Posts Tagged ‘France’
Book review – Rosslyn Chapel
To many people, Rosslyn Chapel has become synonymous with Dan Brown’s novels, particularly The Da Vinci Code. However, this book explores a different side of the 15th-century building as one of Scotland’s most extraordinary architectural masterpieces. Founded by Sir William St Clair, third Prince of Orkney, and inspired by the great Gothic cathedrals he had…
Read MoreScotch whisky industry was worth £4.36billion over the last 12 months
Scotland’s global whisky exports have increased in volume and value over the past 12 months. HMRC data released by the Scotch Whisky Association shows that industry was worth £4.36 billion in 2017 – up £356m compared with 2016. Global Scotch exports grew by 1.6% in volume and 8.9% in value, with 1.23bn bottles shipped. Exports…
Read MoreBook review: St Valery and its Aftermath
In many histories of the Second World War, much is written about great generals and momentous battles while the story of the ordinary soldier goes untold. This is not the case in Stewart Mitchell’s superbly researched work. Through personal accounts, often told here for the first time, Mitchell tells the story of the men of the…
Read MoreDecember snow has more Scots deciding to head to the sun
New research by ATOL, the holiday protection scheme, has found that over 420,000 Scots are set to book their holiday this week, as December’s snowy weather accelerates the holiday booking period. Other key drivers for consumers booking a holiday before December is out include ‘grabbing a bargain early’ (14 per cent) and ‘staying organised’ (13…
Read MoreExploring vintage variation with Gallica
Peter Ranscombe explores how weather conditions can affect wines from vintage to vintage with Gallica winemaker Rosemary Cakebread. PICTURE California and it’s hard to escape images of the pier at Santa Monica or the sun-drenched beaches of Malibu, Newport and Venice. Yet head north from Los Angeles and it’s possible to explore how variations in…
Read MoreNot so ordinary claret
There’s nothing ‘ordinary’ about Berry Bros’ claret or many of the other affordable bottles of Bordeaux on the market, as Peter Ranscombe discovers. FEW drinks have such a strong association with Britain as claret, the nickname for red wines produced in Bordeaux. Once used to describe thin and light wines, the term now denotes any…
Read MoreWines for Christmas 2017
Peter Ranscombe goes on a shopping spree to suggest some stonking wines for the Christmas dinner table. INSTEAD of The Grape & The Grain’s usual “100 wines for Christmas”, I thought I’d try something a wee bit different this year. I’ve grouped together these recommendations according to the shops that sell each wine, as opposed…
Read MoreWinter warmers from Sud de France
Looking for a fireside glass this December? Peter Ranscombe explores wines filled with the warmth of the South of France. FEW wine-growing regions ooze sunshine like the South of France; every glass of red feels like it’s bursting with the sun’s warming rays, while each glass of white brings back memories of the lapping waves…
Read MoreRelease your inner wine geek
Examinations aren’t just for people working in the wine trade but can be of benefit to interested consumers too, writes Peter Ranscombe. LET me begin with a confession: I’m a wine geek. I swirl wine round the glass, I stick my nose in for a long sniff, I spend ages trying to decide if the…
Read MoreThe Macallan toasts Kyloe’s new Scottish steaks
Edinburgh restaurant Kyloe has switched to stocking only Scottish steak and The Macallan whisky was on hand to toast the move, as Peter Ranscombe reports. NO OTHER drink screams “Scotland” like whisky – with its amber colour and rich flavours of fruit cake, honey, caramel and vanilla, our national drink is the perfect way to…
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