Matthew's World of Wine and Drink

News from Spain

04 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Fresh from a two-week trip to Spain, in this episode I share the insights I learnt from visiting the sherry region, Rioja, and Basque country - the la...

Interview with Katie Nelson on Cabernet Sauvignon

23 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Katie Nelson has been making wine since the 1990s, and she is now based in Washington State where she makes the popular Borne of Fire Cabernet-based w...

Interview with Clay Mauritson (III) - The Terroir of Zinfandel

16 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Third and final installment in my interview with Clay Mauritson. In this episode, we talk about three single-vineyard Zinfandels which all come from t...

Interview with Clay Mauritson (II) - Zinfandel and the Rockpile AVA

09 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Zinfandel is the signature grape of California, although it's one that often misunderstood. Clay Mauritson reveals the many challenges that Zinfandel ...

Interview with Clay Mauritson (I) - The Evolution of the California Wine Industry

02 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

First of three interviews with Clay Mauritson of Mauritson Wines located in Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, in which he talks about his family histor...

Bulgaria

17 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Bulgaria has a 3,000 year history of making wine, but it was only in the mid to late twentieth century that the wine was drunk abroad. After the fall ...

Hardy Wallace of Dirty and Rowdy on Mourvèdre

08 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Mourvèdre is one of the great Mediterranean grapes, but it's often neglected as the third and least important of the GSM varieties. However, there's ...

Food & Wine Pairings with Andreya Nightingale (II)

01 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Second episode interviewing chef Andreya Nightingale focuses on the unctuous possibilities involved in pairing sweet wine with food - our examples are...

Interview with Eric Lyman (IV) - Faults in Wine

01 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The final episode interviewing winemaker Eric Lyman focuses on faults in wine - TCA, volatile acidity, Brett, oxidation - and how they can be prevente...

Food & Wine Pairings with Andreya Nightingale (I)

26 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In the first of two episodes on pairing with food and wine, I'm joined by chef Andreya Nightingale of Mortar Pestle Cooking. We discuss the concepts b...

Interview with Eric Lyman (III) - Mega Purple

24 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Wine doesn't just happen by itself: in the third of four episodes, winemaker Eric Lyman talks about the additions, manipulations, and corrections that...

Canada

17 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Canada has not been historically associated with quality wine, and its cold climate makes grape-growing difficult. But quality is rising - and this is...

Interview with Eric Lyman (II) - Everything Makes A Difference

29 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this second episode featuring an interview with a winemaker, we talk about what goes on in the winery - from when the grapes come in until fermenta...

Interview with Eric Lyman (I) - The Process

23 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

First of a series of interviews with a custom crush winemaker from Napa Valley. In this first episode, we explore how he approaches the practicalities...

Romania

25 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Viticulture in Romania dates back to the 7th century BC, and the country has a rich tradition with many indigenous grape varieties. However, only 11% ...

North Africa

04 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

North African countries may not be known for their wine, but they have a long and important wine-producing history - and currently make a small but in...

Eastern Mediterranean

11 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The culture of winemaking in the Eastern Mediterranean goes back thousands of years, although it's only in the last thirty years that quality has beg...

Soils

21 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

What impact do soils have on the taste of wine? Is there a direct correlation between soil type and flavour profile? Why do wines from vines grown on ...

Greece

13 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Greek winemaking (and drinking) goes all way back to Ancient Greece, but after centuries of neglect it's only in recent decades that the country has o...

New Zealand (II)

25 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

A look at New Zealand's wine regions, exploring the growing diversity of this young country.

New Zealand (I)

19 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand is the youngest of the major wine-producing countries, but it has quickly become famous for its characteristic style of Sauvignon Blanc. T...

Western Australia

13 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

A quick look at one of the world's newest, largest, and most isolated wine regions, Western Australia. In a short space of time, Margaret River has be...

South Australia

05 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

South Australia accounts for 50% of Australian wine production, and includes some of the country's most historic and important regions: Barossa, Eden,...

Australia - Victoria & Tasmania

30 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Back in the nineteenth century, Victoria was the most important state for wine production. Phylloxera hurt the industry badly, but it's now re-emergin...

Australia Overview and Hunter Valley

22 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Australia is a young country, but a lot has happened in its wine industry over the last 200 years. This episode looks at the developments in Australia...

South African Wine Regions

15 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This episode explores South Africa's varied wine regions, emphasising how important regionality is to promoting the country's identity internationally...

South Africa (I)

08 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

South Africa has a long history of wine production, although it's only in the last twenty-five years, after a very difficult twentieth-century, that i...

Washington

01 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Washington State is the second-largest producer of wine in the US after California. Its history is still very modern, but its industry is vibrant and ...

Oregon

24 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Forty years ago, Oregon was a remote state few people knew about. Now it's one of the most famous Pinot Noir producing regions in the world. How did t...

California Regions

17 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Focusing on California's wine regions, from high-quality coastal areas to hot Central Valley to high elevation Sierra Foothills.

