Monday 12 December 2016

Bordeaux Promotes Wine With Christmas Campaign

Industry body the Bordeaux Wine Council (CIVB) recently launched an innovative new Christmas campaign. The project is designed to “promote the diversity” of Bordeaux tipples to UK consumers.
For more visit Ideal Wine Company's blog

What Can You Expect From The 2016 Port?

Reports recently confirmed that this year’s Port grape harvest was “surprisingly good,” raising hopes over the quality of the vintage. Ideal Wine Company asks: what can you expect from the 2016 Port?

A quick summary suggests the 2016 Port vintage will be good, with strong colours and rich flavours. For more, visit the Ideal Wine Company blog site.

Friday 2 December 2016

Five Ideal Wine Gifts For Christmas 2016

We’ve now entered December, so Christmas is just a few weeks away. In order to beat the Christmas rush, you may want to start buying gifts now, but what should you get the wine lovers in your life? Helping you find something perfect, here we reveal five ideal wine gifts for Christmas 2016.

To find out more, visit Ideal Wine Company's blog.

How To Make Mulled Wine This Christmas

We’re just a few weeks away from Christmas, so you might want to start thinking about your holiday drinks menu. You could whip up a batch of mulled wine to serve your guests, giving them the perfect drink for a cold winter’s night. Ideal Wine Company reveals how to make mulled wine this Christmas.

To see Ideal Wine Company's instructions on Mulled Wine, read more on our blog.

Friday 25 November 2016

Four Great Wine Books For Beginners

You should strive to amass as much knowledge as you can, before you start a wine collection. You may want to buy a wine book for beginners, to help you learn more about the product, as well as how to store it. Here Ideal Wine Company lists five of the best wine books for beginners you may want to buy.

 For more, visit the Ideal Wine Company blog.

Flutes Vs Coupes: Which Glass Is Better For Champagne?

With the holiday season right around the corner, you might want to start stocking up on Champagne. To give your guests a fabulous time this year, you might want to ensure you have the right kind of glasses for your top Champagne. Ideal Wine Company debates flutes vs. coupes for Champagne.


Try them out
There are pros and cons to flutes and coupes, so test out both before choosing how to serve your Champagne this holiday season. To ensure your guests have a fabulous time, make sure that you have wonderful Champagne to serve in either flutes or coupes. Browse Ideal Wine Company’s Champagnes list, which features noted brands like Dom Perignon, to find your perfect tipple this Christmas.

Friday 18 November 2016

Global Wine Production To Decrease In 2016

New forecasts released by industry body the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) indicate that global wine production is set to decrease in 2016. Ideal Wine Company reports.

Find out more here.

More from Ideal Wine Company

What Happens To Wine As It Ages

We’ve all heard that old saying, “wine gets better with age.” Have you ever wondered why over time, the aromas, flavours and colours of wine undergoes complex changes, turning into something entirely new? 

To provide some insight, Ideal Wine Company explains what happens to wine as it ages.


Read more here - there'a wealth of information about the process.



More from Ideal Wine Company

Friday 4 November 2016

Ideal Wine Company Moves Offices

At Ideal Wine Company, we're always looking to expand. We are delighted to announce that recently Ideal Wine Company moved offices, so we are now based on Earls Court Road, Kensington, London. 

Contact Us


What does this mean? You can buy wine on the Ideal Wine Company website as normal. If you need to get in touch, you can do so via the form on the 'Contact Us' page on our portal. 

If you wish to ring our offices, note that our number has changed to 0203 409 9160. However, you choose to get in touch, Ideal Wine Company's team will always be ready to help you find the right luxury vintage for you! 

What Is The Ideal Humidity For Wine Storage?

When you buy fine wines from Ideal Wine Company, it is key that you store your products correctly, to maintain quality. Lending a helping hand, here we ask: what is the ideal humidity for wine storage?

It is vital that you keep humidity levels in your storage facility high, to stop corks from drying out. We strongly advise you to ensure the humidity never drops below 50%. In general it is wise to maintain humidity levels are around 60% - 80%. If humidity rises above 80%, it will not damage the cork or wine, but the high level could cause mildew to develop in your storage area, damaging fine wine labels. 

Researching storage


Humidity is not the only concern you need to take into consideration, when storing fine wine bought from Ideal Wine Company. To find out more, visit the 'Storing Wine Correctly' section of our website. Here we cover subjects such as vital storage factors and  outside storage services. With this investment, you can find the right storage investment and make the most of the luxury vintages you buy from us

Friday 28 October 2016

Why Should You Buy Chateau La Conseillante Wine?

Are you starting a wine collection? Consider adding bottles from the Bordeaux-based Chateau La Conseillante winery, which over its long, distinguished history, has developed a reputation for excellence. Ideal Wine Company asks: why should you buy Chateau La Conseillante wine?

Legendary wine region

Bordeaux is one of France’s most celebrated wine-making regions. Located in the South-West of the country, people have been making wine in Bordeaux since the Roman Period. It has now become the largest wine-making region in France, producing around 700m bottles of wine every single day.
Read the article in full with Ideal Wine Company.

