The Drinking Hour

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David brings us his favourite moments from the latest series: including two legends of Champagne, Lallier’s Dominique Demarville and Michel Drappier; Rombauer’s head winemaker Richie Allen; Alice Lascelles talks about her new book , The Martini’; Billy Abbott on his passion for whisky; and Fr’um creator, Anthony Peart, talks about Tom Kerridge as an inspiration.

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David dives into the rich complexity of Alsace with Master of Wine Anne Krebiehl and Master Sommelier, Eric Zwiebel, who grew up there. They discuss the unique German influence on the region, its famously diverse patchwork of terroir and the world class wines it produces. 

Wines featured: 

Dopff Au Moulin Gewurztraminer 2022 (gold)

Dopff Au Moulin Gewurztraminer 2022 (gold

Maison Kuehn Riesling 2021 (silver)

Cave de Ribeauvillé Lieu-Dit Mühlforst Riesling 2021 (silver)

La Cave du Vieil Armand Pinot Gris 2022 (silver)

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. In what has been described as ‘the ultimate experience for whisky lovers’, Chivas Brothers is throwing open the doors of its celebrated Strathisla distillery for exclusive immersive tasting tours. David talks to Jacques Henri Brive, head of luxury development and Director of Blending and Inventory, Sandy Hyslop.

Whisky featured, all gold medal winners:

Royal Salute 30 YO Key to the Kingdom Blended Scotch Whisky

Royal Salute Taiwanese Exclusive 23 YO Blended Scotch Whisky

Miltonduff 24 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Longmorn 22 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David talks to the head winemaker at Napa’s Rombauer Vineyards, Richie Allen, who rose from cellar hand to the top job, to hear more about the pioneering producer behind some of America’s favourite premium wines, including a Chardonnay that’s a personal favourite of our host!

Medal winners featured:

Phillips Distilling Company Prairie Organic Vodka (gold)

Phillips Root Beer Schnapps (gold)

Salt Point Gin Highball (gold)

Gruppo Campari SKYY Espresso Vodka (gold)

Zing Zang Mango Margarita Made With Tequila (gold)

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David reports from Belgrade on the contest to be ‘ASI Best Sommelier in Europe, Africa and the Middle East’ and speaks to the winner, Mick Parre, and also the reigning best sommelier in the world, Raimonds Tomsons, plus, Alex Huskinson, tequila category expert at The Whisky Exchange in on hand for a mini masterclass.

Drinks featured, all gold medal winning agave spirits:

Proximo Spirits 1800 Milenio Extra Añejo Tequila

Gruppo Campari Montelobos Pechuga Artesanal Mezcal

Heaven Hill Brands Lunazul Primero Humoso Blanco Tequila

Meanwhile Drinks Pensador Espadín Artesanal Mezcal

San Cosme Artesano Joven Mezcal

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David travels to the Champagne village of Aÿ to meet Dominique Demarville, general manager and cellar master at Lallier, to toast the launch of two new cuvées and talk about his long career in the region, plus Billy Abbott’s back with Jason Vaswani from The Whisky Exchange, to talk about ‘pre-loved’ whisky.

New Zealand medal winning spirits featured:

Pokeno Whisky Co. Totara Cask Single Malt Whisky (gold)

Strange Nature Distilling Gin (gold)

Astra Premium New Zealand Gin (gold)

Greytown Distilling Company Tweed Premium Gin (gold)

Elemental Distillers Roots Rosso Pinot Noir Gin (gold)

Karori Drinks Company Chemistry Gin (gold and also a design award)

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David’s joined by John Hoskins MW, former chief examiner at the Institute of Masters of Wine and Rebecca Palmer, Associate Director at Corney & Barrow to talk about judging South Africa’s wines, in situ, for the IWSC and Billy Abbott of the Whisky Exchange returns for a mini masterclass on the flavours of world whisky.

Wines featured, all gold medal winners:

Villiera Monro Brut Cap Classique 2017

Capensis Wines Silene Chardonnay 2022

Kershaw Wines Clonal Selection Chardonnay 2020

Peter Falke Wines Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 

Flagstone Winery Writer's Block Pinotage 2021 

Perdeberg Wines Endura Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc 2022 

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Author and FT columnist Alice Lascelles is David’s guest to talk about her latest book, The Martini - a paean to the iconic cocktail, tracing its journey from 1880’s New York to the hottest bars of the moment via 60 different recipes. Plus, Billy Abbott of The Whisky Exchange is back to explore the world of Japanese whisky.

Medal winning Japanese whiskies featured:

The Fujisan Whisky (gold)

The Ukiyo Premium Black Label Japanese Blended Rice Whisky (gold)

Komasa Kanosuke Distillery 2023 Limited Edition Single Malt Japanese Whisky (silver)

Nagahama Distillery Amahagan Yamazakura Edition Blended Malt Whisky (silver)

Kirin Brewery Co. Fuji Single Blended Whisky (silver)

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David welcomes one of the most famous names in Champagne, Michel Drappier, whose family first settled in the region more than 200 years ago, with the conversation including organic farming, carbon neutral practises and low dosage.

Wines featured:

Drappier Grande Sendrée Brut 2010 (silver)

Henriot Blanc De Blancs Brut non vintage (gold)

Rare Rosé Brut 2014 (silver)

Co-op Les Pionniers Brut NV (silver)

Ellner Charles Ellner Grande Reserve Brut 2014 (silver)

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David is joined by whisky expert, Kristiane Sherry, to talk about her inaugural ‘Scotch whisky report’ for Club Oenologique, tasting around 120 examples, to produce a snapshot of the category. In a double helping for whisky lovers, Billy Abbott of The Whisky Exchange returns, for an Irish whisky mini masterclass.

IWSC medal winners featured, all gold medal winners:

Irish Distillers Blue Spot 7 YO Cask Strength Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey 

Proximo Spirits Bushmills 30 YO Single Malt Irish Whiskey

Teeling Whiskey Blackpitts Peated Cask Strength Single Malt Irish Whiskey 

Powerscourt Distillery Fercullen 21 YO Single Malt Irish Whiskey

Irish Distillers Green Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David delves in the world of whisky with renowned expert, author and judge, Billy Abbott, of The Whisky Exchange, to explore the complexity and diversity of a dram, with a focus on fruit forward whiskies in the first of a series of ‘mini masterclasses’.

Featuring four IWSC gold medal and trophy winners:  

Tomatin Distillery Legacy Single Malt Scotch Whisky 

East Asia Whisky Company 35 YO Manta Ray Genesis Bunnahabhain Distillery Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Cask 88 Imperial Distillery The Bothy 25 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Loch Lomond Whiskies 12 YO Inchmurrin Single Malt Scotch Whisky

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. From his humble beginnings in hospitality to the bar of Tom Kerridge’s double-starred gastropub, The Hand & Flowers, Anthony Peart achieved his dream of launching his own rum. He joins David to talk about how he made it happen.

Rums featured (all gold medal winners)

Fr’um dark but fr'iendly Pineapple & Smokey Scotch Bonnet Rum

Rones del Caribe Roble Viejo 12 YO Ultra Añejo Rum

Héritiers Madkaud Renaissance Rum 

Four Monkey Cataline

Chapter 7 Whisky Spirit Library 1993 Cuban Rum

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David reflects on the highlights of series 15 featuring Perrier-Jouët cellar master Séverine Frerson, Domaine des Tourelles winemaker Faouzi Issa on making wine in Lebanon, organic pioneer Gérard Bertrand and Voyager Estate’s chief winemaker, Tim Shand, Will Hill on Georgian amber wine and Tom Surgey on his new book.

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David travels to Château L’ Hospitalet in Languedoc-Roussillon to meet Gérard Bertrand, a former rugby star whose passion for his home region has earned it a place on the world’s fine wine map. They talk terroir, biodynamics and a winemaking philosophy that has resulted in a broad range of wines from an innovative orange, to the world’s most expensive rosé.

Wines featured:

Gérard Bertrand Cote Des Roses Grenache-Syrah-Cinsault 2023 (silver)

Gérard Bertrand Héritage Sauvignon Blanc 2023 (silver)

Gérard Bertrand Héritage Adissan 2023 (silver)

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Responsible for a mere two percent of Australia’s grape crush, Margaret River really punches above its weight when it comes to premium wines. David finds out more, from Alex Hunt MW, IWSC wine judging committee member and leading sommelier-turned-communicator, Shanteh Wale.

