New World producer goes back centuries

Last week we were in Spain and we learned that Verdejo from Rueda was the pick of the bunch.

I’m delighted to report that we will be stocking this towards the end of this month.

This week, I am looking at Chile because this wine-growing country is unique.

It is certainly regarded as a New World wine producer, but its wine... [more]

It would have been rude to say no

Every now and then you have to take advantage of an offer and this is exactly what we have just done.

As I write this, I am sitting with my wife Wendy looking out over the Mediterranean, across the rooftops of the Andalucian town of Nerja in a little village called Maro.

The temperature is just around 20 degrees and pure blue sky.... [more] (1 comment)

Organics - passing fad or more long-term?

Organics. Is it a fad or is there something to it?

There are clear advantages in the world’s wine industry for the use of organic farming techniques.

Indeed, many vineyard managers would embrace this style of management from the start.

Winemakers will want to have their wine reflect the locality in which it is grown. If... [more]

Italy is top of the crops for grapes

Last week, I was talking about Italy and over the weeks it is likely that I will spend a bit more time on this fascinating country.

Italy produces more wine by volume than any other country in the world.

Spain grows more grapes by area, but I expect more go into dessert grapes for eating and making things other than wine.

Italy... [more]

No need to break the bank with a tasty Italian

I was lucky enough to go to Italy in June – and I have come back in love.

Not with a dark haired dusky eyed young thing, but with a way of life, an approach, a sense of optimism and an inbred sense of style.

I am an optimist by nature, glass half full, rarely half empty, that sort of thing, and it seems that the Italian always has a... [more]

Champagne - worth every penny

Why is champagne so expensive?

I have been asked this question so many times, and the answer is more complicated than you think.

Demand and expectation play a big part in the pricing structure, especially on the rare and special wines, but it is far more than that.

Because of French Appellation Controllee rules, champagne has... [more]

How Chardonnay was finally taken seriously

So the question this week is how did Chardonnay become so popular anyway?

Let’s first look at a bit of history. What is the difference between Old World and New World wines?

Old World wines come essentially from Europe, and in Europe things have been fairly traditional for a very long time.

Wine was made in Greece and... [more]

Welcome to wine!

Each week I am going to try to make the business of choosing a wine a doddle!

I am Nick Shill, and my wife Wendy and I run Shills of Station Street in Cockermouth.

We sell wines, hand-crafted chocolates, cheese and deli products.

What we want is the “aaaah” factor; that moment when you hit the sofa on a... [more]