Three Trends Transforming Wine Right Now

Long-established traditions many have shaped wine-making, especially in old world regions like Bordeaux, but some things are now changing. Technology and shifting consumer attitudes are altering how we make, serve and drink wine, sparking new trends.
For instance, if you purchase the Dom Perignon 2000 from Ideal Wine Company, you’ll receive a quality drink, produced according to strict guidelines. Champagne houses have been legally required to conform to specific production rules since 1891.
In an interview with Business Insider, Master Sommelier Devon Broglie revealed several trends which are transforming wine right now.
Read this article in full with Ideal Wine Company.

Friday 14 October 2016

Taste the age of your wine with this device

Rapidly advancing technology is increasingly allowing wine-makers to improve the quality of their products. New reports show that recently, an ‘electronic tongue’ was created which can determine the age and quality of wine on an industrial scale, ensuring customers receive high quality bottles.

Electronic tongue

This ‘electronic tongue’ was invented by researchers from the University of South Australia’s Future Industries Institute, with the team being led by Research Associate Dr Xavier Ceto Alseda. The team claim that this device, which is made from gold, platinum and carbon electrodes, can accurately determine the age and quality of wine, even showing the type of barrel it was aged in.
Specifically, the device creates a unique “fingerprint” for each wine, by measuring the electrochemical signals of sugars, phenolic compounds and other compounds present in the drink. Industry publication The Drinks Business writes that this electronic tongue analyses the overall combination of compounds found in the wine. Explaining, Ceto said: “It mimics the process of tasting, where the different sensations perceived (sweet, bitter, sour, salty and umami) are combined by your brain.”
Read the article in full with Ideal Wine Company.

Friday 7 October 2016

Burgundy Prepares For Smaller 2016 Harvest

New reports confirm that wine-makers in Burgundy are currently bracing themselves for a smaller grape harvest this year, following adverse weather conditions. Ideal Wine Company investigates what may become short in supply.

Legendary wine

Burgundy, based in Eastern France, is one of the world’s most celebrated wine-making regions. Evidence suggests that people have been producing wine there since Roman times. Burgundy’s wine-making tradition was famously shaped by Roman Catholic monasteries, who made it for religious reasons in the medieval period and over time, the region’s products became popular across the world.
Wineries in Burgundy are especially known for making dry red wines from Pinot Noir grapes. Some of the top producers of dry red wine in this region, such as Clos Saint Denis, Chambertin and Echezeaux, make bottles which you can find on Ideal Wine Company’s Burgundy wine list. But if recent reports are to be believed, it may be hard to find 2016 Burgundy vintages anywhere, due to limited supply.
Read the article in full with Ideal Wine Company.

Celebrate National Champagne Week 2016

We have officially entered National Champagne Week 2016. Running from 1st to 7th October, this unique event gives you a chance to celebrate your love for France’s signature sparkling wine!

Brits and Champagne

We Brits love Champagne. Our fondness for Brut Champagne even helped popularise this style of France’s famous sparkling wine all over the world during the 20th Century. We in the UK drink more Champagne than anyone outside of France, according to Harpers, consuming 40m bottles on average per year.
Read this article in full with Ideal Wine Company.

Friday 30 September 2016

How to start a Wine Collection

Establishing a wine collection can prove very rewarding. Wine is truly unique, with numerous styles and vintages available, making it a natural fit for collecting, as there’s always something new to acquire. In order to help you get started, Ideal Wine Company explains how to start a wine collection.

Learn the lingo

Wine-making is complex and over time, the industry has developed its own language. It is advisable to familiarise yourself with key wine-making terms, such as vintage, terroir and chateau, so you can read wine tasting notes accurately, allowing you to source quality bottles. Visit the Glossary Page on Ideal Wine Company’s official site to learn more about essential wine terminology.

Determine your tastes

There’s no substitute for experience. We would suggest that you taste any wine before you buy it, to determine whether it’s a quality product worthy of your collection. It is also key that you determine what kind of wine you like, before starting a collection, because ultimately, wine is your passion. Otherwise you may buy into wine trends and lose your passion for collecting your favourite tipple.
Read this article in full with Ideal Wine Company.

When Are Wine Grapes Harvested?

You might want to schedule your holidays to coincide with wine grape harvesting time. During this period, you get to learn more about the wine-production process, deepening your knowledge of fine wines. To help you plan your next holiday, Ideal Wine Company asks: when are wine grapes harvested?

Rich wine cultures

Wine has been made for thousands of years. Over time, a variety of distinct wine-making cultures developed across the planet, providing you with plenty of options for wine holidays. With so many destinations to choose from, which wine region should you visit on your next getaway?
Read the full article with Ideal Wine Company.

Friday 23 September 2016

Know your brandy: Cognac Vs Armagnac

If you’re looking for a luxury brandy, you should look no further than Cognac or Armagnac. But which one? To help you select the right fine brandy, Ideal Wine Company takes the Cognac vs Armagnac question and explores the similarities and differences between these two popular, reputable products.

Exploring similarities

Cognac and Armagnac are French white wine brandies, which are both made from famously undrinkable wine and distilled. Both Cognac and Armagnac have appellation d’origine contrôlée status. Therefore only drinks which are made via specific production processes can be called Cognacs or Armagnacs. This is where the similarities end.