Wines featured (all gold medal winners):

Fermoy Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Flametree Wines, Flametree Chardonnay 2023

Deep Woods Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2020

Churchview Estate The Bartondale Chardonnay 2023 

Singlefile Wines The Vivienne, Denmark Chardonnay 2021

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. They are all the rage on wine lists, but orange wines have a long and illustrious history, dating back to the birthplace of wine, Georgia, where they are known as amber. David talks to expert and IWSC judge, Will Hill, Managing Director of Novel Wines to find out more.

Wines featured (all gold medal winners):

Kardanakhi 1888 LLC Tsarapi 2020

Bedoba Orange 2021

Mildiani Family Winery, Khikhvi Qvevri Bouquet 2018

Doctor's Bio-cellar Rkatsiteli 2021

Mildiani Family Winery Brut Reserve 2015

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. A familiar face for his work with ‘The Three Wine Men’, writer and broadcaster Tom Surgey chats to David about his new book ‘How to Drink Wine’, which offers a comprehensive, yet accessible, guide to the world of wine terminology.

Drinks featured:

Marks & Spencer 5 Times Distilled Vodka (gold)

Chapel Down Kit’s Coty Coeur De Cuvée Extra Brut 2016 (silver)

Denbies Wine Estate Cubitt Blanc De Noirs Brut 2015 (silver)

Vagabond Wines Pinot Noir 2022 (silver)

Gusbourne Rosé Brut 2019 (silver)

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Famously where East meets West, Turkey offers a treasure trove of indigenous grape varieties which are well worth seeking out. David finds out more from Sarah Abbott MW and Isa Bal MS, who co-chaired the recent IWSC wine judging in Istanbul, where an impressive 20 gold medals were awarded.

Wines featured (all gold medal winners):

Kayra Vintage Öküzgözü 2021

Kavaklidere Saraplari Prestige Okuzgozu 2021

Vinolus Kalecik Karasi 2022

Likya Vineyards Boğazkere 2014

Kavaklidere Saraplari Cotes d'Avanos Narince 2022

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David chats to the winemaker Faouzi Issa from Lebanon’s Domaine des Tourelles, to talk about making wine against the backdrop of conflict and chaos, his passion for old vines and his style of winemaking, focused on freshness and charm.

Wines featured:

Domaine Wardy Grenache, Bekaa Valley 2022 (silver)

Zilzie Wines Platinum Edition Grenache, Barossa, Australia 2022 (silver)

Kilikanoon Duke Reserve Grenache, Clare Valley, South Australia 2019 (silver)

V’asbos Iconic Grenache Edition 1 2018, Turkey (silver)

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Celebrated for sparklers and more recently for still wines too, Tasmania is David’s focus as he explores the terroir of this enchanting Australian island with Tom Wallace, winemaker at Devil’s Corner.

Drinks featured, all from Tasmania:

Hellyers Road Distillery 21 YO American Oak (Cask 2283.01) Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky (gold)

Orrsum Spirits XO Vodka (silver, plus gold in the V&T mixer category)

Callington Mill Distillery Quagmire Single Malt Whisky (silver)

Turner Stillhouse Three Cuts Founder's Release Gin (silver)

Bream Creek Pinot Noir 2023 (silver)

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David chats to Steve Lohr, whose father Jerry was a pioneer in Paso Robles, the California region that’s attracted a legion of fans for the quality and value it offers. They talk terroir and why Cab remains ‘king’, but also the other varieties to have on your radar.

Drinks featured, all from California:

Junipero Smoked Rosemary Gin (gold)

Grgich Hills Estate Paris Tasting Commemorative Chardonnay 2021 (silver)

Dark Horse Sauvignon Blanc 2022 (silver)

Sausalito Liquor Company Marin Coastal Gin (silver)

Sespe Creek Distillery Silvergrin Vodka (silver)

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David talks to House of Hazelwood director, Jonathan Gibson, and blender, Eilidh Muir, about the latest unique collection of aged Scotch whisky amassed by the Gordon family and now offered to discerning collectors.

Drinks featured (all gold medal winners):

Aerstone Sea Cask 10 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky 

Miltonduff, 24 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky 

Tomintoul Distillery 25 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Glencadam Distillery Reserva Andalucía Oloroso Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky

William Grant & Sons, ‘Discarded’, Grape Skin Vodka

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David talks to the Chief Winemaker Tim Shand, at pioneering Margaret River winery Voyager Estate, established in 1978. Tim talks about his winemaking journey across Australia, what makes the region so special, and the challenges and rewards of going organic. 

Wines featured:

House of Cards Ace High 2023 (gold)

Flametree Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 (gold)

Fraser Gallop Estate Parterre Chardonnay 2022 (gold)

Voyager Estate MJW Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (silver)

Voyager Estate Coastal Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 (silver)

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Only the 8th cellar master in Perrier-Jouët's 200-year history, the first woman to occupy the role, Séverine Frerson joins David to celebrate the Maison Belle Époque, the elegance of Chardonnay and the importance of a sensory relationship with nature.

Wines featured (all gold medal winners from Champagne):

Champagne Palmer & Co Solera Rosé Brut NV

Lanson, Clos Lanson Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut 2010

Champagne de Saint Gall Orpale Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut 2012

Tesco Finest Rosé Brut NV - made by Union Champagne

Co-op Les Pionniers Brut 2013

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David reflects on the latest series, including Eduardo Chadwick, on the anniversary of the Berlin Tasting, Sukhinder Singh reminiscing about a life of whisky collecting, Robin Kick MW on the wines of Bourgogne, the head of Austrian Wine, Chris Yorke, Chris Carpenter on sustainable winemaking and Rodolfo Bastida celebrating a century of Ramon Bilbao. 

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. For the second of his special editions dedicated to Chablis, David continues his visit to the region’s producers and talks to Robin Kick MW about Petit Chablis, a wine that offers an exciting, affordable entry point to the region’s world famous wines.

Wines featured, all silver medal winners:

La Chablisienne Les Clos 2021, Chablis Grand Cru

M&S Cote De Lechet 2022 Chablis Premier Cru

Tesco Finest 2021 Chablis Premier Cru, La Chablisienne

Maison Castel 2022 Chablis

Grand Calcaire 2022 Petit Chablis 

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. For the first of two special editions dedicated to the wines of Chablis, Rosemary George MW joins David to talk about this special region’s distinctive terroir and he meets producers to find out more about a region that’s a global brand in itself.

Wines featured, all four of them gold medal winners at the ’24 judging:

Charly Nicolle Ante MCMLXXX Les Fourneaux 2022 

J. Moreau & Fils 2021

La Chablisienne Grenouilles 2020

La Chablisienne Les Preuses 2021

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. To celebrate English wine week, one of the country’s rising stars, Zoe Driver, winemaker at the critically acclaimed Black Chalk, joins David to talk about her own winemaking philosophy and the reasons behind English sparkling’s stellar success.

Wines featured:

Wyfold Vineyard Rosé Brut 2018 (Gold)

Roebuck Estates Rosé De Noirs Brut 2018 (Gold)

Gusbourne Boot Hill Vineyard Blanc De Blancs Brut 2018 (Gold)

Fox & Fox Mayfield Eclipse Brut 2019 (Gold)

Black Chalk Classic Brut 2020 (Silver)

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David visits Sicily’s Mount Etna region to explore the ancient civilisation of pre-phylloxera old vines, from indigenous grape varieties, and meet the winemakers toiling on its volcanic slopes to craft distinctive wines.

Drinks featured: 

Amaro Amaranca (silver)

Bisol1542 Cartizze Dry 2022 (gold)

BiancaVigna Rive Di Collalto Extra Dry 2021 (gold)

Silvio Carta Per Te Riserva 2002 (gold)

Fattoria La Vialla Riserva 2013 (gold)

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. A traditional wine nation that still offers a voyage of discovery for the wine lover, with its indigenous grape varieties, family winemakers and great value fine wines. David travels to Vienna to experience VieVinum, the largest showcase of Austrian wines, and speaks to the Austrian Wine CEO, Chris Yorke.

Wines featured, all gold medal winners, judged ‘in situ’ in Austria:

Weingut Alois Zimmermann, Rosshimmel Reserve Grüner Veltliner 2021 

Seegut Lentsch Reserve Sankt Laurent 2020

Weingut Rabl Ried Dechant Alte Reben Grüner Veltliner 2021

Weingut Eder Wachau Leopold Riesling 2018

Weingut Horst & Georg Schmelzer Weißburgunder Eiswein 2012 

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Chief winemaker at Rioja’s Ramón Bilbao, Rodolfo Bastida, is David’s guest as the winery celebrates its centenary and he toasts his 25 year tenure, to talk altitude winemaking, grape varieties, the pursuit of purity and the future for the region.