California Grape Varieties

10 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Looking at some of the major grape varieties planted in California which have reflected changing trends in the wine industry and consumer habits: Zinf...

US (I) - The Beginnings

13 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The history of US wine goes back to the Puritans landing in 1620. But attempts at winemaking were often hit by both natural and human forces. Since th...

Uruguay and Brazil

06 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Uruguay may lie in the shadow of Argentina and Brazil, but it produces high quality wine, particularly from Tannat and Merlot. Brazil, on the other ha...

Argentina (II)

31 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Second episode on Argentina, focusing on its wine regions. Altitude is key, to prolong the growing season in the dry, hot conditions. Now, Argentian ...

Argentina (I)

22 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

An overview of the history of Argentinian wine and the grape varieties planted there. After a tumultuous twentieth century, the wine industry has boom...

Chile (II)

16 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Second episode focusing on Chile, discussing its wine regions and the different styles of wine made up and down the long, narrow country.

Chile (I)

09 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Winemaking in Chile goes back to the 1550s - wine has been made continuously in Central Valley, the epicentre of the industry, since 1554. But interna...

Cocktails

11 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The cocktail is one of the great US inventions, bringing together several ingredients to fashion a drink even greater than the sum of its parts. This ...

Flavoured Spirits, Bitters, and Liqueurs

11 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Absinthe is one of the most notorious of all spirits, associated with decadence, degeneration, and scandal. This episode explores the history of absin...

Tequila and Mezcal

07 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Both tequila and mezcal have undergone a well-deserved revival in recent years, as both producers and consumers have recognised that both of these aga...

Rum & Cachaça

04 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The great drink of the Caribbean, rum is made in a vast range of styles, decisions at fermentation, distillation, maturation, and blending all affecti...

Gin

29 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Gin is a juniper-based spirit that excels in many cocktails. The fashion for gin has hit extreme highs as well as troughs - we're now living in a gold...

Vodka

21 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Vodka is the most widely drunk spirit globally, popular because of its clean, neutral taste. The spirit goes back centuries, changing due to fashion a...

Calvados and Fruit Spirits

03 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Calvados is the great apple-based spirit of Normandy, where it's too cold to grow grapes but perfect for apples as well as pears. Across Europe, there...

Armagnac, Spanish Brandy, Pisco, Grappa

30 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Grapes are used to make a wide range of spirits. This episode focuses on Armagnac from south-west France, Spanish brandy, pisco - controversially from...

Cognac

23 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Cognac is the great spirit of France. Located near Bordeaux, it benefited from access to trade routes to become drunk around the world. This episode h...

Japanese Whisky and Tasting Whisky

20 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Japan produces some of the best whisky in the world, made with an attention to detail bar none. In this episode, I also taste three whiskies - from Sc...

US & Canadian Whiskey

14 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The long, controversial history of Bourbon and US whiskey in general permeates the country's culture. This episode explores how the whiskeys are made,...

Irish Whiskey

09 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Irish Whiskey was the most drunk whiskey in the world back in the nineteenth century, but production declined sharply in the nineteenth century. Thing...

Scotch

06 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Scottish whiskey is perhaps the most famous in the world, aged for long periods of time in oak barrels and reflecting the different regions they come ...

Distillation

02 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The first episode of a new series on the world of spirits, beginning by looking at exactly how they are made - from the raw material to fermentation t...

Jura

19 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Jura is the smallest of France's wine regions, but one that is very fashionable due to its unique styles of wine. It also provides a great alternative...

Chardonnay

12 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Chardonnay is one of the most famous grape varieties across the world. Made in a wide range of styles, it can provoke strong opinions. This episode ex...

Portugal

05 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Portugal is best known for port, but it is producing an increasing amount of high quality white and red wines from indigenous varieties little planted...

Continental & Atlantic Spain

24 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

From the vast, hot plateau of La Mancha to the wet, cool Atlantic Coast - Spain has extreme climates which can be challenging but rewarding for winema...

Americas

20 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The production of sparkling wine across the Americas is only fifty years old, but producers have been seeking out cooler sites to make quality wine us...

Mediterranean Spain

15 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Exploring the regions of Mediterranean Spain, along the coast from innovative Catalunya to the big reds of Valencia and Murcia.

Sparkling Wines of South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand

12 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Looking at three countries in the southern hemisphere, all of which produce sparkling at different levels of quality. South Africa is the only non-Eur...

Northern Spain

08 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The north of Spain is home to one of the country's historic regions, Rioja. This episode explores its history and its wines, as well as those of nearb...

Italian Sparkling Wine II

05 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Second episode on Italian sparkling wine, focusing on Franciacorta, Italy's only DOCG for wine made using the traditional method, and Lambrusco, the u...

Italian Sparkling Wine I

01 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

First of two episodes on Italian sparkling wine, focusing on the two big-volume regions, Prosecco and Asti.