Grapes and distillation

cognac-armagnac
Vinepair notes that while both Cognac and Armagnac are made from “thin” wine, they use different grapes. Traditionally, Cognacs are solely produced from the Ugni Blanc grape. Armagnacs are made from a wider selection of grapes, specifically Baco Blanc, Colombard, Ugni Blanc and Folle Blanche. As you can see from the map (left) Cignac is near the West Coast of France, whereas the Armagnac region is South of Bordeaux.

You can read this article in full with the Ideal Wine Company.

Frosé cocktail trend boosts UK Rosé wine sales

The Frosé cocktail has become this summer’s biggest drinks trend. Rosé wine sales hit new heights throughout summer 2016, powered by the popularisation of these cocktails, new reports confirm.

Summer wine

Light and refreshing, Rosé is the wine of the summer. Boasting rich, fruity flavours, Rosé is perfect for a hot summer’s day while if you’re celebrating a special occasion, you can indulge in some summer luxury by splashing out on Rosé Champagne. Top Rosé Champagnes such as the Dom Perignon Rosé 1996, which you can buy from the Ideal Wine Company, can turn any summer party into a real occasion!
In summer 2016, New York-based bar Primi took Rosé to the next level by creating the Frosé. Arriving in London via the Beaufort House bar these concoctions, which often include pureed strawberries and vermouth, have become really popular. The rise of these cocktails is partially responsible for August’s strong UK wine sales, as Brits whipped up Frosés to deal with summer 2016’s record heat.
You can read this article in full with the Ideal Wine Company.

Friday 9 September 2016

What’s The Difference Between Sparkling Wine And Champagne?

Is Champagne a sparkling wine? What’s the difference between the two? Ideal Wine Company investigates.

Types of sparkling wine

The term ‘sparkling wine’ refers to all products which are made via secondary fermentation – the process by which wines are carbonised. But wine-makers worldwide have developed various methods for producing sparkling wine, with some regions becoming famous for these signature products.
Gradually, bodies in various sparkling wine regions established rules to govern how their signature products can be made. Therefore, Champagne is a type of sparkling wine, which is made via specific rules. Other popular types of sparkling wine include Prosecco, Cava and Cremant. Below we explain the key characteristics which define these types of sparkling wine.

Champagne

Produced in the French region of the same name, Champagne is perhaps the most famous of all sparkling wines. Champagnes can only be made from three different types of grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir. Furthermore, these sparkling wines get their bubbles via the traditional secondary fermentation process, where the carbonisation takes place inside the bottle.

You can read this article in full with Ideal Wine Company.

UK Wine Sales Reach New Heights in August

August was a ridiculously hot month, with the UK experiencing several heatwaves. Combined with the Rio 2016 Olympics between 5th to 21st August, these blistering temperatures sparked a serious rise in British wine sales, according to new figures.

Celebrating victories

Industry publication Decanter writes that this data was released by Nielsen, an information measurement firm, along with several wine retailers. Apparently, people around the country decided to break out sparkling wine to celebrate Team GB’s record success in Rio, imbibing luxurious products such as Champagne while enjoying the fabulous summer sun, which is rare for the UK.

Embracing sparkling wines

Increasingly, UK wine lovers are coming to embrace sparkling wines such as Champagne, Prosecco, Cava and Cremant. A report compiled by UHY Hacker Young, an accountancy group shows that throughout the past five years, British consumption of sparkling wine increased by a staggering 80%.

You can read the article in full with Ideal Wine Company.


Friday 2 September 2016

Caring For Your Teeth As A Wine Lover

Red wine is perfect for winding down in the evening after a stressful day, or cracking open a bottle to share with friends or family.
But it also has a tendency to stain your teeth, as well as the carpet. Removing red wine stains, especially from your teeth, can be an absolute nightmare. To help you protect your oral health, Ideal Wine Company explains how to care for your teeth as a wine lover.

Eroding tooth enamel

University of Adelaide study indicates that 10 one-minute episodes of wine tasting can erode tooth enamel.
Dr Sarbin Ranjitkar, who worked on the study, said: “With professional wine tasters and winemakers tasting anywhere from 20 to 150 wines per day, and wine judges tasting up to 200 wines per day during wine shows, this represents a significant risk to their oral health.”
Read the article in full with Ideal Wine Company

What dictates the price of a Champagne?

Champagne is typically on the higher end of the alcohol pricing structure. But there are various factors which determine Champagne prices. Ideal Wine Company looks into the prices of Champagne.


Production method


One of the major differences between Champagne and Prosecco is the production method behind each drink. Both products are made via secondary fermentation, but Champagne utilises a more traditional method. This yields complex, high quality products which command high prices on the market, meaning that Champagnes are often more expensive than Prosecco.

Read the article in full with Ideal Wine Company.

Thursday 25 August 2016

What Does Chateau Mean in Wine?

To become a wine connoisseur, it is key that you learn about the industry. Over the years, winemakers have developed their own language, so you need to familiarise yourself with the key terms of viticulture.