Wines featured:

Beronia Gran Reserva 2015 (gold)

Bodegas Ramón Bilbao Gran Reserva 2015 (silver)

El Coto De Rioja M&S Collection Gran Reserva 2015 (silver)

Asda Extra Special Marques Del Norte Gran Reserva 2016 (silver)

Dominio De La Salle Gran Reserva 2014 (silver)

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. A special episode dedicated to Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. David meets Te Mata’s boss, Nick Buck, as well as winemakers Steve Smith MW at Smith & Sheth and Craggy Range’s Ben Tombs as he explores what defines this historic region and its wines.

Wines featured:

Church Road 1 Single Vineyard Syrah 2020 (gold)

Mission Estate Winery Huchet Syrah 2019 (gold)

Trinity Hill 125 Chardonnay 2020 (gold and a trophy winner)

Trinity Hill Single Vineyard 125 Chardonnay 2021 (silver)

Esk Valley Artisanal Collection Malbec-Cabernet Franc-Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (silver)

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. For the second of two special editions dedicated to the wines of Bourgogne, David visits the region to meet winemakers in Viré-Clessé, Mercurey and Ladoix to learn how they are evolving and adapting to new challenges, while respecting history.

Wines featured:

Château de Pommard Clos Marey-Monge Monopole 2020 (gold)

La Chablisienne Les Clos 2020 (silver)

M&S Vieilles Vignes Florent Rouve, Viré-Clessé 2020 (silver)

Château Vitallis, Les Vignes Du Château, Pouilly-Fuissé 2022 (silver)

Maison Champy, Clos De Bully Pernand-Vergelesses 2020 (silver)

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. For the first of two special editions dedicated to the wines of Bourgogne, Robin Kick MW joins David to talk about the region’s intricate patchwork of plots, its signature grape varieties and the styles of wine that have won acclaim around the world.

Wines featured:

La Chablisienne Château Grenouilles 2019 (gold)

Edouard Delaunay Chardonnay 2021 (silver)

Château de Pommard Clos Marey-Monge Nicolas-Joseph 2020 (silver)

Famille Carabello-Baum, Bourgogne Aligoté 2020 (silver)

Maison Champy, Pernand-Vergelesses 2021 (silver)

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Renowned whisky collector, Sukhinder Singh, joins David to talk about his journey, with brother Rajbir, from family off-licence to The Whisky Exchange and building their own distillery, plus his plans for the year as IWSC ‘Industry Champion’.

Drinks featured (all gold medal winners):

Elixir Distillers, Elements Of Islay, Cask Edit Blended Malt Scotch Whisky

Glenmorangie Barrel Select Release 12 YO Amontillado Sherry Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky 

Murray McDavid Cask Craft - Peated Finish Glen Elgin Single Malt Scotch Whisky 

Whyte & Mackay Co-Op Irresistible Single Malt Scotch Whisky 

Elixir Distillers, Black Tot Master Blender's Reserve Rum 2022 (also a trophy winner)

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. To mark Earth Day 2024 David is joined by Christopher Carpenter, winemaker for Jackson Family Estates’ Napa properties, to talk about leading the transition to organic, as well as regenerative viticulture, cutting carbon and reducing water use.

Wines featured:

Capensis Wines, Silene 2021 (gold and trophy)

Torres 15 Reserva Privada Brandy (gold)

Familia Torres Sangre De Toro Rosé 2022 (silver)

Yealands The Crossings Light Wave Sauvignon Blanc 2022 (silver)

Champagne Lanson Le Blanc De Blancs Brut NV (silver)

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. To launch the new series, David’s guest is Eduardo Chadwick, representing the sixth generation of the family behind some of Chile’s finest wines including Viñedos Chadwick and Seña, he’s celebrating twenty years since the Berlin Tasting, which saw his wines beat some of the great names and helped change perceptions of the wines of Chile.

Wines featured:

MontGras Intriga Máxima Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 (gold)

Morrisons The Best Single Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021 (silver)

Viñedos Veramonte Ritual Pinot Noir 2019 (silver)

Viña Morande Semillón 2022 (silver)

Vina Errazuriz Max Carmenère 2021 (bronze) 

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Includes Oz Clarke OBE; Nyetimber’s chief winemaker, Cherie Spriggs; Stephen Duckett of Hundred Hills winery; Romain Ott of Château Léoube, Emanuel Pesqueira, group head of wine for Gordon Ramsay restaurants and Hannah Crosbie, author of ‘Corker’.

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. From pouring wine in a restaurant at 17 years old to being profiled in Vogue, it has been quite a journey for writer Hannah Crosbie, who joins David to talk about her debut book ‘Corker’, billed as “a deeply unserious wine book”. She tells him about ripping up the old rules and how to match wines to some of life’s defining moments.

Wines featured:

La Togata Seconda Stella A Destra, Brunello di Montalcino (gold)

Belpoggio, Brunello di Montalcino 2018 (silver)

MontGras, Intriga Máxima, Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 (gold) 

Robert Oatley, Finisterre, Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (gold)

Rioja Vega, Colección, Tempranillo Blanco 2022 (silver) 

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. A special episode dedicated to New Zealand’s biggest wine region, Marlborough. Oz Clarke OBE recalls the moment he first tasted its signature Sauvignon Blanc - which went on to be a global phenomenon - and David meets leading winemakers, including Cloudy Bay’s Daniel Sorrell, to find out what makes the region special, its diversity, and what the future might hold beyond Sauvignon.

Wines featured:

Yealands Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2022 (gold)

Saint Clair Family Estate Origin Sauvignon Blanc 2022 (gold)

Giesen Organic Chardonnay 2019 (gold)

Marisco Vineyards The Craft Series The Pioneer Chardonnay 2021 (gold)

Yealands Estate Single Vineyard Albarino 2022 (silver)

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. South Africa’s dynamic, constantly evolving wine scene is the focus as David chats to Master of Wine Dirceu Vianna Junior and Sophia Longhi, to reflect on judging wines in South Africa for the IWSC last summer.

Wines featured:

Mont Rochelle Miko Chardonnay 2018 (gold and a trophy winner)

Capensis Silene 2021 (gold and a trophy winner)

Constantia Glen Five 2020 (gold)

Bloemendal Wine Estate Kanonberg 2017 (gold)

The Tangram, Durbanville Hills, White Blend 2020 (gold and a trophy winner)

La Vierge Apogée Pinot Noir 2021 (gold)

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. To mark International Women’s Day, David revisits some of his conversations with pioneering women in the world of wine and spirits, including Dr Laura Catena, Dr Rachel Barrie, Sarah Pidgeon, Louisa Rose, Corinne Seely, Cherie Spriggs, and Jancis Robinson OBE MW.

Wines and spirits featured (all from the women winemakers/master distiller featured):

The GlenDronach Distillery 21 YO Parliament Single Malt Scotch Whisky (gold)

Ringbolt Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (gold)

Yealands Estate Single Vineyard Albarino 2022 (silver)

Catena DV Catena Pinot Noir 2021 (silver) 

Wynns Coonawarra Estate Michael Shiraz 2018 (silver)

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. The Ott name is Provence rosé royalty, but Romain Ott chose to forge his career on a neighbouring estate, Château Léoube, a stunning stretch of the Côte d’Azur, where, as head winemaker, he crafts organic wines. He chats to David about rosé’s revolution in quality and how he crafted a ‘Super Tuscan’… in Provence.

Wines featured:

Love by Léoube 2022 (silver)

Mirabeau X 2022 (silver)

Château La Gordonne La Chapelle Tete De Cuvée 2022 (silver)

Château Malherbe Grand Vin 2021 (silver)

Château Malherbe Madame Ferrari 2021 (silver) 

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. How to select wines for pairing fine dining, and how to make the best use of a sommelier’s incredible skills? These are among the questions David poses, as he chats to Emanuel Pesqueira, influential group head of wine for Gordon Ramsay restaurants, which include 1890, Pétrus and the Savoy Grill.

