Do We Need Tasting Notes?

Do We Need Tasting Notes?

Matthew Gaughan
Other Wines

Wine publications are dominated by tasting notes that either use generic or overblown language without conveying the essence of the wine. What purpose do these thousands of tasting notes serve? Do they benefit the consumer, the publication, or the producer? Or would we all be better off without them?

Understanding Appellations and Wine Regulations: Outside Europe

Understanding Appellations and Wine Regulations: Outside Europe

Matthew Gaughan
Other Countries

The equivalent of appellation rules outside of Europe are usually much looser. This allows much greater liberty for producers but less information for consumers and a potential unclear identity for regions. It also means greater potential for experimentation for producers. How appellation systems have developed outside Europe gives an insight into the pros and cons of how wine regulations work.

"Vines in a Cold Climate": Book Review

"Vines in a Cold Climate": Book Review

Matthew Gaughan
Other Countries

Not so long ago, English wine was a niche topic; now it’s one of the most exciting trends in the wine industry. Henry Jeffreys has written a book, Vines in a Cold Climate, detailing the revolution in English wine from nothing to defined styles of wine. Essential reading for anyone interested in what’s happened, what is happening, and what is going to happen in England.

"Nolo" wines

"Nolo" wines

Matthew Gaughan
Other Countries

Nolo wines—with no or low alcohol—have been a talking point for a while as consumers are increasingly health- and socially-conscious. However, quality has been low, as alcohol is a key component in the structure and taste of wine. But there is some good Nolo wines being made, if you know where to look. Here’s a brief overview.

Armenia

Armenia

Matthew Gaughan
Other Countries

Armenia’s winemaking history goes back at least 6,000 years and probably more, but it’s only over the last ten years that there has been a renaissance in quality and international exposure. In this episode, Vahe Kueshguerian—the doyen of Armenian winemaking—talks about the history of Armenia’s wine, the geography, the grape varieties, and the trends which are shaping the country’s wine culture.

Amanda Barnes on South America's Wines

Amanda Barnes on South America's Wines

Matthew Gaughan
Other Countries

South America: a bewildering, vast continent where wine has been made for hundreds of years. The size of the continent makes it a difficult concept to fully understand, but Amanda Barnes has published the best, most comprehensive book on South America’s wines. It’s a must-have book: here’s why.

England

England

Matthew Gaughan
Other Countries

Over the last 30 years, English sparkling wine has developed from nothing to being one of the most exciting categories around. I got to visit English wine country for the first time: quality is high and English bubbles are not going away.

Austrian Skin-Contact Wines

Austrian Skin-Contact Wines

Matthew Gaughan
Other Countries

A modern, dynamic wine country, Austrian winemakers are open to experimentation. A tasting of four skin-contact wines proved both how consistently high quality Austrian wine is and that wines made with extended contact with the skins can be extremely interesting and not just an experimental gimmick.

Vermouth

Vermouth

Matthew Gaughan
Other Countries

Vermouth is undergoing a huge revival, with producers resurrecting old family recipes to make stunning wines. Read about the history of vermouth, the different styles, and some vermouths to try.

Wachau, Kremstal, and Kamptal

Wachau, Kremstal, and Kamptal

Matthew Gaughan
Other Countries

The highlight of a recent trip to Austria was visiting the regions of Wachay, Kremstal, and Kamptal. They’re mostly planted to Grüner Veltliner and Riesling, two varieties with very different needs yet which both thrive next to each other. Read more to find out why, and why quality is so generally high.