Nicks Wine Merchants – Online wine school

Posted By Ronan on April 7, 2012 in Blog | 

I think this is a great site with some great articles.

“This course was first researched and written by Nick Chlebnikowski in 1998 and was originally available by subscription only. Vintage Direct have now made the course available free of charge to wine lovers everywhere, at the same time updating information where necessary and enhancing the contents with current scientific research, winemaker’s contributions, video, interaction, tasting aids, flavour charts and more.”

Take a look at Nicks’ course here.

Climats – du vignoble de Bourgogne

Posted By Ronan on April 1, 2012 in Blog | 

Beautiful maps of the vineyards of Burgundy – a great site.

Prowein Flavours

Posted By Ronan on March 22, 2012 in Blog | 

I did a few seminars at the 2012 Prowein which were recorded (to my surprise!) by sommelier Fabien Laine.

Château Latour

Posted By Ronan on October 19, 2011 in Blog | 

Previous to the 2011 vintage in Bordeaux, it had been a mixed few months of intermittent rain and sun, a good year overall but unlikely to excite in the way 2009 and 2010 have.
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Le Pin

Posted By Ronan on October 17, 2011 in Blog | 

On a recent visit to Bordeaux I went through Pomerol to see who had started harvesting, it was the 12th of September (2011) so about time for the merlot to come in but this year the growing season had been very advanced, up to a month ahead of usual so it was interesting too see what stage the winemakers were at.
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Vignobles de France – Online Game

Posted By Ronan on September 15, 2011 in Blog | 

How well do you know your French vineyards? Take this challenging online game to pin-point where you think some of these vineyards are. Let me know you’re highscores below!

Play the Game

Possibly the best Pinot Noir in the (New) World

Posted By Ronan on September 11, 2011 in Blog | 

Dr Neil MaCallum left Oxford University with a doctorate in chemistry and moved back to his homeland, New Zealand, to work as a toxicologist – specifically researching marihuana. He started planting vineyards in 1979, with guidance from a soil scientist colleague, in the Martinborough region east of Wellington.

Deep alluvial gravel beds formed by two ancient rivers created the terrace where he planted initially gewürztraminer, sauvignon blanc and pinot gris. With cool autumns, low rainfall and a heat summation similar to Dijon, plus the cool maritime climate; the area was ideally suited for chardonnay and pinot noir. These were planted along with riesling, syrah and most recently viognier. By 1988 Neil was a full time winemaker with 30 acres and a production of 2,500 cases.

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How to Talk to a Sommelier

Posted By Ronan on September 7, 2011 in Blog | 

I read this great blog article the other day, thought I might share it with you.

You’re at a restaurant and the sommelier comes up and says: “Would you like some wine with your meal?” Maybe you don’t know exactly what you want, so you just say, “Bring us something that goes well with the food.” A few minutes later, the sommelier shows up with a bottle of wine made from a grape you’ve never heard of. You taste it and don’t know what to think but say anyway, “That’s fine,” because you don’t want to seem difficult, even though you don’t particularly like the wine. And then the rest of the meal you can’t stop thinking to yourself, I just spent $45 on this?

Read the whole article

“By The Glass” Game Proves a Hit

Posted By Ronan on September 3, 2011 in Blog | 

Recently Bistro du Vin developed a new browser-based game based on their new By The Glass Wine Dispenser and Preservation System.

The object of the game is simple: match the food provided to a great wine from the Dispenser. When first served some food, you’ll need to hover of the plate to find out which wine is the perfect accompaniment, next you’ll need to grab an empty glass and fill it with just the right amount of wine.

You’ll have to be quick on your toes though, as the food keeps getting served and you’re against the clock!
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Interview with Ten Lifestyle

Posted By Ronan on August 18, 2011 in Blog | 

A couple of months ago I sat down with Ten Lifestyle and did an “Ask The Expert” style interview about wine and being a sommelier. You can read the interview below, or visit the Ten Lifestyle website.

Ronan Sayburn, director of wine and spirits at Hotel du Vin, is one of only 180 master sommeliers in the world. We’ve asked the former alumnus of Restaurant Gordon Ramsay and Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons for his insider tips on wine. Call us to source any of his recommendations, for help with wine storage or to arrange a tour of vineyards across the globe.
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