Wines featured:

D’Oliveiras Sercial 1977 (gold)

D’Oliveiras Boal 1992 (gold)

Casa da Passarella Abanico Reserva 2021 (gold)

Maison Castel Terra Vitis Petit Manseng 2021 (gold)

Dr. Loosen Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese 2013 (gold)

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David chats to Oz Clarke OBE about his latest book, ‘Story of Wine’, which is actually more than a hundred different stories, journeying through time to explore the places and people who have shaped the wines we enjoy today.

Wines featured (all fortified, from Portugal, all gold medal winners)

Cálem 40-Year-Old Tawny NV 

Graham’s 20 YO Tawny NV 

Kopke Colheita 2005

Justino’s Tinta Negra 1995

Cossart Gordon Verdelho 1975

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Not so much a revolution… more an evolution, Argentina’s wines are winning new fans as the pursuit of quality over quantity reaps rewards. David is joined by two Masters of Wine, Dirceu Vianna Junior and Beth Pearce to reflect on the first ever ‘in situ’ judging of its wines by the IWSC.

Wines featured: 

Domaine Bousquet Gran Bousquet Organic Malbec 2021 (gold)

Chakana Ayni Malbec 2020 (gold)

Bodegas Bianchi Gran Famiglia Corte 2020 (gold and trophy)

Antigal Winery & Estates Aduentus Cabernet Franc 2019 (gold and trophy)

Bodega Argento Gualtallary Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2021 (gold)

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David talks to Nyetimber’s Canadian-born head winemaker, Cherie Spriggs. She talks candidly about working with husband Brad Greatrix, why the couple were attracted to England, what defines English sparkling wine and how they developed their premium cuvée, the critically acclaimed 1086.

Wines featured:

Everflyht Brut NV (silver)

Busi Jacobsohn Wine Estate Cuvée Brut 2019 (silver)

Coates & Seely Reserve Brut NV (silver)

Hattingley Valley Wines Rosé Brut 2019 (silver)

Greyfriars Vineyard Blanc de Blancs Brut 2015 (silver)

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David is joined by Master of Wine Alistair Cooper and Libby Brodie to talk about Margaret River, a region in Western Australia that punches well above its size, with premium wines that are winning new acclaim - and plenty of top medals.

Wines featured (all are gold medal winners):

Stella Bella Wines Luminosa Chardonnay 2022

Cape Naturaliste Vineyard Torpedo Rocks Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Cherubino Chardonnay 2022

Clairault Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 (also a trophy winner)

Passel Estate Lot 71 Reserve Syrah 2018 (also a trophy winner)

Evans & Tate Redbrook Estate Cabernet Merlot 2020 (also a trophy winner)

Robert Oatley The Pennant Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (also a trophy winner) 

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David chats to Stephen Duckett, whose dream of producing top quality English sparkling wine led him and wife Fiona to a grassy valley in The Chilterns, where they started from scratch to establish Hundred Hills.

Wines featured:

Raimes English Sparkling Classic Brut 2018 (gold and a trophy)

Hattingley Valley Wines Classic Reserve Brut NV (gold)

Roebuck Estates Rosé De Noirs Brut 2017 (silver)

Gusbourne Reserve Late Disgorged Brut 2015 (silver)

Langham Wine Estate Corallian Classic Cuvée Extra Brut NV (silver)

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Idris Elba is among the guests as David selects some moments from the 12th series of the Drinking Hour, which also features Dr Jamie Goode talking about wine faults, Amanda Barnes on Uruguay’s wines, Jeany Cronk espousing the virtues of winter rosé and there’s also a special focus on two iconic French regions: Alsace for its Pinot Noir and Bordeaux, for its sweet wines.

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Richard Siddle, editor in chief of The Buyer, returns for his annual chat - one of the most popular episodes of last year - to give David his predictions for what we’ll be drinking in 2024 and what might impact the drinks world in the year ahead.

Drinks featured (from low/no category):

Opius BV Albedo (gold)

Wilderton Bittersweet Aperitivo (gold) 

Lucano 1894 Amaro Lucano Zero (silver)

Brown Brothers Cienna Zero NV (gold)

CleanCo Clean G (gold)

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David is joined by the head buyer at The Wine Society, Pierre Mansour, as the country’s oldest co-operative turns 150 years old in 2024 to find out more about its history and how it manages to remain so relevant to today’s wine lovers.

Wines featured: 

Beronia Gran Reserva 2015 (gold)

Heredad De Urueña Santo Syrah 2016 (gold)

Bodegas Fundador ‘Harvey’s’ Palo Cortado Medium Blend 30 year old (gold)

Emilio Lustau VORS Oloroso NV (gold)

Valdespino El Candado Pedro Ximenez NV (gold)

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Joel Harrison, spirits judge, writer and author of 60 Second Cocktails joins David with his selection of festive hacks.

Drinks featured:

Dangerous Don Mezcal (gold)

Via Carota Craft Cocktails Old Fashioned (gold)

Salty Stone Distillery, Young Salt Negroni (gold) 

Bloody Drinks, Bloody Virgin Mary (gold)

Tesco Finest Salted Caramel Irish Cream Liqueur (gold)

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. The perfect party starter and a versatile gastronomic wine, Provence rosé is so much more than a summer wine. David is joined by Jeany Cronk of Domaine Mirabeau to spread some seasonal cheer and turn your winter pink.

Featured wines:

Villa Moncigale Cicada La Légende 2022 (gold)

Mirabeau Pure 2022 (silver)

Château La Gordonne Vérité Du Terroir 2022 (silver)

Château Beaulieu Cuvée Alexandre 2022 (silver)

Love by Léoube, Chateau Léoube (silver)

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. An historic region, with a distinctive identity of its own, Alsace is also evolving all the time. Though 90% of production is white, it’s forging a new reputation for red, exclusively from Pinot Noir. David is joined by two pioneers of biodynamic viticulture, Olivier Humbrecht MW and Véronique Muré.

Featured wines:

Jean Bailly Riesling 2019 (silver)

Cave de Ribeauvillé Riesling 2019 (silver)

La Cave du Vieil Armand Gewurztraminer 2020 (silver)

Dopff Au Moulin Grand Cru Brand Gewurztraminer 2021 (silver)

Dopff Au Moulin Riesling 2018 (silver)

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David’s guests are Master Sommeliers Jane Lopes and Jonathan Ross, authors of How to Drink Australian, a comprehensive guide to that country’s wines, its vinous history, the latest trends and the innovative producers to watch.

Wines featured (all gold medal winners):

Leo Buring ‘Leonay’ Mature Release Riesling 2017 (also a trophy winner)

Gemtree Wines Ernest Allan Shiraz 2021

Penny's Hill Skeleton Key Shiraz 2021

Wolf Blass Grey Label Chardonnay 2019

Morris Wines Cellar Reserve Grand Topaque NV

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David is joined by scientist and critic, Dr Jamie Goode, author of Flawless, Understanding Faults in Wine, for a whistle-stop tour of everything that might go wrong with a bottle of wine - and how to spot a fault.

Drinks featured (*spirits chosen this week, to avoid associating wines with faults) - 

All gold medal winners:

Shibui Whisky Company 10 YO Pure Malt

Loch Lomond Whiskies 10 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisk

Worthy Park Estate 109 Rum

Miguel Torres 15 Reserva Privada Brandy

Gansu Binhe Food Industry 12 Years Binhe Baijiu

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David explores the wines of Sauternes and its smaller sub-zone Barsac - some of the oldest and most famous in the world - to discuss its terroir and the magical effects of ‘noble rot’, with guests Jean-Jacques Dubourdieu, co-President of the Sauternes & Barsac appellations and Mathilde Aseretto, owner of Château Quincarnon.

Wines featured:

M&S - Maison Sichel L'or Du Ciron 2016 (gold)

Chateau de Sours Quarry 2021 (silver) 

Aldi Specially Selected Sauternes 2018 (bronze)

Château Boyd Cantenac Tesco Finest 2018 (bronze)

Baron Edmond de Rothschild Château Clarke 2018 (bronze)

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Amanda Barnes, author of the South America Wine Guide, chats to David about the wines of Uruguay, its maritime climate, the grape varieties that thrive there, its rich tradition of family wineries and, of course, the country’s distinctive food culture.

Drinks featured (includes neighbouring regions, Brazil/Argentina):

Vinícola Campestre Zanotto Malbec 2022 (silver)

Terrazas de los Andes Grand Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 (silver)

Jolimont Querências Marselan 2020 (silver)

Otronia Brut Nature NV (silver)

Sacramento Spirits Sur 34 Gin (bronze)

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Master of Wine, Sarah Abbott, and Turkish wine writer and critic, Gozdem Gurbuzatik, join David to talk about Turkey’s evolving wine scene, the challenges producers face, its distinctive indigenous grapes and the wines you must try.