French connection


‘Chateau’ is commonly associated with French winemaking. If you browse Ideal Wine company’s Bordeaux wine list, for example, you’ll see that many of the vintages produced in this iconic French winemaking region are chateaus e.g. Chateau Margaux. Basically ‘chateau’ is the French word for ‘country house’ or even ‘castle,’ but it has a much more complex meaning in the world of winemaking.

You can read this article in full with the Ideal Wine Company.

Global Consumers Are Flocking to Premium Drinks

Consumers worldwide are flocking to purchase niche premium drinks, according to the results of a new study. The Ideal Wine Company investigates.

Global Trends Report


London-based market research organisation IWSR has recently released its latest Global Trends Report. Compiled every year, this paper utilises drinks sectors research from over 118 nations, in order to provide key insights on both emerging and continuing industry trends across the planet.

IWSR found that across major markets, consumers are trading-up to higher value products. Here at the Ideal Wine Company we specialise in providing fine wines, so we understand that when you purchase high-end bottles, you’re in for an amazing drinking experience. Browse the Ideal Wine Company’s Champagne list today if you’re looking for the ultimate luxury drink!

Read this article in full at the Ideal Wine Company blog site.

Friday 19 August 2016

How to make a Coq Au Vin

You can create a tonne of amazing dishes with wine. If you want to impress guests at your next dinner party, try whipping up Coq Au Vin. This famous French chicken-based dish is absolutely delightful when done right. Ideal Wine Company explains how.


Get experimental


If you’re not the best of cooks, stick to this recipe so you can create a good Coq Au Vin. But if you’re a natural in the kitchen, you could always try getting experimental. Although Coq Au Vin is traditionally made with Burgundy red wine, it can also be made with other French reds, or even Champagne. Ideal Wine Company sells a range of Champagnes that you could use to take this classic chicken-based dish to new levels!


Find out the ingredients you'll need on the Ideal Wine Company blog site!

Is Wine the Key to a Happy Marriage?

Over the years, various studies have indicated that wine holds a range of health benefits. New research has suggested that it could also hold the key to a happy marriage. Surely this is too good to be true? The Ideal Wine Company investigates.

Study methodology


The long-term health survey, which was recently published in the Journals of Gerontology, examined drinking patterns among older, married, American heterosexual couples. With 2,767 couples taking part, those included in the study had already been married, on average, for 33 years. Meanwhile, two thirds of those included in the research were in their first marriage.



Read this article in full at the Ideal Wine Company WordPress site. 



Friday 12 August 2016

Am I holding my wine glass correctly?

Drinking wine is an art form.  Even the simplest of things, such as the way you cradle your wine glass in your hands, can have a dramatic impact on the way the product tastes. Drawing on recent expert commentary, Ideal Wine Company explains how to hold your wine glass properly.

Glass shape matters


In 2015, a study conducted at the Tokyo Medical and Dental University in Japan determine that the shape a wine glass really does matter. This is because the glass acts as a filter, siphoning off the ethanol in wine so you can enjoy its rich flavours more easily. Of course, different types of wine hold different levels of ethanol, so you’ll need a different glass depending on the wine.

The Antinori Tignanello Toscana IGT 1990, a gorgeous Italian red wine, from Ideal Wine Company would work best in a wide-brimmed, traditional wine glass, just like any other red wine. But for something like Champagne, a flute would work better, because its shape is more effective for bringing the best out of this signature French sparkling wine.

Read in full at the Ideal Wine Company WordPress site.

Thursday 4 August 2016

What is the Difference Between Champagne and Prosecco?

Italian Prosecco is fast-becoming French Champagne’s main rival in the global luxury sparkling wine market. So which should you buy the next time you celebrate a special occasion? Ideal Wine Company considers the difference between Champagne and Prosecco.

Grapes varietals


Champagnes and Proseccos are created from different grapes. Champagnes are made and blended only from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes. Proseccos can be produced and blended from a wider variety of grapes, including Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Verdiso Bianchetta and Perara.

However, the little-known Glera grape, a highly-aromatic variety which dates back to Italy’s Roman period, tends to dominate Prosecco-making.


Production methods


By law, companies can only label their products ‘Champagne’ or ‘Prosecco’ if they use specific production methods. Champagne production is characterised by two fermentation processes; the first in an oak barrel, the second in a bottle.



Read this article in full at the Ideal Wine Company WordPress site.

Five Faux Pas YOU could be making with Champagne

Champagne is synonymous with luxury, making it the perfect celebratory drink. But you need to follow certain rules when consuming Champagne, to make the most of this decadent product. Ideal Wine Company reveals five faux pas’ to avoid when serving and drinking Champagne at your next celebration.

Storing in freezers


Chill your bottle before drinking Champagne, as this wine tastes best when served at around 6-8 degrees. If you’re pressed for time, you may be tempted to store your botte in the freezer to get it really cold, really quickly. This works for dry whites but if you leave Champagne in the freezer too long, the bottle could explode due to its high bubble-content.  Instead, chill in the fridge and serve with ice.


