Wine Blog

Who came up with the idea of New Year Resolutions? Undoubtedly a puritanical killjoy. As January begins, the festivities of Christmas are a distant memory, pay day is weeks away, and the worst of winter lies ahead. Will eating less, abstaining from alcohol, and dragging our bodies into the early morning darkness to exercise really elevate our mood? Surely not. Good food, good wine and good company, in my humble opinion, are the foundation upon which a healthy mind and a healthy body …

Are you doing Dry January?  Congratulations to you if you're starting the month with the best intentions. Personally, I don’t subscribe to the idea, maybe because deep down I know I’m too weak willed to see it through, though I prefer to use the excuse of moderation. A study was published thirty years ago which uncovered The French Paradox - moderate wine consumption gives better health outcomes than total abstention. The French drink more wine, eat more cheese and cook with but …

In its most prosaic, scientific form, the bubbles in Champagne are simply CO2 – Carbon Dioxide. It’s the same gas that creates bubbles in prosecco, beer and even coke – where the gas is injected as if using a giant soda stream. How the bubbles get into Champagne, though, is far more romantic.Discover our range of Champagne.The Myth of Dom PérignonIt all started in the 18th century with a French monk called Dom Pérignon. For centuries the winemakers of Champagne had tried, without success, …

What are you drinking on Christmas day? Whether you’re serving traditional turkey or going with something different, let Wickhams guide you to the perfect pairings.Canapés and AperitifsThe pop of a cork from a bottle of fizz will let everyone know that the party has started. Crémant makes a great alternative to Champagne, it’s made using the Champagne method, but doesn’t come with the expensive price tag. Cave de Turckheim “Mayerling” Brut is an elegant option from Alsace. This sparkling Pi …

Chardonnay grapes growing in Chablis “I don’t like Chardonnay”. It’s a sentiment I hear expressed often. What a shame that some dismiss this gem after drinking a bad glass some years ago. Over-oaked Aussie Chardonnay of yesteryear has much to answer for. Set aside those preconceptions, Chardonnay is as illustrious as it is versatile. It has earned its place in the pantheon of iconic wine grapes. Its history is rich, its adaptability remarkable, and its influence on the wine world pro …

Red wine should be served at room temperature, right? As a simple rule of thumb, yes. But... Room temperature is not what it used to be. In the 1970s average room temperature was a chilly 12 °C, whereas today room temperature is estimated at a tropical 20 °C or higher.So, what temperature should I serve red wine? The serving temperature for red wine should be between 12 °C and 18 °C. The bigger and fuller the red, the closer to 18 °C it should be served. These will generally …

The duty on a bottle of wine is changing on 1st August 2023.What's the duty on a bottle of wine? The Chancellor announced changes to wine duty in his spring budget. At the time newspapers focussed on of the savings on a pint of draught beer, thanks to the new Draught Relief. But, little has been said about the 20% increase in duty on a bottle of wine. In France, you pay just 3p duty on a bottle of wine. Before this increase, the UK rate of £2.23 was the world’s third-highest rate. …

On Friday 7 July 2023 a collection of English winemakers gathered for lunch at The Drapers Hall in central London. The lunch was in celebration of the WineGB Awards 2023. The annual awards showcase wines from across England, one of the most dynamic wine making regions in the world. The judging took place over two days in June in the beautiful surroundings of Exton Park, Hampshire. A highly respected team, co-chaired by Susie Barrie MW and wine legend Oz Clarke OBE, blind-tasted 34 …

What's the difference? It's pretty simple. Picpoul de Pinet is an appellation in the south of France. Picpoul, or Piquepoul, are synonynms for the grape variety. Read on to discover more... Picpoul or Piquepoul, the Grape Picpoul de Pinet, the Appellation Buy Picpoul wine Picpoul or Piquepoul, the grape The origins of the Piquepoul name are a little hazy. A popular theory is that chickens ( poules in French) used to “pick” at the grapes that …

Dominique Piron and Dan Farrell-Wright in Corcelles I have been lucky enough to travel to Beaujolais and to share wine with the winemakers, many of whose families have worked the hilly vineyards for generations. Just like their wines, the vignerons are often easy-going, charming, and bursting with youthful energy. In this article I’ll be looking at this historic region. Buy Beaujolais wine A Brief History La Chapelle Madonne overlooking the vines This is a regi …