IWSC medal winners from Turkey (all gold):

Akberg Lethe Ercis Karasi 2021

Kalpak Tarim Chateau Kalpak 2019 

Kocabag Bagcilik Ve Sarapcilik Kocabag Leo's 2020

Yedi Bilgeler Sarapcilik Vindemia Defne 2022

Mey Icki Sanayi & Ticaret Kayra Vintage Narince 2021

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. World famous for his acting roles, including The Wire, Luther and playing Nelson Mandela, and as a DJ, Idris Elba has turned his hand to wine, with friend David Farber, creating a boutique range, Porte Noire, which has launched a new rosé Champagne. Both men chat to David about what inspired them.

Featured drinks:

Piper Heidsieck Cuvée Brut NV (gold)

Bisol1542 Dry 2022 (gold)

Akido Mukuzani 2021, Corporation Georgian Wine (gold and trophy)

Seegut Lentsch Reserve Sankt Laurent 2020 (gold)

Weingut Horst & Georg Schmelzer Weißburgunder Eiswein 2012 (gold)

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. This week, highlights of Series 11. Henry Jeffreys, Julia Harding MW, Ryan Chetiyawardana, aka Mr Lyan, Sandy Hyslop, Sarah Heller MW and Anne Bousquet and Labid Ameri of Domaine Bousquet are among David’s highlights from the most recent series.  

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. He opened his first bar, White Lyan in London’s East End, just a decade ago, yet Ryan Chetiyawardana is now the world’s most awarded bartender. To celebrate London Cocktail Week, his celebrated Lyan bars have been recreated together - and he also has a new cocktail book to inspire us to mix at home.

Medal winners featured (all spirits, gold outstanding medal winners):

Loch Lomond Whiskies 10 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Destilerias Arehucas 12 YO Selección Familiar Rum

Avion Reposado Tequila from Pernod Ricard House of Tequila

Aldi Haysmith's Rhubarb & Ginger Gin (also a trophy winner too!)

Miguel Torres 20 Hors d'Age Brandy (also a trophy winner too!)

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David talks to Master of Wine Julia Harding, lead editor of the Oxford Companion to Wine to find out what’s new in the, just-released, fifth edition of the OCW, a much-loved reference tome, totalling more than a million words on wine.

Wines featured (all gold medal winners):

Casa da Passarella Abanico Reserva 2021

Gemtree Wines Ernest Allan Shiraz 2021

Marathasa Wines, Amarantos Yiannoudi 2021

Silvio Carta Per Te Riserva 2002

Cálem 40 Year Old Tawny NV

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. The low and no category is big business, with double digit growth as drinkers choose to abstain, or just have a little less. David chats to Bev Zero’s Irem Eren, who is dedicating the latest stage of her career to the development of no and low.

Low and no winners (all gold):

Giesen 0% Pinot Gris NV

Giesen 0% Merlot NV

Edenvale Cabernet Sauvignon NV

Dzjing Bergamot

Botivo Slow Sipping Botanicals

AmaricoAperitivo

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David talks to the dynamic couple behind one of Argentina’s fastest growing premium wine brands, Domaine Bousquet, which recently triumphed at the IWSC with a trio of gold medals. David hears how the story began, in rural France, and how it made the Uco Valley its own.

Wines featured (all gold medal, winners judged ‘in situ’ in Argentina):

Domaine Bousquet Gran Bousquet Organic Malbec 2021 

Bodegas Bianchi Gran Famiglia Corte 2020 

Bodegas Salentein Portillo Organic Malbec 2022 

Bodega Benegas Family Juan Malbec 2022

Bodegas Fabre Alta Yari Gran Corte 2021

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. With its ability to retain high acidity in the summer sun, Assyrtiko is now planted around the world, but it never tastes the same as it does when it comes from its home in Santorini. David talks to pioneering producer, Yiannis Paraskevopoulos, at Gaia Wines, to find out why.

Greek wines and spirits featured:

Estate Argyros Cuvee Evdemon 2019 (gold)

Estate Argyros Assyrtiko 2021 (silver)

Lafazanis Winery Geometria Moschofilero 2022 (silver)

7 Epta Gold Premium Ouzo (gold)

Axia Mastiha (silver)

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David’s guest is a whisky legend: Master Blender and Director of Inventory at Chivas Brothers, Sandy Hyslop, talks about his 40-year-career crafting whisky, how he learnt his skill, his approach to innovation and his favourite dram.

Whisky medal winners:

Chivas Brothers Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute Blended Scotch Whisky (gold and trophy)

Royal Salute 30 Year Old Key To The Kingdom Blended Scotch Whisky (gold)

Chivas Brothers Aberlour A’Bunadh Speyside Single Malt Whisky (gold)

The Glenlivet 12 YO Rum & Bourbon Cask Selection Single Malt Scotch Whisky (gold and silver whisky highball)

Ballantine's 30 YO Blended Scotch Whisky (silver)

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David chats to Master of Wine, Sarah Heller, about her series of detailed reports on Italian fine wine, being published across the month of September by Club Oenologique, featuring Tuscany’s Chianti Classico and Brunello, Piedmont’s Barolo and Barbaresco, plus Amarone di Valpolicella.

Featured wines:

La Togata Seconda Stella a Destra 2018 (gold)

Fattoria La Vialla Riserva 2013 Vin Santo Del Chianti Occhio Di Pernice (gold)

Fattoria La Vialla Vin Santo 2018 (gold)

G.D.Vajra Coste di Rose 2019 (gold)

Lo Zoccolaio 2018 (silver)

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David travels to The Uco Valley for a special episode focused on altitude winemaking in Argentina, featuring legendary names including Daniel Pi, Sebastian Zuccardi and Silvio Alberto, plus Alistair Cooper MW.

IWSC Argentina ‘in situ’ gold medal winners:

Domaine Bousquet Ameri Single Vineyard Organic Red Blend 2020 

Bodegas Bianchi Gran Famiglia Malbec 2020 

Chakana Ayni Malbec 2020

Antigal Aduentus Cabernet Franc 2019

Bodega Argento Gualtallary Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2021 

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. On the Rhône’s Right Bank, Lirac might still be a well-kept secret for some, despite its long and illustrious history of winemaking, but its reputation is growing, so for this special edition David talks to Alistair Cooper MW, and winemakers, Pierre Fabre at Château Mont Redon and Gérald Lafont, at Domaine d’Arbousset.

Spirits featured:

Armorik 10 YO Breton Single Malt Whisky (gold)

Bartavelle Mediterranean Grapefruit & Rosemary Gin (silver)

Boulard VSOP Calvados (silver)

Martell Blue Swift (silver)

Belle De Brillet Liqueur (silver) 

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Though the Côtes du Rhône is a shorthand for red, its white and rosé wines are growing in stature. David talks to renowned Rhône experts, the author Matt Walls, Master of Wine Liz Gabay and her son Ben Bernheim to find out more.

Wines featured:

Bonpas Réserve de Bonpas, Côtes du Rhône, 2022 (silver)

Château la Verrerie Grand Deffand, Luberon 2021 (silver)

Les Combes de Saint Sauveur Terra Vitis 2022 (silver)

Héritages, Côtes Du Rhône 2022 (silver)

Domaine Duclaux Châteauneuf-Du-Pape 2018 (silver)

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. The astonishing rise of English wine is the theme as Henry Jeffreys, author of the ‘Vines in a Cold Climate’, released today, joins David to talk about his book telling the story of the pioneers who have pursued their dream, often against the odds.

Featured wines:

Raimes English Sparkling Classic Brut 2018 (Gold)

Hattingley Valley Wines Classic Reserve Brut NV (Gold)

Langham Wine Estate Pinot Noir Brut Nature 2019 (Silver)

Louis Pommery Brut NV (Silver)

Wyfold Vineyard Rosé Brut 2018 (Silver)

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David presents his favourite moments from series 10 including renowned Argentine chef Francis Mallmann, Dr Laura Catena of Catena Zapata, Master Distiller Ian Chang of Karuizawa Distillers, Antonio Capaldo of Feudi di San Gregorio, Sarah Abbott MW talking about Georgian wine and IWSC emerging talent winner Alex Brogan on democratising wine.

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. There’s an A to Z of what might make a spritz, from Aperol to Zinfandel, so David looks at how the simple spritz took the world by storm - and what might be next for this most refreshing of summer serves with Joel Harrison and James Stimson.

