The Unalternative Wine Glossary: S

by blog on January 20, 2021

Here is a lexicon of definitions of key wine words. The definitions are not intended to be scientifically objective and, in many cases, will be somewhat simplistic. Some will describe the technical side of wine(s), others will examine the more abstract and aesthetic ideas behind wine. Previously: A’s, B’s, C’s, D’s , E’s, F’s,  G’s, H’s, I’s, J,K,Ls Ns, Os, Ps, Q&Rs (that’s right, this is so unalternative we’re even posting […]

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Doug decants: 2018 Perry Pear Eaux de Vie, Capreolus

by blog on January 20, 2021

Perry pears, used to make the pear equivalent of cider, are endemic to this part of the Cotswold’s but are sadly now largely viewed as uncommercial. Most of the varieties Capreolus use are found within 30 miles of the distillery and carry with them the incredible complexity which is much more akin to the wild […]

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The Travelling Wine Wilburys

January 20, 2021

I am referring here to those projects where growers combine their resources to make wines across les frontières. Little wine entente cordiales. We began to notice these friendly conjunctions in vintages like 2016 when extraordinary weather events (hail, late frost) conspired to wipe out as much as 80% of the normal yield. These mini-apocalypses are […]

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100 Great Natural Wines: Friuli

January 20, 2021

This is a series profiling the producers on our list who make natural wines. Within this series we will be highlighting some of the extraordinary and rare bottles and vintages that have helped to shape our appreciation of natural wines over the years. Previous posts from our 100 Great Natural Wines series include Austria, Spain, and […]

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Top “Orange” Wines of 2020

January 6, 2021

If 2020 proved one thing to me it was that skin contact/orange wines were now much more than a bit-part player in our wine portfolio. In fact, they were the prime movers with three examples in our top ten fastest selling lines and several others on the margin. Although orange wines are naturally for all […]

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Doug Decants: Intellego Wines

January 6, 2021

Intelligent design Jurgen worked with Eben Sadie for a vintage in Spain (at Terroir Al Limit in Priorat) and also in South Africa. He did further stints in France (at Matassa with Tom Lubbe and with Stephane Ogier at Roc d’Anglade) and in New Zealand and Russia (where he made the premium wines for a […]

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100 Great Natural Wines: Piemonte

January 6, 2021

This is a series profiling the producers on our list who make natural wines. Within this series we will be highlighting some of the extraordinary and rare bottles and vintages that have helped to shape our appreciation of natural wines over the years. Previous posts from our 100 Great Natural Wines series include Austria, Spain, and […]

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The Unalternative Wine Glossary: Q & R

January 6, 2021

Here is a lexicon of definitions of key wine words. The definitions are not intended to be scientifically objective and, in many cases, will be somewhat simplistic. Some will describe the technical side of wine(s), others will examine the more abstract and aesthetic ideas behind wine. Previously: A’s, B’s, C’s, D’s , E’s, F’s,  G’s, H’s, I’s, J,K,Ls Ns, Os & Ps (that’s right, this is so unalternative we’re even posting […]

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Doug decants: The Natural Burgundies of Renaud Boyer

December 23, 2020

Renaud Boyer cultivates his 5-hectares by hand and horse with great passion following strict organic and natural principles when making his wine, without additives or sulphur. From his holdings on the chalky fossilised soils of Saint Romain (40% of production come from these vines), the stony limestone plot of Les Reuchaux in Puligny-Montrachet to the clay […]

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That was the year that wasn’t

December 22, 2020

Some 2020 hindsight A was for applause. Every Thursday evening at 8.00 pm on the dot, windows and doors were flung open, and clapping, drum banging, whistling and especially the beating of saucepans with wooden stirring spoons for the NHS and health support staff, commenced. A was for al fresco as pavements and streets were […]

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