preconceptions when talking about wine because most are wrong, if not totally absurd. If I had a €1 for every time someone has made a sweeping all encompassing comment about a country, grape or region, I would be able to buy
Spain is a country of many contrasts, no more so than in the world of wine. On a recent visit to the North I visited wineries that showed the extremes of how wine is made and marketed
I was recently asked what are the differences between Rioja and Ribera del Duero. They are often spoken of as if they are the same, however, while there are similarities, the wines from each region are different for several reasons