Tesco Vermouth Bianco (gold and trophy winner)

Antica Distilleria Quaglia Berto Vermouth di Torino Rosso NV (silver)

Gruppo Campari 1757 Vermouth di Torino Sweet NV (silver)

Vermuts Miró Bianco Sweet NV (silver)

The London Vermouth Company No.1 Amber Limon NV (silver)

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. With a proud history of making wine, a scandal that resulted in some of the most stringent standards in the world, a range of characterful indigenous grape varieties and some well-priced fine wine, Freddy Bulmer from The Wine Society joins David to share their passion for Austrian wine.

(all gold medal winners from Austria)

Winery Aigner Ried Obere Sandgrube Privat Grüner Veltliner 2021 

Domäne Baumgartner Orange By Katharina Baumgartner 2020

Weingut Johann Schneeberger Kittenberg Sauvignon Blanc 2021 

Hans Tschida KG Ried Lüss Seewinkel Sämling 88 Trockenbeerenauslese 2019

Domäne Roland Chan Bach Riesling 2021

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David is joined by one of the whisky world’s most accomplished names, Ian Chang, who made his name at Taiwan’s Kavalan Distillery, about his brand new project in Japan: Karuizawa’s Komoro Distillery.

Featured: 

Kavalan Distillery Select No.2 Single Malt Whisky (silver)

Kavalan Distillery King Car Conductor Single Malt Whisky (silver)

Shibui Whisky Company 10 YO Pure Malt Whisky (gold/trophy)

Nagahama Distillery Amahagan Edition No.1 Malt Whisky (gold)

Nagahama Distillery Amahagan Yamazakura Wood Finish Malt Whisky (silver/highball) 

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. To celebrate being guest editor of the latest edition of Club Oenologique, pioneering Patagonian chef Francis Mallmann joins David to talk about his love of fire, flames and fine wine and why he won’t be offering a pairing menu anytime soon.

Featured:

La Maison et Velier, Version Française Domaine d'Espérance 17 YO Petit Lot Armagnac (gold and trophy)

Bhakta Spirits 1973 Armagnac (gold)

Domaine Tariquet Plant De Graisse 18 Ans Armagnac (gold)

Domaine Tariquet Pure Folle Blanche 25 Ans Armagnac (gold)

Marquis De Montesquiou VSOP Armagnac, Société des Produits d'Armagnac (gold)

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David travels to Georgia to learn about its distinctive indigenous grape varieties and how to navigate them, the long history that underpins its wine culture and why the qvevri remains so important in the production of its wines. Features Sarah Abbott MW, Irakli Cholobargia and chef, Tekuna Cachechiladze.

Featured wines (all gold medal winners)

Ruispiri Qvevri Rkatsiteli 2021

Satrapezo Saperavi 2019 - from JSC Talavi

Erekle's Wine 2020 - from Casreli Cellar

Chelti Winery Qvevri Kisi 2020

Tiko Estate The Edge Saperavi 2018

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David chats with Antonio Capaldo, the CEO and head winemaker for Feudi di San Gregorio, a pioneer in premium wines from the hills of his native Campania. They talk about his unusual background as a global financier, his passion for his region’s indigenous grapes and old vines and the connection between art and fine wine.

Featured medal winners:

Corte Del Golfo Coda Di Volpe 2022 (gold)

Bisol1542 Cartizze, Dry 2022 - Valdobbiadene Superiore Di Cartizze (gold)

La Togata Seconda Stella A Destra 2018 (gold)

Nativ Fontana Del Sambuco 2022 (silver)

Vernice Rock Barock 2022 - Greco Di Tufo (silver)

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David talks to one of the most important figures in Argentine wine, Dr Laura Catena, at the helm of family winery Catena Zapata. Until recently a practising paediatrician at a San Francisco hospital she talks about the influence of her pioneering father, Nicolas, the importance of science, sustainability and old vines in the production of distinctive altitude wines. There’s even a moment for an empanada. 

Featured medal winners: 

Argentina’s wines are being judged next month, in situ, in Argentina so we feature medal winning Argentine gins from the IWSC spirits judging in 2023.

Featured Gins:

Spirit Santo Gin (gold)

Athos Gin (silver)

La Salvaje del Littoral Criolla Gin (silver)

Malaria Gin, Raven Clan Distillery (silver)

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David travels to New York’s Long Island to visit its wineries as the region prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

Featured wines:

Boundary Breaks Ice Wine 2020 (gold)

Hosmer Winery Limited Release Cabernet Franc 2020 (silver)

Wolffer Estate Caya Cabernet Franc 2019 (silver)

Lieb Cellars Cabernet Franc 2021 (silver)

Red Newt Cellars The Knoll Riesling 2017 (silver)

McCall Wines Reserve Pinot Noir 2014 (bronze)

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David talks to Cotswold farmers Tim and Tanya Spittle whose desire for diversification inspired them to create an innovative sheep’s milk vodka, Blacklion, that’s already picking up fans, including Gordon Ramsey, and winning awards.

Featured vodka:

Virtuous Spirits Rye Vodka (gold and trophy winner)

Destillerie Farthofer Darauf Einen Hüpperling (gold)

Cutwater Spirits Fugu Vodka, California (gold)

Deep Eddy Vodka, Texas (gold)

Seven Hills Distillery Furmint Vodka (gold)

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. ‘Democratising wine’ is the theme, as David chats to Alex Brogan, winner of the IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine trophy, sponsored by London Wine Fair, for his innovative Not Yet Named Wine Co, where members decide on the winemaking.

Featured wines: 

Casas del Bosque Pequeñas Syrah 2020 silver)

Quinta da Raza Alvarinho-Trajadura 2021 (silver)

Cabeça de Toiro Reserva Terroir Fernão Pires 2021 (silver)

The Acorn Sauvignon Blanc 2021, Marlborough Grape Growers Cooperative (silver)

Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard Designated Malbec 2019 (silver)

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Can fine cider really rival a wine? Nick Showering certainly thinks so. Born into a Somerset cider family, the former Apprentice contestant (he reached episode 8 of last year’s series) chats to David about his triple vintage edition that’s made its way onto some Michelin-starred menus.

Medal winning ciders, to coincide with entries opening for IWSC cider judging:

Eden Specialty Ciders Heirloom Blend Ice Cider 2018 (gold)

Tinston Wines & Ciders Gateway Cider 2019 (gold)

Cydr Chyliczki Graff No. 2 NV (gold)

Muxaller Cider Probsteier Deern NV (gold)

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David reflects on a few of the highlights from the latest series, including ‘Mr Bubbles’, Pieter Feirrera of Graham Beck Cap Classique; Natalie Christensen, Chief Winemaker at Yealands in Marlborough; Trevor Durling, Chief Winemaker at Napa’s Beaulieu Estate; Pierpaolo Petrassi MW, head of beer, wine and spirits at Waitrose & Partners; Essi Avellan MW talking Grower Champagne; and the Queen of Scotch Whisky, Master Blender Dr Rachel Barrie.

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David is joined by the founder of wine bars Diogenes the Dog and Aspen and Mersault, Sunny Hodge, to talk about the uniquely different way that he communicates wine and why natural wine is so often misunderstood.

Banfi 2017 Brunello Di Montalcino (silver)

Edouard Delaunay 2019 Volnay Santenots 1Er Cru (silver)

La Chablisienne Chablis Premier Cru 2019 (silver)

Benjamin Darnault 2021 Picpoul de Pinet (silver)

Domaine de Cala 2021 (silver)

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David is joined by Club Oenologique spirits columnist, Joel Harrison, and The Wine Society buyer and IWSC judge, Freddy Bulmer, to talk about the latest trends in spirits and wine as we approach a summer season and a trio of bank holidays.

Drinks featured (all spirits, all gold outstanding):

AQ - Sakagura Ohtemon Aku No Kurobuka

Deanston 21 YO Sherry Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Koch ‘Arroqueño’ Mezca

Black Tot Master Blender's Reserve Rum 2022

Aalborg Taffel Akvavit

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Representing the seventh generation of his family at the helm of Billecart-Salmon, its President, Mathieu Roland-Billecart, talks about what it takes to be in charge of one of the most famous names in Champagne and invites David to the release of its latest premium cuvée, Nicolas François 2008, at multi-Michelin-starred restaurant, Mirazur, in the South of France.

