Tag Archives: white wine

Good Stuff #86



Good stuff and lots of it! Here’s the low down on some fine things to see, sip, savour and more – all of which I’ve recently come across and thought were worth sharing with you. Enjoy. Continue reading

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Drink Wine, Support a Bicycle, Change a Life with Nederburg’s Qhubeka Project

Nederburg, South Africa’s acclaimed winery, believes in giving back … and in the power of bicycles to change lives. We’ll drink to that! Continue reading

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Dinner at Benares with Les Vignobles Foncalieu

An invitation to indulge in an intriguing assortment of Les Vignobles Foncalieu wines at one of London’s haut-est Indian restaurants turned out to be a memorably delicious dining (and drinking) experience. Continue reading

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Win a Case of Graham Norton’s Own Sauvignon Blanc 2016

Graham Norton and the folks at Invivo Wine have kindly set aside a case of Graham Norton’s Own Sauvignon Blanc 2016 to share with one lucky tikichris reader. Continue reading

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Koshu of Japan 2015

Last week saw the return of the annual 2015 UK Trade and Press Tasting of Koshu wines from the Yamanashi Prefecture of Japan to The Westbury Hotel in Mayfair. Lucky to have scored a place at the event’s food and wine matching seminar, I’m pleased to share with you some of my faves from the tasting. Continue reading

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Brasserie Chavot: Epic Flavour and Subtle Finesse in Mayfair

Contemporary French cuisine made with quality ingredients sourced from the British Isles and France? It’s a gorgeous idea – especially when executed by a capable chef such as Eric Chavot. A recent opportunity to taste my way through much of the menu at Brasserie Chavot proved a veritable feast of epic flavour and subtle finesse. Continue reading

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Good Stuff

Good Stuff and lots of it! Here’s the low down on some fine things to see, sip or savour – all of which I’ve recently come across and thought were worth sharing with you. Enjoy. RHS Chelsea Flower Show Did you … Continue reading

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Portugal Please: Morgadio da Calçada

Situated atop a plateau yielding (yet more) beautiful panoramic views of the Douro River and its undulant valley, the tiny ancient village of Provesende was my final stop in the area. Here I took a quick wander round the village and a proper snoop inside 17th century mansion (with contemporary accommodations) Morgadio da Calçada. Continue reading

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Portugal Please: Even More Douro Valley Quintas

No, I didn’t just lounge around at a couple of scenically situated hotels while in the Douro (although, that would be a terrifically recuperative way to spend one’s time). When I wasn’t enjoying my stay in the luxury laps of Quinta do Vallado and Quinta Nova, I was bopping all over the rest of the valley trying to visit as many different vineyards as possible – and loving every minute of it. Here are a few brief notes about the rest of the Douro Valley quintas I visited, including Quinta do Crasto, Quinta da Pacheca, Quinta do Panascal and Quinta do Seixo. Continue reading

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Portugal Please:  Quinta Novo de Nossa Senhora do Carmo

A lovingly restored 18th century manor cum 21st century four star hotel and the centrepiece of a lofty patchwork of vineyards rolling down to the Douro River: Quinta Novo de Nossa Senhora do Carmo was my home for a night. Leaving Vallado for a full-on day of winery visits around the Douro, my second evening in this idyllic valley wound down in equal parts elegance and comfort. Continue reading

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Portugal Please:  Sniffing Around Quinta do Vallado

After a quick sightseeing jaunt and overnight stay in Porto, I was off to the Douro Valley for a few days of scenic sipping. My first night there, I had the ultra-luxe pleasure of spending some time – and a very restful night – at Quinta do Vallado. To put it plainly, I loved everything about this place. It hurt a little to have to leave and I’m aching to return for another chance to admire in situ this wine hotel’s blend of tradition with modern design; savour more of its homey food; and, of course, enjoy its fabulous wines. Continue reading

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New Regional Wine & Cheese Menu at Theo Randall at the Intercontinental

Allow me to commence this rave by saying that Theo Randall’s Head Sommelier, Yuri Gualeni, is a frickin’ genius and Chef Randall is a very wise man indeed to let Gualeni do his thing. Case in point: the young sommelier’s new wine and cheese pairing that’s been “designed to be a journey through Italy’s terroir and traditions.” I tried it last night and loved every moment. Priced from £24 per person – and tailored to guest preferences – the menu includes four Italian wines paired with four regional cheeses. Continue reading

