Cellar Stories
The Ladies of Champagne: Pioneers of Sparkling Wine Excellence
In the world of Champagne, where elegance and luxury meet in a glass, the true pioneers behind some of the most iconic names are remarkable women whose vision and determination have shaped the industry.
Does the Glass Really Matter?
Any wine enthusiast, whether you're a collector of rare vintages or simply an aficionado of premium wine, will likely boast a selection of disparate glasses to sip from. Wine accessories do not begin and end with a rack, after all, and choosing the optimum vessel is believed to add to the experience of sampling a great magnum. Is this the case, or is the choice of wine glass irrelevant? In truth, your choice of glass may influence your enjoyment, but it largely depends on what you value most from a bottle or magnum of wine. It is no secret that...
How to gift a magnum without looking obtuse?
A magnum is more than just a giant bottle of wine. Gifting a luxury wine in magnum form can send a powerful message to the recipient. However, there is a risk that magnum wine gift sets can appear a little ostentatious. Follow these steps to ensure your gifted wine is received in your intended spirit. Choose an appropriate wine Perhaps the most crucial step of gifting a magnum is ensuring you select a gift your recipient will enjoy – not something you feel they should receive. This may involve setting long-held personal beliefs to one side for the sake of...
To Decant or Not to Decant, That is the Question
The world is filled with polarising opinions, many of which are expressed online in a binary fashion, but arguably the biggest head-scratcher among wine enthusiasts surrounds the necessity of decanting. Let's review the pros and cons of this approach, confirming whether you should invest in a decanter before serving a wine. Firstly, we should establish the purpose of decanting. The primary aim of this practice is to allow your wine to breathe. Any corked container, including a magnum, restricts access to oxygen. Carefully applying wine to a decanter encourages aeration, which in turn releases any trapped gas, softens the impact...