Drinks featured:

Piper-Heidsieck Essentiel Extra Brut NV (gold)

Jacquart Mosaïque Rosé Brut NV (gold)

Nicolas Feuillatte Palmes D'Or Brut 2008 (silver)

Castelnau Brut 2006 (silver)

Tesco Finest Brut Premier Cru Champagne (silver)

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Celebrating the success of fashionable Grower Champagne, David is joined by Master of Wine, Essi Avellan, one of the world’s most influential sparkling wine critics, to discuss her special report on Grower Champagne for Club Oenologique.

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David’s guest is Trevor Durling, Chief Winemaker at Beaulieu Vineyard, one of the Napa Valley’s most historic wineries, to hear how he went from a future Top Gun to a celebrated cellar master making sought-after Cabernet Sauvignon.

Wines featured:

Cellar 777 Beauzini Zinfandel 2019 (gold)

Dark Horse Zinfandel 2020, Gallo (gold)

Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (gold)

Chateau Ste Michelle & Dr. Loosen Eroica Riesling 2020 (silver)

Quady Winery Essensia Orange Muscat 2019 (gold)

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. A pioneer of premium rum, Richard Seale, Master Distiller and Master Blender at Foursquare Distillery, representing the fourth generation to work in the family business, he tells David about the innovation that’s put rum at the pinnacle of fashion.

Drinks featured:

R L Seale & Co Doorly's 14 YO Rum (gold)

R L Seale & Co Foursquare Indelible Rum (silver)

The Equiano Rum Co Equiano Light Rum (silver)

Mount Gay XO Triple Cask Blend Rum (silver)

Marks and Spencer Bajan Estate XO Barbados Rum (silver)

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. To celebrate the ‘double’ of winning IWSC Best Supermarket for Wine and also Spirits, Pierpaolo Petrassi MW joins David to talk about buying for Britain’s best-loved supermarket, sustainability and the latest trends in wines and spirits.

Drinks featured:

Bodagas Toro Albalá Don PX Gran Reserva 1999 (gold)

Gabrielskloof The Landscape Series Cabernet Franc 2020 (gold)

Montidori Sangiovese 2020 (silver)

Waitrose & Partners No.1 8 YO Blended Scotch Whisky (silver)

Waitrose & Partners Pure and Smooth Triple Distilled Vodka (silver)

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In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. For the 100th episode of the Drinking Hour, David talks to Dr Rachel Barrie, Master Blender for Brown Forman's Single Malt Scotch distilleries, the first female to hold the title and the first woman to be inducted into Scotch whisky’s Hall of Fame.  

Drinks featured:

GlenDronach Distillery 16 YO Boynsmill Single Malt Scotch Whisky (gold / trophy)

Benriach Distillery ‘The Twenty Five’ 25 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky (gold)

Tomatin Distillery 1976 Single Malt Scotch Whisky (gold / trophy)

Teeling Whiskey 30 year-old Single Malt Irish Whiskey (gold)

Starward Left-Field Single Malt Whisky (highball - gold / trophy)

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. He’s known as Mr Bubbles for his prowess with traditional method sparkling wine. Graham Beck’s winemaker, Peter Ferreira, talks to David about why he has dedicated his entire career to South Africa’s trademark sparkler, Cap Classique.

Wines featured:

Graham Beck Cap Classique, Ultra Brut 2016 (bronze)

Robertson Winery, Constitution Road, Chardonnay 2021 (silver)

Vergelegen GVB White 2020 (gold)

Kanonkop Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (gold)

Incendo Distillery Barrel And Bean Liqueur (gold)

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. David is joined by entrepreneurs Rob Wallis and Sam Hunt, co-founders of ready to drink cocktail brand MOTH, Britain’s fastest growing RTD brand - and also The Wine Society buyer Freddy Bulmer, taking about his recent trip to New Zealand.

Drinks featured:

Church Road Grand Reserve Chardonnay 2020 (gold)

Craggy Range Single Vineyard Te Muna Road Pinot Noir 2020 (silver)

Marisco Vineyards The King's Wrath Pinot Noir 2020 (silver)

Yibeiqi Wat Apple Pie Cocktail (gold and trophy RTD)

Curatif Archie Rose Espresso Martini (gold RTD)

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. David meets the Chief Winemaker of Yealands, Natalie Christensen, to talk about her journey from classical music to sustainable winemaking in New Zealand’s Marlborough region, including her latest creation, a Kiwi Albariño.

Wines featured:

Yealands Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2021 (silver) 

Yealands Babydoll Sauvignon Blanc 2021 (silver)

The Ned Pinot Noir 2020 (gold)

Church Road Grand Reserve Syrah 2019 (gold)

Saint Clair Family Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2021 (silver)

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. David reflects on the highlights of the latest series, including the FT columnist Alice Lascelles, old vine champion Sarah Abbott MW, Carlos Agrellos of Quinta do Noval, Mermaid Gin’s Xavier Baker, plus renowned Bordeaux expert Stephen Brook and find out what happened when David tried his hand at blending his own Bordeaux red.

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. David turns his focus to the breathtaking beauty of the Douro Valley, as he talks to Carlos Agrellos, Technical Director at Quinta do Noval, about its still wines and Ports, including the much-coveted ‘Nacional’, from historic pre-phylloxera vines. 

Drinks featured:

Sandeman 40 YO Tawny NV (gold)

D’Oliveiras Malvazia 1992 (gold)

Real Cave Do Cedro Aleixo Grande Reserva 1997 (gold)

Casa Ferreirinha Quinta Da Leda 2018 (silver)

Casa Santos Lima Al-Ria Reserva 2019 (silver)

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. The Isle of Wight Distillery is on a mission to make top notch spirits in a sustainable, community-focused way. David talks to co-founder Xavier Baker about IWSC gold medal winning Mermaid gin and vodka and the ethos behind it.

Drinks featured:

Isle of Wight Distillery, Mermaid Pink Gin (gold)

Opihr Aromatic Bitters Gin (gold)

Seppeltsfield Road Distillers, Musician’s Cut Gin (gold)

Vánagandr Destilerías London Dry Gin (gold, plus trophy in the G&T category)

Trading Tides Gin - Third Eye Distillery, Goa (gold in the G&T category)

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. What makes an old vine worth treasuring? David heads to Italy for the Old Vine Conference inaugural ‘field trip’, hearing from Sarah Abbott MW, Domenico Veronese and Claudio and Niccolo Zani.

Wine featured (all old vine wines):

Le Bortole - Suprème Dry 2021 Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore (gold)

Quest Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2021 (gold)

Luca Old Vine Malbec 2020 (silver)

Grgich Hills Estate Old Vine Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (silver)

Bellingham ‘Bernard Series’ Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2021 (silver)

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. Virgile Joly winner of the IWSC’s inaugural Green Wine award and Master of Wine Ray O’Connor, wine director at Naked Wines, join David to talk about sustainability and its importance to the world of wine.

Wines featured: (all Naked Wines this week)

Virgile Joly 2020 Côtes Du Rhône Villages Plan De Dieu (bronze)

Grasshopper Rock Earnscleugh Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018, Phil Handford (silver)

Small and Small Sylvia Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2021 (bronze)

Carlos Rodriguez Morum 2021 (bronze)

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. David is joined by Richard Siddle, editor-in-chief of The Buyer, to look ahead to 2023 and how global events, and the latest trends, could have an impact on what goes in our glass. 

Drinks featured: (note first spelling is correct/lower case/upper etc - Maori name)

te Pa Family Vineyards Signature Series Sauvignon Blanc 2021 (gold)

Diemersdal Wine Estate - The Journal Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 (gold)

Tinwood Estate Blanc de Blancs Brut 2017 (gold)

Moloko Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2021 (silver)

Whitley Neill Connoisseur's Cut Gin (gold)

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. David is joined by Carl Anthony Brown and Tim Blake of alcohol-free producer, Crossip, sponsors of the IWSC ‘emerging talent - bartender of the year’ competition, to talk about innovation in the world of low and no alcohol.

Drinks featured (all low/no and all gold medal winners):

Crossip Dandy Smoke 

Flor de Madre - Agua de Madre - Blood Orange Bitters Water Kefir

Giesen 0% Merlot NV

NON 7 Stewed Cherry & Coffee

Bark and Bitter Novara Bitter Aperitivo

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. Australia is our theme with Freddy Bulmer, Wine Society buyer, as he reflects on an epic post-pandemic trip there, ahead of the Society’s festive rush, while Joel talks about his latest book, ‘One Minute Cocktails’ that’s perfect for New Year celebrations.

