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Sep 3, 2024 | 
cluboenologique.com | Anne Jones |Ivan Dixon
There are nearly 1,300 hectares under vine across 133 contrade (or cru) in Etna, one of the most hotly discussed wine regions today whose vital statistics are evolving like the morphology of its famous volcano. The energy of Mount Etna is profound and perceptible as soon as you set foot in the vineyard; everything appears powerful and majestic and only the sounds of nature break the silence otherwise experienced among these vines at altitude.
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Aug 21, 2024 | 
cluboenologique.com | Anne Jones |Ivan Dixon |Essi Avellan MW
Meunier has come a long way in the past 25 years. Traditionally, it was considered more of a workhorse grape variety when compared to Champagne thoroughbreds Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. But people are throwing out the old preconceptions of Meunier as a blending grape alone, or as a variety that does not age well. In fact, many makers within the grower Champagne scene are championing the grape in 100% Meunier bottlings.
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Aug 20, 2024 | 
cluboenologique.com | Anne Jones |Ivan Dixon |Joel Harrison
Global superstar Beyoncé has teamed up with Moët Hennessy to launch a new American whisky called SirDavis. Created in partnership with celebrated whisky-maker Dr. Bill Lumsden, SirDavis marries the flavour profile of American rye with the texture imparted by a finishing period in Pedro Ximenez sherry casks and is named in honour of Beyoncé’s great-grandfather. The multi-award winning singer-songwriter has long been vocal about her love of whisky, which was the starting point for this project.
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Aug 14, 2024 | 
cluboenologique.com | Anne Jones |Ivan Dixon
The public love affair with gin shows no signs of abating, and why should it? It’s a spirit that ticks so many boxes: it’s refreshing, delivers bags of flavour, works really well in cocktails and there’s plenty of variety, so whether you like your gins fruity, spicy, herbal or more exotic, there’s likely to be one for you.
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Aug 14, 2024 | 
cluboenologique.com | Anne Jones |Ivan Dixon
The best Tesco wines are part of a range that’s generally well-judged and balances the basics with some proper show-stopping bottles for a Saturday-night treat. Tesco has, for many years, placed heavy emphasis on its own-label ‘Finest’ series, which often delivers great value, but there are also some impressive branded wines from well-known names in the mix. One of the best wines at Tesco worthy of special mention is the Tesco Finest Floréal.
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Aug 13, 2024 | 
cluboenologique.com | Anne Jones |Ivan Dixon |Matt Walls
Some red wines, like inexpensive Beaujolais, are designed to be drunk as young as possible. Others, like Sagrantino, need many years in bottle before they’re ready. There are certain styles however, like Barossa Shiraz, that drink well both young and old. Intense and powerful, bright and velvety; Barossa Shiraz can be delicious when young. And it’s these same characteristics that give the best examples impressive longevity.
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Aug 7, 2024 | 
cluboenologique.com | Anne Jones |Ivan Dixon |Essi Avellan MW
Over the past 150 years, the Champagne region had all but forgotten its ancient still wine tradition. But still wines are beginning to raise their heads in Champagne once again – no doubt aided by the warmer temperatures of a changing climate. Now, excitingly, this trend of the past is being recovered: re-invented, even.
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Aug 5, 2024 | 
cluboenologique.com | Anne Jones |Ivan Dixon
The Foursquare distillery in Barbados has been recognised as the leading light in the world of premium rum. Under the guidance of owner/distiller/blender Richard Seale, it has challenged lazy assumptions about the spirit. A student of rum’s heritage who isn’t short of an opinion or two, he has adapted old techniques and approaches with a modern sensibility seen most clearly in the releases under the Velier and ECS labels.
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Jul 30, 2024 | 
cluboenologique.com | Anne Jones |Ivan Dixon
It’s always fascinating how perceptions change with the passage of time. Back in 2015, when the wines were first encountered en primeur, the 2014 Bordeaux reds were, quite rightly, hailed as the best since 2010. However, the vintage didn’t have very long to bask in the limelight because it was swiftly eclipsed by the glorious 2015s and 2016s. Ever since then, its reputation has steadily slipped down the rankings – through no fault of its own.
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Jun 14, 2024 | 
cluboenologique.com | Ivan Dixon
Tasted on 16/05/2024 Tasted by Ivan Dixon Tasted in London Representing a blend of 65% Auxerrois, 34% Pinot Blanc and 1% Chardonnay, this traditionally fermented fizz from a lesser-known sparking wine region has pleasing personality for the price. Restrained and subtle on the nose with light notes of apple and biscuit. Dry and round palate with a broad mouthfeel. Good acidity to balance with a pleasing crispness. Quaffable and rewarding.