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Tasty Tales from the Italian Ham Highway: Delectable Collio Goriziano

With the charming Udine as my base for a couple of days, I spent an afternoon in the nearby wine country of Collio Goriziano visiting a wine producer and cheese maker, both of whom had been recommended to me … along with finding out about a local ham maker whom I wish I’d had the chance to meet. Here’s the scoop on what makes this little nook of northern Italy such a yummy destination. Continue reading

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Wine of the Month: Soryu Koshu 2010

Japanese wine … yes, by “wine” as in fermented grape juice. Who knew? Not me until very recently when I attended the fourth annual Koshu of Japan UK Trade and Press Tasting late last month at the Westbury Hotel. Continue reading

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Wine of the Month: Bouchard Aîné & Fils, Crémant de Bourgogne, Brut, 2007

Oh sure, Champagne gets all the credit this festive time of year. But before you pop open another bottle of tried and true champers, consider some of your other fizzy options. Bouchard Aîné & Fils Brut 2007 is December’s Wine … Continue reading

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Beach Boys, Cloudy Bay and Royal Albert Hall? How White Can it Get?

Truth be told, I’m a huge Beach Boys fan. Brian Wilson? One of pop’s greatest poets. Proof? Surfer Girl. Pet Sounds? Possibly my most listened to bunch of songs, definitely in my top five. I’m rather partial to sipping an … Continue reading

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Wine of the Month: Lamoretti, Colli di Parma, Malvasia 2011

A lightly fizzy bargain of a delicate and fresh white from the hills outside of Parma, Lamoretti’s sparkling Malvasia is nowhere near as famous as the region’s two most popular exports, Parma ham and Parmigiano Reggiano. Nevertheless, it’s a mouthwateringly … Continue reading

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Wine of the Month: Blue Nun Rivaner Riesling

No really. It’s good. A very chilled bottle of this fruity German quencher is as easy on the palate as it is on the wallet. As an expat American, a sip of this the long established, and once wildly popular, … Continue reading

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Wine of the Month: 2006 Domaine Nathalie & Gilles Fèvre Chablis Grand Cru Les Preuses

This month’s WOTM features another fantastic bottle picked up last month in Burgundy. As made deliciously clear during my trip, what makes Bourgogne wine so damn fine is the terroir. And Domaine Nathalie & Gilles Fèvre’s range of Grand Cru … Continue reading

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Wine of the Month: Jaffelin Bouzeron 2005

If you’re even a cursory reader of this blog, it should come as no surprise that, for my latest WOTM post, I’ve gone with a wine I tried while in Burgundy. While having a fantastic lunch at La Ciboulette, a modest … Continue reading

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Wine of the Month: 2010 Sancerre Blanc, André Dezat

Forgive that off colour staining on the label in the above pic, but I was cooking while quaffing and thoroughly enjoying both when a bit of sauce splashed out onto the bottle of this 2010 Sancerre blanc … this crisp, … Continue reading

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Wine of the Month: 2010 La Cadène, Côtes du Rhône Villages, Domaine Chaume Arnaud

A mostly good but very long week rolled up to a quiet Friday night at home. Having this Côtes du Rhône white in the fridge was a relief. A simple but satisfying mozzarella salad, some taramosalata on toast and a … Continue reading

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Wine of the Month: 2008 Macon Bussieres, Le Monsard Les Heritiers du Comte Lafon 

Tough times deserve great wine. Now, by no means am I suggesting anyone try to drink his or her problems away or seek solutions at the bottom of a bottle, but a good glass of wine can go a long … Continue reading

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Wine of the Month: 2007 Berry Bros & Rudd’s 2007 Extra Ordinary White

This month’s choice brings a taste of zest to the palate and is sipped with earnest hopes for a lovely summer. Indeed, with its light and lemony finish, Berry Bros & Rudd’s 2007 Extra Ordinary White is a winner of … Continue reading

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Wine of the Month: Berry Bros & Rudd’s 2007 Domaine de Coudoulet Viognier, Vin de Pays D’Oc

Upon first tasting, I didn’t quite know what to make of this one. I was immediately intrigued when I gave the cork and then my glassful a good whiff but then didn’t think my initial sip equalled my nosed expectations. … Continue reading

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