Formerly chief oenologist at Torres, Raul Bobet is now pursuing his dream in the Catalan Pyrenees with Castell d’Encus, his remarkable passion project driven by a plethora of non-indigenous varietals, ancient and modern winemaking techniques, and gallons of verve. Here he shines a light on the philosophy behind his wines. I have two winemaking projects, […]

Following on from yesterday’s post advocating the use of international varietals, Oliver Barton argues that we should embrace the richness and diversity of indigenous grapes. Who wants a burger when abroad? We are living in a world increasingly dominated by bland globalization; with the same companies popping up to make all cities look alike. We […]

In our ongoing series of debates on suitably vinous topics, Guy Davies defends the use of the so-called ‘international’ varieties, the jet-set of grapes that produce Ch. Margaux, Sassicaia and Opus One. For all the wonderful complexities and intellectual pleasures that wine can offer, it is about one thing above all else: pleasure. Should not […]

Our Wine Buying Director, Mark Pardoe MW explains the thinking behind our restructured Own Selection, highlighting just a few of the changes to the range. After a gestation even longer than an elephant’s, our new Own Selection range finally emerged on Wednesday 2nd September, blinking in the lights of our new Sussex Cellar, and under […]