Castilla-La Mancha is a large region located South and east of the Spanish capital, Madrid. Inexpensive table wines are produced from a variety of Grapes. Higher quality wines are increasingly available, but the region is traditionally known as a source of low quality bulk wine. More than half of Spain's grapes are grown here.
Traditionally, only grape varieties that can tolerate hot, Dry conditions were planted. The white Airen grape is at the top of the list and remains the most planted grape in Castilla-La Mancha (and indeed in all of Spain). However, it is not a particularly respected variety, so many producers have expanded their portfolios. Red grapes dominate the rest of the range.
St Hilaire is the patron saint of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, the pretty Champagne village which is famous for scoring 99 on the Echelle des Crus. (This classification of Champagne vineyards was developed in the mid-20th century as a means of setting the price of grapes grown through the villages of the Champagne wine region.) Prime territory That the village missed out on grand cru status by one point is generally agreed to be an injustice – all the more so as it is home not only to the superlative Clos de ...
Six spirits trends to watch in 2022 Agave spirits Looking to premiumise your collection? Tequila has plenty of high-end brands to choose from: perfect for enthusiasts to explore. Gone are the days when tequila was seen as a shot drink or only used in Margaritas. Now, drinks makers are showing just how versatile agave spirits can be in a range of cocktails. Agave expert Deano Moncrieffe of Hacha bar in east London has just opened a new specialist bar in south London, bringing tequila to the masse ...
Being notably peated, the inaugural chapter emerged in 2020, followed by Chapter Two in 2021, finished in a first fill Port pipe and refill Bourbon cask. The concluding sixth chapter is reserved for release in 2025, coinciding with the 200th anniversary of the foundation of the Old Midleton site, which operated from 1825 to 1975. ‘When it’s gone, it’s gone, which is sad in some ways, breaking the link to the old distillery,’ said Kevin O’Gorman, the Master Distiller and head of maturation of the ...
