Wines made from Mencia grapes of Toro

In a year when travel was almost impossible, wine has been a fine companion. In terms of varieties I have been drinking a vinous A to Z: everything from Albillo (Cebreros) to Zibibbo (Pantelleria, Italy). Specifically I have been enjoying Cariñena from Priorat and Rioja, plus Garnachas – white, red and hairy – from Terra Alta, Rioja and Gredos, as well as Greek Xinomavro from Naoussa and Xarel.lo from Catalunya. Scroll down for Sarah Jane Evans MW’s top 10 wines of 2021 Not forgetting Menc ...

The new blend, jointly developed by Button and Taiwan-based drinks consultant George Koutsakis, is named after the historic process of designing and hand building the bodywork for a luxury car. It brings together malt and grain whiskies from the five main regions of Scotland: Islay, Campbeltown, Speyside, the Highlands and the Lowlands, before being married together and extra matured in ex-sherry casks and finally bottled at 46% Button, who also last year revived the fortunes of the formerly def ...

I remember watching the London fireworks on television last New Year’s Eve. They were spectacular to watch, but where there would usually be throngs of spectators, the streets remained incongruously empty. Social distancing was still in force. It reminded me of my year’s wine drinking up to that point: some dazzling bottles, but often enjoyed without company – or via a screen. As 2022 began, the Covid-19 pandemic gradually relaxed its grip and many of us hurried back to everyday life. The usual ...