Opening quickly


It is vital that you learn how to open a bottle of Champagne properly. Many people feel tempted to open bottles quickly, so they can see the cork ‘pop’ out like it often does in movies. Unfortunately if you take this approach, the cork could zoom across the room and injure someone, with the drink shooting out of the bottle. Always open gently!

Read the full blog on the Ideal Wine Company Blog site.

Thursday 28 July 2016

Explore Bordeaux’s Chateau Beausejour

Bordeaux’s Chateau Beausejour winery is known for producing fantastic red wines. The Ideal Wine Company introduces you to the Chateau Beausejour wine-making estate.

Welcome to Bordeaux


Based in South-West France, Bordeaux is one of the most prestigious wine-producing areas on earth. Wine Searcher notes that Bordeaux is known for its “dry, medium bodied” “legendary reds,” made from grapes such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. It is also a popular holiday destination for wine enthusiasts, with a unique new wine museum recently opening in the region.

Bordeaux’s legendary reds are produced in a number of towns across the region, including Saint Emilion. Based near the Dordogne River, Saint Emilion is known for producing Merlot and Cabernet Franc-based wines, although other grapes such as Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon are also grown here. The nearby area houses some of Bordeaux’s most iconic wineries, such as Chateau Beausejour.

Read in full on the Ideal Wine Company WordPress site.

Five Faux Pas YOU could be making with Champagne

Champagne is synonymous with luxury, making it the perfect celebratory drink. But you need to follow certain rules when consuming Champagne, to make the most of this decadent product. Ideal Wine Company reveals five faux pas’ to avoid when serving and drinking Champagne at your next celebration.

Storing in freezers


Chill your bottle before drinking Champagne, as this wine tastes best when served at around 6-8 degrees. If you’re pressed for time, you may be tempted to store your botte in the freezer to get it really cold, really quickly. This works for dry whites but if you leave Champagne in the freezer too long, the bottle could explode due to its high bubble-content.  Instead, chill in the fridge and serve with ice.


Opening quickly


It is vital that you learn how to open a bottle of Champagne properly. Many people feel tempted to open bottles quickly, so they can see the cork ‘pop’ out like it often does in movies. Unfortunately if you take this approach, the cork could zoom across the room and injure someone, with the drink shooting out of the bottle. Always open gently!

Read in full on the Ideal Wine Company site.

Thursday 21 July 2016

What Are The World’s Biggest Champagne Markets?

New figures have shed light on global Champagne figures throughout 2015. Exploring these statistics, Ideal Wine Company uncovers the world’s biggest Champagne markets.

UK market


Champagne is a signature sparkling wine produced in the French region of Champagne. This ultimate luxury tipple has traditionally proven popular with British consumers, with the UK often ranking as one of the world’s biggest Champagne markets. Yet when the UK’s economy crashed in 2007 – 2008, many British consumers swapped Champagne for Italian Prosecco, which is more cost effective.

Read in full on the Ideal Wine Company WordPress Site.

Remy Martin Launches Limited Edition Cognac

Ideal Wine Company has learned that luxury brandy company Remy Martin recently released its latest limited edition Fine Champagne Cognac.

Luxury brand Remy Martin


Founded by a French wine-maker of the same name in 1724, Remy Martin is an incredibly reputable, high class Cognac brand. We stock the Remy Martin XO Champagne Cognac here at the Ideal Wine Company and really enjoy its incredibly rich, smooth and complex qualities.

Remy Martin continues to impress brandy enthusiasts all over the world. The company won the Supreme Brand Champion 2016 Award from industry publication The Spirits Business. They heralded Remy Martin for finding ways to promote its Fine Champagne Cognacs to consumers. Carrying this work forward, Remy Martin recently released its new expression, Carte Blanche à Baptiste Loiseau, the first in its new limited edition Fine Champagne Cognac line, to the world.

Read the article in full on the Ideal Wine Company blog site.

Thursday 14 July 2016

Wimbledon Sparks Major Champagne Sales Boost



New reports suggest that the recently-held Wimbledon tennis tournament sparked a major boost in supermarket wine sales. Ideal Wine Company investigates.

Celebrating victory


Wimbledon is an iconic annual British tennis tournament, held in Wimbledon, London. Wimbledon 2016 took place between 27th June and 10th July, seeing Scotsman Andy Murray beat Canadian Milos Raonic to take his second Wimbledon Men’s Title. This tennis tournament is a major national event, with Murray’s win, which made him the only man to win multiple singles titles since the 1930s, making it even more special for the British public this time around.

How do you mark a momentous occasion like Wimbledon? With Champagne of course! This signature French sparkling wine is practically synonymous with luxury, so it makes a great celebrations drink. On Ideal Wine Company website’s ‘Occasions Page’ you’ll find a range of great Champagnes, such as the Dom Perignon 2000, which are perfect for marking the special moments in your life.

Read this article in full at the Ideal Wine Company blog site.

Brexit Could Impact French Wine Trade

When the Brexit result was announced, the world paused. The value of the British Pound dropped to its lowest level in over 30 years, UK Prime Minister David Cameron resigned and according to the Guardian, the panic caused by Brexit wiped $2 trillion from the value of global markets. But it may have a positive effect on French wine trade, writes Ideal Wine Company.

