About Matthew's World of Wine and Drink.

This blog began as a record of taking the WSET Diploma, during which I studied and explored wines and spirits made all around the world. Having passed the Diploma and become a WSET Certified Educator, the blog has become much more: a continual outlet for my passion for the culture of wine, spirits, and beer.

I aim to educate in an informal, enlightening, and engaging manner. As well as maintaining this blog to track my latest enthusiasms, I provide educational tastings for restaurants and for private groups. Details can be found on the website, and collaborations are welcome.

Wine is my primary interest and area of expertise and this blog aims to immerse the reader in the history of wine, to understand why wine tastes like it does, and to explore all the latest news. At the same time, beer and spirits will never be ignored.

For the drinker, whether casual or professional, today is a good time to be alive.

Apr 24

Apr 24 Following the Variety - Podcast Overview

Matthew Gaughan

podcast

A free overview of the six series of Following the Variety which is available on patreon.com/mattswineworld. These are extensive explorations of grape varieties, where they're grown, the different styles of wine made from them, covering all the major—and many minor—regions around the world. So far, Following the Variety consists of multi-part series on Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Bordeaux varieties, and Spanish varieties. Ideal for refreshing knowledge of these major varieties, as well as learning about new regions.

Nov 11

Nov 11 Interview with Terah Bajjalieh

Matthew Gaughan

podcast

Terah Bajjalieh is an up-and-coming winemaker in California, making wine from Grenache, Syrah, Vermentino, and Falanghina. The wines are modern expressions of California, but also representations of California's Mediterranean climate and its history from the early days of the nineteenth century. In this episode, we talk about all things California in relation to these Mediterranean varieties.

Jun 17

Jun 17 Priorat

Matthew Gaughan

podcast

Priorat is one of Spain's most prestigious regions, the vines grown on steep slate slopes. Garnatxa (Grenache) and Carinyena (Carignan) are the two most important varieties, often from old vines. The wines of Priorat are known as big and full-bodied, but as I learnt on a recent visit there's a lot more diversity than that.

Mar 15

Mar 15 Grenache

Matthew Gaughan

podcast

Grenache is one of the world's most planted grape varieties, commonly found in warm Mediterranean climates such as the south of France, eastern Spain, Australia, and California. This episode explores the extraordinary diverse range of wines made from Grenache: different blends, rosé, fortified wine, and from old vines. In a warming climate, Grenache may be the future!