Adam Lechmere

3 weeks ago | cluboenologique.com | Simon MW |Mandy Naglich |Louella Berryman |Adam Lechmere

In much of the winemaking world, small appellations often become famous for high-quality wines, while broader, region-wide designations are reserved for more ordinary bottlings – just look at Bordeaux. By contrast, Sicily boasts many wine denominations but its relatively short history in quality winemaking means that few of them are well-known outside the island.

4 weeks ago | cluboenologique.com | Adam Lechmere |Louella Berryman |Ciaran Griffiths |William Morris

Dark rum is enjoying a renaissance and its top expressions are now gaining respect as drinks to sip and savour like Scotch or Cognac. At the same time, its growing popularity in cocktails is driving demand in bars – on-trade rum sales surpassed £1bn in 2023, overtaking those of whisky. Mixologists are using characterful dark rums to replace whisky in classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned.

1 month ago | cluboenologique.com | Adam Lechmere |Ciaran Griffiths |William Morris |Pip Mortimer

Venturing out to the distilleries of central Kentucky can feel like a scene from a cowboy movie: fields of wheat and hay whip past, and then you pull into a gravel lot next to a pasture filled with glistening thoroughbreds and climb out of the truck. Inside a huge building filled with leather sofas, you are greeted by the occasional roaring fireplace or bronze statue.

1 month ago | cluboenologique.com | Adam Lechmere |Ciaran Griffiths |William Morris |Pip Mortimer

In episode 206, David Kermode meets Yann Munier, who joined G.H. Mumm as cellar master in April 2022. A native of Champagne, he talks about his passion for Pinot Noir, the grape that defines Mumm, and reflects on the 2024 vintage. Kermode and Munier start by paying their respects to Munier’s predecessor, Laurent Fresnet, including his work in regenerative viticulture and on G.H. Mumm’s new tasting experience.

1 month ago | cluboenologique.com | Louella Berryman |Nina Caplan |Adam Lechmere

As series 17 of the Drinking Hour podcast draws to a close, host David Kermode takes a look back on a few of his highlights from interviews with some of the most renowned names in wine. Kermode starts by reflecting on his chat with Marc Kent, Boekenhoutskloof’s managing partner, technical director and creator of much-celebrated red wine The Chocolate Block. Kent shares the story behind the name of the wine and explains why there isn’t a set recipe for The Chocolate Block.