Cava

29 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Cava covers a broad area of Spain, producing wines that are too often simple and disappointing. There is momentum to raise the quality - find out what...

French Sparkling Wine

27 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

French sparkling wine isn't just Champagne: it's made all around the country. This episode explores the frustratingly inconsistent Crémants of France...

Champagne Producers

26 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Discussing the relationship between growers and producers in Champagne and exploring the styles of the big producers.

Southern Italy

25 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Southern Italy is an historically poor part of Italy, making inferior wines. The last 20 years have seen more investment and quality has risen - not l...

Champagne Regions

22 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This episode looks at plantings in Champagne, the Cru structure, and the five main regions.

Central Italy

18 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Central Italy is home to some of Italy's most historic wine regions, but quality varies - not least in Chianti. This episode explores the reasons for ...

Champagne: The Place, The Rules, The Styles

16 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

An introduction to the great wines of Champagne: where they're made, how they're made, the rules governing the region, and the different styles of win...

North-East Italy

11 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

North-East Italy encompasses a diverse range of regions, including Alto Adige, Trentino, Veneto, and Fruili-Venezia-Giulia. Some of these have a stron...

North-West Italy

05 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Some of the world's greatest wines are made in Piemonte in north-west Italy, particularly from Nebbiolo in the famous Barolo and Barbaresco regions. F...

Sparkling Wine Overview

24 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

An introductory overview of sparkling wine, looking at the different production methods, regions, and styles. In this episode, I credit the English fo...

Hungary

22 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Hungary has a long history of winemaking, particularly with the great sweet wines of Tokaj. It had a difficult twentieth century, however, from which ...

Austria

14 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Learn all about Austria, its wine regions, and its unique grapes: Grüner Veltliner, Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch, and St-Laurent. For a relatively small ...

German Wine Regions

07 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Germany's cool climate means that the best wines come from steep slopes on the banks of its great rivers, espeically the Rhine and the Mosel. Learn ab...

German Grape Varieties

30 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Germany is one of the great wine-producing countries, but its labels can be daunting. This episode helps you decipher them by understanding the German...

Sweet Wines

18 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Some of the greatest wines of the world are sweet, made in historic regions such as Sauternes, Tokaj, or Germany. There are lots of different ways of ...

South-West France

26 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

South-West France is one of the most historic wine-producing regions of France, but it's been overshadowed internationally by Bordeaux. There are plen...

Languedoc

19 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

France's largest wine region, Languedoc is re-inventing itself, with a greater emphasis on quality than ever before. Learn about the different appella...

Alsace

11 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Alsace is one of the more unusual wine regions in France, because of its historic German connections. It produces aromatic, ageworthy white wine from ...

Bordeaux - A Brief Overview

26 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

An overview of one of France's classic and historic wine regions, Bordeaux, exploring its history, climate, sub-regions, and grape varieties.

Rutherglen Muscat

15 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Australia produces some of the world's most distinctive fortified wines, of all sorts of colours and ages. This episode focuses on Rutherglen Muscat, ...

Vins Doux Naturels

14 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Vins Doux Naturels are some of the most historic wines of France, although they remain an obscure category. Learn about the various wines made from Mu...

Madeira - Production and Styles

14 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

The taste of madeira is all about heating the wine to produce a maderised effect. On top of that, the characteristics of the different grape varieties...

Madeira - Climate, Viticulture, Grape Varieties

14 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

The sub-tropical island of Madeira is warm and wet, unique conditions that growers and producers have to factor when planting the classic grape variet...

Madeira - Introduction

13 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Madeira is one of the greatest and most historic styles of wine, but now there are just 4m bottles made a year. The history of the wine accounts for i...

Port Grape Varieties

12 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

With over 80 grape varieties allowed for port production, the wine is always a blend, combining the colour, acidity, alcohol, body, flavour profile, a...

Port Production and Styles

11 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Extracting colour and tannin are all-important for the production of port; how and where the wine is aged afterwards determines the style. Those style...

Port - the Douro

09 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

The Douro is famous for its historic steep terraced slopes but modernisation over the last forty years have seen changes in how and where the grapes h...

Introduction to Port

06 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

An introduction to port, the great wine of Portugal: its history and how its styles have changed and developed over the centuries.

Sweet Sherry

05 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

The final episode focusing on sherry - in this instance, the many different styles of sweet sherry and the methods of making them.

Sherry Production

28 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Although the vineyard plays an important role in sherry, the varied styles are a result of what happens in the winery. Learn how production methods - ...

Sherry: Viticulture, Trade, and the Solera System

17 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

The different styles of sherry owe a lot to how they are made in the winery, but a lot happens in the vineyard too.

Sherry Overview

16 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Continuing the series on fortified wine, this episode gives an overview of sherry: its history, the way in which the industry has developed over the c...

Fortified Wine Overview

15 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Explore the world of fortified wine, from sherry to Rutherglen Muscat, through Matthew's World of Wine and Drink. The episodes are particularly focuse...