Matthew's World of Wine and Drink

Italian white wine has improved greatly over the last 30 years, with much fresher, crisper wines. There are lots of different varieties which are associated with specific regions. This episode explor…

Sémillon is an historic Bordeaux variety, although plantings have fallen over the last 50 years. But it remains important, producing a range of styles: full-bodied and oak-aged, light-bodied and acid…

My recent visit to Mediterranean France and Spain gave me a chance to explore the possibilities of Carignan. It's a contradictory variety: younger vines producer high yields while older vines produce…

Priorat is one of Spain's most prestigious regions, the vines grown on steep slate slopes. Garnatxa (Grenache) and Carinyena (Carignan) are the two most important varieties, often from old vines. The…

Mourvèdre is a grape best known as part of a Rhône blend with Grenache and Syrah, but it makes fantastic wine in its own right and in a wide range of styles. Originally from Spain where it's known as…

All-encompassing interview with Edouard Parinet of Château du Moulin-à-Vent, covering Beaujolais, Gamay, and the cru of Moulin-à-Vent itself. This is Beaujolais inside out — Edouard recognised the na…

Priorat is one of the most historic wine regions in the Mediterranean, with plantings by monks going back to the 1200s. However, its modern history was only resurrected in the late 1980s—the region i…

Interview with Mayte Calvo de la Banda of Bodegas Bilbainas/Viña Pomal in Rioja, in which we talk about the winery, different grape varieties, how the vineyard influences the style of the wines, and …

Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio are the same grape variety, yet very different wines are made from them. That gives an indication of the versatility of the variety, which this episode explores—from simpl…

Interview with Alex Rosanelli of Hound's Tree Winery on Long Island, New York. We talk about Long Island's climate, the challenges, and the grape varieties best suited to its moderate Atlantic growin…

Tempranillo is the most planted black grape in Spain, grown across the country and most famous in Rioja and Ribera del Duero. This episode explores the different styles of Tempranillo according to bl…

Riesling: the finest but also one of the most understood white grape varieties. This episode covers the many different regions Riesling is grown in around the world, and the many different styles of …

What's it like to take the MW exams? Well, I found out a few weeks ago and just wanted to share my experiences with you and get the pain off my chest!

Merlot is the most planted grape varieties in France, and important across the world yet many consumers don't appreciate the quality and range of wines made from the variety. This episode explores th…

Cava is Spain's answer to Champagne, but lacks both a reputation for quality and a sense of identity. But is that changing? This episode explores how producers are trying to improve the quality of th…

A conversation with Peter Fraser of Yangarra Estate in McLaren Vale, Southern Australia, revolving around old vines, the history of the region, Grenache and Roussanne. McLaren has a rich winemaking h…

Bolivia may not be known for its wine industry, but wine has been made there for hundreds of years. I interviewed Ramón Escobar of Chufly Imports about Bolivian wine, as well as how wine can benefit …

Sauvignon Blanc is sometimes dismissed as producing one-dimensional wines which are grassy, herbaceous, and vegetal, designed to be drunk now. This episode discusses the much more versatile, varied, …

Chenin Blanc is one of my favourite white grape varieties, with its high acidity and characteristic waxy texture. It's made in a range of styles, from dry to sweet to sparkling. This episode explores…

Grenache is one of the world's most planted grape varieties, commonly found in warm Mediterranean climates such as the south of France, eastern Spain, Australia, and California. This episode explores…