Wine Cathal McBride on wine: It’s the season of mists, mellow fruitfulness and New World pinot noirThis noble grape travels well, and has a wonderful ability to express the character of each terroir it grows in
Wine Cathal McBride on wine: Fame isn’t everything, even in wineMany lesser known grapes, regions and smaller, family-run producers deserve their place in the sun, and their wines would make a quaffable addition to your cellar
Wine Cathal McBride on wine: Time for riesling to take its place in the sunThis versatile grape, that goes so well with spicy dishes and can create stunning wines, is tragically misunderstood and disregarded
Wine Cathal McBride on wine: Mellow season is perfect for home tastingsIt’s a great way to discover new vintages, and you can take a few tips from the professionals to make it more interesting
Wine Cathal McBride on wine: Sidestep the obvious to discover your new favouritesTo expand your taste horizons, ask the advice of your local wine retailer, or try different expressions of a grape you know you love
Wine Cathal McBride on wine: Not all Chiantis are created equalThe region does produce some enticing varieties well worth a look, but you get what you pay for
Wine Brave New World makes its own chardonnay legends It’s easy to understand why the variety travels so well, with its ability to reflect its growing environment’s characteristics
Wine Cathal McBride on wine: bringing modern primitivo to heelMark Shannon and Elvezia Sbalchiero of the A Mano winery have almost single-handedly restored variety’s reputation
Wine Cathal McBride on wine: Keep it light and fresh for the bank holiday barbecueIf the weather’s right, there are plenty of fun, easygoing beverages to fit the bill
Wine Cathal McBride on wine: Albariño isn’t the new sauvignon blanc, it’s entirely its own thingThe same grape is known in Portugal as alvarinho, its character altered ever so slightly through different production methods
Food & Wine Cathal McBride on Wine: Que syrah, syrah? The common grape of uncommon versatilityThis distinctive grape variety has much to offer, with styles varying from the Rhône region of France to south Australia and New South Wales and South Africa
Wine Cathal McBride on wines: Volcanic soils unleash tour de force of pure mineralityFrom Santorini to Priorat, many winemaking regions showcase the distinctive characteristics imbued by these soils
Cathal McBride on wine: Message on the champagne bottle holds hidden clues From intricate grower blends to Dom Pérignon, details of the age, composition and provenance of your chosen bubbly can be deciphered from the label if you know what to look for
Wine Cathal McBride on wine: Intense and complex, old vines really do get better with ageOld vines, or vieilles vignes, are more vulnerable to disease and produce fewer grapes – but the elegance of their wines is not to be missed
Cathal McBride on wine: Fresh summery rosés from across Europe will have you in the pinkThis survey of rosés from France, Portugal, Greece and Spain offers intriguing matches for all your summer parties and al fresco dining needs
Wine Cathal McBride on wine: That special vintage dad deserves on Father’s DayWhether opting for red or white wine or perhaps Champagne, it’s hard to go wrong when you prioritise quality for the special gentleman in your life
Wine Cathal McBride: Smoke out some terrific wines to light up these barbeque daysBarbeque cooking offers a diverse range of ingredients, flavours and textures so the possible range of wines is as broad as your dishes
Wine Cathal McBride on wine: Summer sunshine calls for creativity with cocktailsWine and port can make for wonderful mixed drinks, but a careful balance is needed in terms of quality
wine Cathal McBride: Put your money where your mouth is by investing in wineThere’s no need to splash the cash on a Mouton Rothschild to build a solid portfolio – just keep an eye out for quality and invest when you can
wine Cathal McBride: Small can be beautiful when it comes to wine, as chenin blanc provesThis diminutive but versatile grape forms the backbone of the South African wine sector, but it’s only recently that winemakers have begun to realise the potential of old vines in making high-quality single varietals
