Classics and discoveries with The Wine Society

Spring’s online wine tastings continue with bottles from a very special wine club, writes Peter Ranscombe. THERE are two things for which The Wine Society is known – classic wines at classic prices, and exciting oddities that will make even the most seasoned wine geek sit up and take notice. Both ends of the spectrum…

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The best sake and shochu for whisky fans

Japan’s brewed and distilled drinks have lots to offer Scotch lovers, as Peter Ranscombe finds out. YOU’VE heard of sake, but how about shochu? While sake has been growing in popularity and prominence in Scotland, I confess that shochu was a new one on me. Sake is brewed like a beer, while shochu is distilled…

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Tales of the unexpected from Aldi and Lidl

Peter Ranscombe discovers some surprises among the latest wines released by Lidl and Aldi. DRAW closer and let me tell you some tales of the unexpected. There’s the tale of the sauvignon blanc from Hungary. There’s the story of the sangiovese from Chile. And there’s the legend of the riesling – from Canada. Supermarket chain…

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Meet the ‘most Burgundian’ of Bordeaux’s wines

An online tasting with Edinburgh restaurant Fhior reveals new ideas are meeting traditional methods in Bordeaux, writes Peter Ranscombe. IT’S the quiet ones you have to watch. When he’s serving you in Fhior, Stuart Skea is the epitome of discretion. He’ll slide quietly up to your table, whisper wise words of advice about the bottles…

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The women who inspire the winemakers

To mark International Women’s Day, Peter Ranscombe asks three female winemakers about the women who supported and inspired them. The winemaker: Jen Walsh, La Crema, California The woman: Linda Bisson “I’ve been fortunate to have worked alongside many talented and inspiring women within the wine industry. Foremost would be Dr Linda Bisson, who was my…

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Wine to Dine – April 2021 – Brodie Williams

Scottish Field wine columnist Peter Ranscombe hums Eddie Grant’s classic tune as he matches bottles to Brodie Williams’ brunch dishes. THE first time I got off the tube at Brixton and saw the sign for “Electric Avenue”, a wee lightbulb popped on inside my head. It hadn’t dawned on me that Eddie Grant’s 1983 reggae…

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Why does Portuguese wine taste so different?

Peter Ranscombe hits the trail to find out what makes Portugal’s wine so special. IT WASN’T the grapes that first brought Peter Bright to Portugal – it was the surfing. Winemakers seem to have an affinity for the waves, no matter whether they’re from California or South Africa or Australia. Bright’s first visit to Portugal…

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Chardonnay showdown: Australia v New Zealand

Peter Ranscombe had a ring-side seat for this afternoon’s virtual clash between two chardonnay giants. IN THE red corner: all the way from the southern hemisphere, the undefeated heavyweight champion of chardonnay, it’s Australia. And in the blue corner, from the other side of the Tasman Sea, the upstart challenger looking to land a knock-out…

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Find out what Oz Clarke picked as his ‘unexpected’ wines

Louis Latour let Oz Clarke loose in its cellars to select bottles for his ‘Tales of the unexpected’ tasting; Peter Ranscombe reports on the results. THERE’S something a wee bit weird about one wine reviewer writing about another wine reviewer’s choices – but, for Oz Clarke, I’m happy to make an exception. As a child…

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NOTEBOOK – FEBRUARY 2021

Scottish rum, oak-aged gin, and low-alcohol beer are among the latest treats to emerge from Scottish Field drinks blogger Peter Ranscombe‘s notebook. AFTER the Christmas rush of spirits reviews, January offers a bit of welcome relief. Catch your breath, refresh your palate, and give your liver a rest. That break makes February’s new releases all…

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