Brexit and wine  


Last week we discussed how Australian wine makers could benefit from Brexit. This week Ideal Wine Company look at the impact Brexit may have on the French wine trade.

It is not yet clear how Brexit will affect the worldwide wine sector. Decanter writes that the UK is the 6th largest wine consuming country on earth, so it is likely that Brexit will re-shape the international wine market in some way, shape or form.

Read in full at the Ideal Wine Company Blog site.


Friday 8 July 2016

What is Oenology?

Oenology is the scientific study of wine production. It covers the complete wine-making process from growing grapes to promoting wine to consumers. In order to shed more light on this subject, Ideal Wine Company explains the role of an oenologist.

Working with grapes

The goal of an oenologist is to develop outstanding wines. This starts at the beginning of the wine-making process, as they are often tasked with selecting the best land for grape vineyards. Oenologists receive training on issues such as climate, soil chemistry and the fermentation process, allowing them to select the best land for grape-growing.

Information portal Wise Geek notes that oenologists are also responsible for ensuring that grape harvesting goes off without a hitch. Professionals in this field can differentiate grapes by colour and taste. This allows oenologists to ensure that grapes are picked from the vine only when they reach peak condition, so they possess the beautiful flavour needed to make great wine.

Read in full at the Ideal Wine Company WordPress site.

Australian Wine Makers Could Benefit From Brexit







Brexit has caused shock waves and uncertainty across various industries around the world. But it could potentially be beneficial to Australia’s wine makers, the Ideal Wine Company has found.

Strong trade relationship


According to the Australian government, “Australia has a significant relationship with the UK underpinned by our shared heritage, common values, closely aligned strategic outlook and interests.”  Data quoted by Business Insider in 2014 shows that the UK is Australia’s seventh largest two way trading partner, ranking ahead of the EU’s largest economy Germany.

Throughout recent years, British consumers have developed a taste for Australian wine. Official data suggests that the UK is the biggest export destination for wine produced in the land down under, by volume. Ideal Wine Company provides a selection of Australian wines, so we have seen first-hand how the country’s finest vintages are becoming increasingly popular with British wine enthusiasts.

Read in full: at the Ideal Wine Company blog site.


Friday 1 July 2016

Pairing Wine With Cheeses – Useful Infographics

Pairing wine with cheese. It’s a classic combination which we all know and love…when it’s done right! Ideal Wine Company have recently found some really helpful infographics on Buzzfeed which tells you the best pairings.
The visual breaks down which cheeses work well with various types of white, red, sparkling and dessert wines. If you have a beautiful dry champagne for instance like the Dom Perignon 2000, you might want to pair it with a refreshing Greek salad, as dry Champagnes are well suited to feta cheese. Whereas if you prefer a port style or late harvest dessert wine instead, this would work best with a blue or aged cheese.

Pairing wine with cheese

If you’re planning to throw a dinner party and thinking about serving cheese and wine take a look at which combinations you should be serving.
Read in full on ideal-wine-company.co.uk

Wednesday 29 June 2016

Hailstorms Damage Cognac Vineyards

New reports suggest that the severe weather, especially hailstorms, that recently hit France have damage vineyard production in some of the country’s grape growing regions, most notably Cognac.

Weather and wine


A region’s ‘terroir’ is vital to its ability to produce good wine. Explaining this somewhat nebulous concept, a wine importer called Valerie was quoted by Scientific American saying: “Terroir is a specific set of natural elements that all come together in harmony to produce a very specific outcome. The soil, the exposure to the sun, the drainage, the proximity to water, the fog, all of these things, they all come together in an expression that we find beautifully in the grape.”

In other words, the weather a region experiences can dramatically impact its ability to produce wine. We saw in France recently, for instance, how frost can damage winemaking grapes. The French region of Burgundy was subjected to heavy frosts this spring and this damaged the opening buds and young shoots on many of its vines, ruining the quality of some of its grapes. Estimates suggest that 46% of Burgundy’s vineyards have been damaged by more than 30%.

Hailstorms hit Cognac




Reuters reports that France experienced another bout of extreme weather, including hailstorms, at the end of May, impacting grape harvests in Chablis, Beaujolais and most notably Cognac. Based in South-West France, Cognac is known for producing Cognac Brandy. Like Champagne, Cognac must be produced according to specific rules; for instance, all Cognacs must be made from high-acidity grapes like Ugni Blanc.

A spokeswoman for the Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac (BNIC), the Cognac industry trade body, commented. She noted that an astonishing 27.5 millimetres of rain and almost 15 centimetres (cm) of hail dropped down on affected areas in just 15 minutes. Some wine producers, she continued, said that they saw hailstones that were 1.5cm long; roughly the size of a quail egg.

This had a devastating effect for Cognac producers. They have reported that 5,000 to 6,000 hectares, equating to 6% to 8% of their vineyards, were damaged badly by the showers and heavy hailstorms. Continuing, the spokeswoman said: “There are places where they have been 100% destroyed.”

It may be hard for grape growers in Cognac, Chablis and Beaujolais to recover. France’s biggest farming union, the Fédération Nationale des Syndicats d'Expoitants d'Agricoles, said in a statement that not only could this event restrict 2016 harvests, it could also impact future harvests. Explaining they noted: “These hail bursts ravaged many vineyards, making future harvests uncertain or impossible.”

