Orange wine, a throwback.

March 5, 2016By Georges MeekersGastronomy, Wine

Whereas not too long ago, any serious wine lover would give a wide berth to russet-coloured, amber wines (especially those suspects drawn straight out of demijohns and carboys), tinged wines made from white wine grapes strangely enough have recently found a cult following.

Clearly noble Chardonnay

February 28, 2016By Georges MeekersGastronomy, Wine

Once upon a time, people drunk just ‘wine’. But it wasn’t long before they took in masses to Chardonnay and generic Chablis (unless they wanted Bordeaux or lighter red Burgundy). Soon enough white wine simply became known by the C-word. Chardonnay’s following spread fast like a wildfire, from aristocratic, double-barrelled Corton-Charlemagne to hip California on … Read More

Around your palate – wine’s vital spark

February 12, 2016By Georges MeekersGastronomy, Wine

In the appreciation of wine, it’s often difficult to convey the pleasure it gives us because we find it hard to analyse all the different sensations that make up the composite experience we call flavour. Perhaps it is worthwhile to explore how we identify taste to understand better what we like (and possibly dislike) in … Read More

Sunblock for wine grapes

January 29, 2016By Georges MeekersMalta, Wine

While in Malta and the rest of the northern hemisphere vines are winter dormant, some antipodean vignerons are busy slapping on sunblock on their ripening grape crop as the summer heat flares up.

Wine lore and festive cheer

December 18, 2015By Georges MeekersMalta, Wine

Different places have different customs but somehow there’s always a time for the enjoyment of a glass of wine during this festive season. Wine itself is also the subject of Christmas lore and myths.