Features Archives - Circle of Wine Writers

Review: Gerard Basset, Tasting Victory

Posted on April 3, 2020April 4, 2020 by Amanda Barnes

Unlike many members, I never had the fortune to know Gerard. I did, however, know of Gerard. It seems there are few people in the wine world who have inspired so many others and made them all feel so welcome. Without exception, when his name has come up in conversation – no matter whether that conversation has been in England, France or even Chile – someone has told me about how delightful Gerard ...

How the wine world is coping with coronavirus

Posted on April 2, 2020April 6, 2020 by Amanda Barnes

Members of the Circle of Wine Writers take a look at their regions, or regions to which they have recently travelled, to share some insight into how the wine world is coping with Coronavirus and the impact of lockdown and social distancing on their businesses. A letter from the Editor: Well, hasn't life as we know it changed in the last month? Last month, we were beginning to cancel events f...

Meet the Friend: Angela Muir MW

Posted on March 30, 2020March 31, 2020 by Amanda Barnes

Angela Muir MW has been working in the wine trade since 1970, right from her first job on leaving Bristol University. Ten years later she became a Master of Wine, in fact one of the first female MWs, and has been a respected consultant to wine producers and companies ever since, establishing her own consultancy company, Cellarworld, in 1993. Amanda Barnes interviews her about her experience in the...

Book Review: The Book of St John

Posted on March 11, 2020March 14, 2020 by Amanda Barnes

Many members will be well-aware of Circle Member Trevor Gulliver and his partner Fergus Henderson's popular St John restaurant in London, where offal and the humble pig took the centre stage, and the wine selection came a close second. Earlier this year, they released their book, The Book of St John, which reflects their 'nose-to-tail' ethos of holistic eating (using every part of the animal) and ...

Soaking up sake

Posted on March 11, 2020 by Jochen Erler

Ever the keen learner, on his cruise to the Far East, Jochen Erler takes time out to sip some sake at source. As a professional taster of wine and spirits, with some experience as a beer taster in competitions, I have long been intrigued by the similarities between producing beer and whisk(e)y on the one hand, and sake (rice wine) and its distillate on the other. Both have water and grain as thei...

Clearly Bardolino

Posted on March 11, 2020 by Meg Houston Maker

To access this post, you must purchase Friend of the Circle (inc one-off joining fee), Corporate Friend of the Circle (inc one-off joining fee), Friend of the Circle (renewals) or Corporate Friend of the Circle (renewals).

A look at 2019 Chianti Classico

Posted on March 11, 2020March 14, 2020 by John Salvi MW

John Salvi MW attends Chianti Classico Collection 2020 and crafts his conclusions on the 2019 vintage by digging deep into the factors that have delivered a generous yield of wonderful wines. A record number of producers turned out at the 2020 edition of Chianti Classico Collection, and more than ever before showed their new vintage – the 2019. There were 56 producers pouring 2019s at the Stazio...

Pack up your bottles in a bag in box?

Posted on March 11, 2020 by Jancis Robinson MW

Jancis Robinson Circle of Wine Writers member on wine bottles and climate change

On a mission for Malbec

Posted on March 10, 2020March 14, 2020 by Amanda Barnes

Meet the Friend: Nicky Forrest, Phipps

Posted on March 10, 2020March 14, 2020 by Amanda Barnes

Nicky Forrest's love for wine has brought her not only into the world of wine PR but into the vineyard as a grower too, as Amanda Barnes learns in this interview. As MD of Phipps, Nicky has worked on several landmark campaigns for wine brands and producers and she shares some of her experiences in the drinks business. What are your earliest memories in wine? My first memories are from the late ...