Try our Cognac



We do not know for certain what kind of impact these hailstorms could have on Cognac production right now. Potentially however, they could damage the Cognac-making trade for years to come and that would be a huge loss, as Cognac is a brandy of the finest quality. If you want to see why so many people around the world have a passion for Cognac, purchase the Remy Martin XO Champagne Cognac from Ideal Company today, so you can sample this truly superior product! 

Monday 20 June 2016

Veuve Release Fabulous New ‘Cocktail’ Champagne

If you’re a fan of Veuve Clicquot sparkling wine, you may be excited to learn that the firm has recently released a new Champagne which is designed to serve as a killer summer cocktail mixer!

Veuve Clicquot



Over the years, Veuve Clicquot Champagne have developed a reputation for excellence. This is because throughout its history, Veuve Clicquot has been an extremely innovative Champagne house, with its founder Madame Barb Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin, setting the bar extremely high. Madame Clicquot is famous for creating the riddling table, an invention which revolutionised the Champagne industry.

Never one to live in the past, Veuve Clicquot is currently focusing on finding innovative ways to move into the 21st Century. The business recently, for instance, launched a clever new marketing campaign to target younger drinkers, who are fast becoming one of Champagne house’s most important demographics. Drawing on Madame Clicquot for inspiration, the campaign features online videos which show why Veuve Cliquot is such a standout product.

Rich Rose Champagne


The experts at Veuve Clicquot also realise that increasingly, people aren’t just drinking Champagne straight anymore. If you find the right ingredients, this signature French sparkling wine can make a fabulous yet versatile cocktail mixer. Industry portal The Drinks Business reports that Veuve Clicquot have capitalised on this trend by releasing a new product which is designed to be a cocktail mixer.

The product is the second ‘Rich Rose’ Champagne to be launched by Veuve Clicquot and is currently on sale at Selfridges for £64.99. This is a blended rose which has been aged for at least three years before release. Veuve Clicquot has been blending roses ever since the days of Madame Clicquot herself, so the company definitely has the experience required to create a fabulous blended drink.


Champagne cocktail mixer


This current rose features 12% red wine and as far as grape content goes, it contains the same mix as the previous Rich Rose; 45% Pinot Noir, 40% Meunier and 15% Chardonnay. We should note that in both this year’s and last year’s Rich Rose, there has been more Pinot Noir to raise the product’s sugar content to 60 grams per litre. This is to increase its suitability as a mixer. Meanwhile, Veuve Clicquot’s Rich Roses include Meunier grapes to ensure the products boast “fresh, fruity and gourmand” notes.


Veuve Clicquot advises that that Rich Roses are served over ice in a wide-brimmed glass, accompanied with fruit, to ensure they provide a stunning drinking experience. Suggested ingredients for the drink include pineapple, lime, ginger and even Earl Grey Tea, to give it a unique twist! Ideal Wine Company are impressed at how Veuve Clicquot has capitalised on its penchant for innovation to create a product which is sure to help you concoct delicious summer cocktails! 

Monday 13 June 2016

How to pair seafood and wine - Ideal Wine Company

With summer coming up, you may want to break out your seafood cook book. These lighter dishes can be perfect for the hotter summer months, especially when you team them with a really good wine. But which wines should you pair with seafood? 

Luckily for you, wine information portal Vinepair has just released an infographic which lists the 14 essential wine and seafood pairings.


The pairing depends on the flavour profile of both the wine and seafood dish in question. For instance Pinot Noir works well with Salmon because the wine stands up to the richness of the dish but Champagne goes better with dishes such as fish and chips, because the fizzy wine cuts through the oil perfectly. This signature French sparkling wine also matches with the decadence of Oysters. 

If you are partial to some fish and chips and want to try this paring for yourself, why not take a look at Ideal Wine Company’s fantastic selection of Champagnes. We supply the first rate Champagnes you need to perfectly complement your seafood this summer! 

Monday 6 June 2016

Bordeaux’s Unique New Wine Museum Officially Opens

Ideal Wine Company previously reported that a new wine museum will be opened in Bordeaux this year. We can now reveal that this attraction, which has been dubbed the ‘Guggenheim of wine,’ has officially been opened.

Cité du Vin 

Photo: wine-searcher.com


The museum, called the Cité du Vin wine centre, opened on the 1st June 2016 after three years of construction. Set to receive more than 45,000 visitors every year, the space provides guests with an “immersive, interactive, multi-sensory experience” which explores wine cultures across the planet.

Cité du Vin was designed by French architects Nicolas Desmazières and Anouk Legendre. They gave the 13,350 m² building a curved structure which is meant to resemble the swirl of wine as it flows into a decanter. The Cité du Vin bears a strong resemblance to the iconic Guggenheim museum in Bilbao Spain, which is why it has been nicknamed the ‘Guggenheim of wine.’ New reports suggest that it looks set to be just as popular with tourists all over the world!


Star attractions

Metro has labelled the Cité du Vin a “wine theme park” and they make a good point. The Bordeaux-based space may not feature rollercoasters or merry-go rounds, but it does have a wine boat ride attraction. Basically the museum includes a 90 metre pontoon tied to the bank of the nearby Garonne River. You can take a water shuttle and travel from the museum to various Bordeaux vineyards.

But the Cité du Vin’s star attraction has to be its worldwide vineyard tour feature. The museum has 23 rooms which you can visit to “take a tour of the world’s vineyards,” offering you the chance to find out about different wine making traditions from various regions. By visiting this attraction, for instance, you can find out about why wines from Bordeaux have an excellent reputation.

Visit the museum



Tickets for the Cité du Vin provide great value. Tickets cost €20 for adults, €10 for young people and €8 for children, with kids under six entering for free. With your ticket, you can also gain access to a number of other fantastic attractions. These include a 600m² wine cellar boasting over 10,000 bottles and the panoramic Le 7 Restaurant on the site’s seventh floor.


The Cité du Vin wine centre is set to be one of Bordeaux’s most popular attractions. Known for its robust wine making tradition, Bordeaux already attracts a lot of wine enthusiasts every year. The Cité du Vin is a wine lover’s dream, boasting a range of fun, interactive attractions which are incredibly unique. No matter which kind of wine you love, you may want to check out this ‘Guggenheim of wine’ because it’s so comprehensive that it’s sure to have something that you’re destined to enjoy! 

Tuesday 31 May 2016

Which country drinks the most wine?


Have you ever wondered, which countries are the biggest wine drinkers in the world? Who drinks more, wine producers like France, Italy and Spain or New World countries like the US and Argentina? 

Who drinks the most wine?


Forbes and Statists have just unlocked the answer for you with this nifty infographic showing the biggest wine drinkers in the world!

 
At 54.26 litres per capita, no one in the world drinks more wine than those living in Vatican City. The planet’s smallest country was followed in the rankings by Andorra and Croatia, at 46.26 and 44.20 litres per capita respectively. 

Of the major wine producing nations France led the rankings, with its citizens consuming 42.51 litres of wine per capita annually.

Try French wine

It’s no surprise that the French drink so much wine. The country boasts great wine producing regions, such as Bordeaux and Burgundy, so French consumers have some fantastic products to choose from on their doorstep! If you want to see why Bordeaux has such a reputation for excellence, purchase the Chateau Margaux 1986 from Ideal Wine Company. This rich, full-bodied Bordeaux red will blow you away! 

Monday 23 May 2016

How does music improve your wine?

There’s nothing better than pouring yourself a nice glass of red in the evening and relaxing after a hard day in the office. If you really want to make the most of this post-work treat, Ideal Wine Company advises you to put on some music so you can enhance your wine drinking experience.

Enhancing the experience


Wine is a wonderfully complex drink. Different vintages possess a variety of flavour combinations, allowing you to embark on a unique journey every time you drink a new wine! You can enhance your wine drinking experience by engaging with your other senses as you consume, in order to really highlight the unique traits of your tipple. Increasingly, wine aficionados are pairing wine with music!

A number of writers, bloggers, merchants and experts are now teaming standout wines with classic tracks. Blogger Daniel Levin recently wrote a piece where he suggests bottles to drink with Prince’s greatest hits! He argued that Achaval-Ferrer's 2013 Malbec Mendoza goes well with Prince’s iconic ‘Purple Rain,’ due to the vintage’s silky smooth texture and hints of dark fruits and purple flowers.


Explaining the trend 



A recent Guardian article explains that there is a certain method to the madness of teaming wine with music. The piece states that music can serve as a “vivid and apt” way of “communicating a wine’s character and appeal,” adding that “much depends on your frame of reference.” The Guardian gives two examples of how various styles of music can express the character of different wine varietals.

The articles notes that this could apply to the overall structure of a wine. Say a vintage contains high acidity levels; the writer suggests that as the wine could be described as sharp, it could go well with high pitched music. The articles goes on to say that this could also apply to the overall feel of a wine. The writer argues that “a light, elegant, high acid wine such as Mosel Riesling really does seem to have, to me at least, spiritual kinship with a Mozart string quartet.”


Scientific evidence



There is evidence to suggest that wine really does taste better when you drink it to music. A study from experimental psychologist Professor Charles Spence, who is the Head of Crossmodal Research at Oxford University, indicates that that the link between taste and sound may be more ingrained within the human psyche than experts previously believed. 


The research found that human beings really do see sweet and sour flavours as high pitched and bitter tastes as low pitched. Spence and his partner Qian Wang found that playing low pitched music while supping on “high pitched wines,” or the other way around, can really impact how we interact with the vintage. Spence and Wang added that this research is rudimentary and doesn’t yet have the ability to shed light on key structural wine components such as alcohol level, oak, viscosity and tannins.

Try it yourself



In other words, if you consume a great vintage with the perfect song, it may be able to enhance your wine drinking experience! But how do you find the right combination? How about you do a little experimenting? If you buy the Chateau Pavie 1998, a full-bodied, powerful Bordeaux red, from Ideal Wine Company, research the vintage and see which song you think goes with this wine’s unique character!