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. For the second special edition, David focuses on white wines, speaking to Sarah; a co-operative producer responsible for some of the UK’s favourite wines and Guillain, a new generation winemaker from Graves.

Wines featured: 

Baron Edmond de Rothschild Château Clarke 2016 (silver)

Tesco Finest Margaux 2016 (silver)

Château Beauvillage 2020 (silver)

Asda , Montagne St Emillion 2020 (silver)

Morrisons The Best Sauternes (bronze)

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. The world’s most famous wine region, Bordeaux, is the focus for the first of two special editions. Red wines account for 85% of production, so David looks at the modern style of red, with Quentin (a new generation winemaker), and also creates his own red blend.

Wines featured: 

Marks & Spencer L'or du Ciron Sauternes 2018 (gold)

Baron Philippe de Rothschild Reserve Mouton Cadet, Margaux 2020 (silver)

André Lurton, Diane By Jacques Lurton rosé 2021 (silver) 

Aldi Chateau Moulinet Pomerol 2016 (silver)

Lidl St Emillion Grand Cru 2019 (silver)

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. Acclaimed Bordeaux expert Stephen Brook joins David to talk about his latest book, the fourth edition of ‘The Complete Bordeaux’.

Wines featured:

Church Road Mcdonald Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (gold)

Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (gold)

Hombo Shuzo Château Mars Hosaka Hinoshiro Cabernet Merlot Late Harvest 2018 (gold)

Monte Xanic Edición Limitada Cabernet Franc 2020 (gold and trophy)

Inniskillin Niagara Icewine Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 (gold)

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. Award-winning drinks columnist for the Financial Times Alice Lascelles joins David to talk about her new book, The Cocktail Edit, the latest trends, the drinks that really inspire her and also Professor Brian Cox’s champagne collection. 

Drinks featured:

Seaweed & Aeons & Digging & Fire 10 year old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Atom Brands (gold)

Canadian Club Whisky 12 YO Classic Canadian Whisky (silver/silver highball)

Tayport Distillery 1992 Raspberry Liqueur (gold)

JinHui Liquor Co. 18 Years Baijiu (gold)

Villa Massa Vermouth Giardino Tradizionale NV (gold)

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. David presents his favourite moments from series seven, including veteran wine writer Hugh Johnson; the editor of his Pocket Wine Book, Margaret Rand; Essi Avellan MW talking about her Champagne Report for Club Oenologique; Schloss Gobelsburg’s Michael Moosbrugger; glassware expert Daniel Primack; and global rum ambassador and IWSC senior judge, Ian Burrell.

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. David chats to global rum ambassador Ian Burrell - a regular face on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch - about rum, its history, what makes a great example, its role in cocktail culture and why he decided to co-create his own brand, Equiano.

Rums featured:

Equiano Rum (gold)

Cutwater Spirits Bali Hai Tiki Dark Rum (gold)

Bacardi Rum 10 YO Gran Reserva Diez Rum (gold)

Elixir Distillers Black Tot Master Blender's Reserve Rum 2021 (gold)

House of Rum 16 YO XO Reserve Rum (silver)

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. David talks to veteran wine writer Margaret Rand, editor of Hugh Johnson’s much-loved Pocket Wine Book about the latest edition, released this month - and also reflects on her many years of wine writing and criticism.

Wines featured: 

Famille Carabello-Baum Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru 2019 (gold)

Weingut Karl Schaefer Dürkheimer Michelsberg Riesling Trocken 2015 (gold)

Tenuta Casenuove 2018 Chianti Classico (gold)

Bodegas Regina Viarum Mencía 2021 (gold)

Aldi, Vieille Étoile 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape (gold)

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. With sustainability currently on everyone’s mind, David is joined by expert and author, Nick Breeze, and Mafalda Vasques, winemaker at Herdade dos Grous, to learn more about how one of Portugal’s biggest regions has focused on its environmental impact with ‘the Wines of Alentejo Sustainability Programme’. 

Wines featured:

Barros Colheita 1974 - from Sogevinus Fine Wines (gold) 

Justino's Madeira Wines Single Cask Sercial Dry 2005 (gold and trophy)

Casa da Passarella Abanico Reserva 2020 (silver)

Herdade Do Peso Reserva 2018 (silver)

Adega de Borba Castelo de Borba Antão Vaz 2021 (silver)

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. David is joined by Alejandro Galaz - head winemaker at Tara - to talk about the enormous challenge of making wine in one of the driest places on earth, Chile’s Atacama Desert, and finds out why it is worth all the effort.

Drinks featured:

Tepaluma Patagonian Distillery - Tepaluma Gin (gold)

Casas del Bosque Pequeñas Syrah 2020 (silver)

Concha y Toro: Trio Reserva Merlot-Carmenere-Malbec 2021 (silver)

Viña Luis Felipe Edwards Cinso 2021 (silver)

Asda - La Corriente Sauvignon Blanc Blush 2021 (silver)

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. Billed as the world’s biggest celebration of cocktails, David is joined by the founders of London Cocktail Week, Hannah Sharman Cox and Siobhan Payne, to talk trends, cocktail villages - and the world’s most rubbish bar.

Drinks featured:

1800 Milenio Tequila Extra Anejo Proxima Spirits (gold/trophy)

400 Conejos Artesanal Mezcal Joven (gold)

Bacardi Rum 10 YO Gran Reserva Diez Rum (gold)

Four Pillars Distillery Spiced Negroni Gin (silver)

Loch Lomond 10 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky (gold)

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. To mark the release of Club Oenologique’s inaugural ‘Champagne Report’, its influential author Essi Avellan MW joins David to talk about the state of Champagne, the impact of rising demand on quality, where to find the finest examples and also the perils of ‘light strike’. 

Piper Heidsieck 2014 Brut in magnum (gold and trophy)

Rare Champagne Brut 2008 (gold)

Gusbourne Blanc De Blancs Brut 2017 (silver)

Domaine Chandon Ningxia Brut NV (silver)

De Bortoli, DB Family Selection Brut NV (silver)

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. To celebrate Rioja Wine Month, David is joined by Jane Parkinson, wine expert on BBC One’s Saturday Kitchen to learn more about this beautiful region, its food culture and, of course, its world famous wines.  

Drinks featured:

La Rioja Alta Viña Ardanza Reserva 2016 (gold)

Rioja Vega Colección Tempranillo 2020 (silver)

El Coto de Rioja, El Coto de Imaz, Gran Reserva 2016 (silver)

Altos de Rioja, Altos R Pigeage, Graciano 2020 (bronze)

Rioja Vega, Tempranillo Blanco Reserva 2018 (bronze)

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. David celebrates Austria’s fine wines with Michael Moosbrugger, director of historic Schloss Gobelsburg and President of the Österreichische Traditionsweingüter, plus he catches up with The Wine Society buyer Freddy Bulmer. 

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. David talks to Victoria Mason, Waitrose wine buyer for South Africa and Italy, to learn more about how wines get from the vineyard to the shelves, the current trends in the sector and where we should look for the most exciting wines.  

Drinks featured:

Gabrielskloof, The Landscape Series Cabernet Franc 2020 (gold)

Mullineux Great Heart Red Blend 2019 (silver)

Waitrose & Partners Blueprint Côtes Du Rhône Villages 2020 (silver)

Waitrose No 1 Amontillado Don Gaspar NV (silver)

Waitrose Rich And Warming 3 YO Blended Scotch Whisky, Whyte & Mackay (gold)

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. What’s in a glass? A lot more than you might imagine, if Daniel Primack is to be believed. He tells David why he’s completely obsessed by glassware, explaining how retro-nasal olfaction dictates wine flavour perception and how you can enhance your wine, with the right choice of vessel.

Drinks featured:

Tenuta Casenuove 2018 Chianti Classico (gold)

Saint Veran 2020, Dominic Hentall, Naked Wines (silver)

Vidal-Fleury Crozes Hermitage 2020 (silver)

Black Bottle Alchemy Series Double Cask Blended Scotch Whisky (gold/trophy)

A Sticky End Noble Sauvignon Blanc 2021, Marlborough (silver)

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. David talks to the legendary Hugh Johnson, one the best-loved names in wine writing, to talk about his autobiography The Life and Wines of Hugh Johnson.

Drinks featured:

Champagne Piper Heidsieck 2014 Brut in magnum (gold/trophy)

Champagne Jacquart Mosaïque Rosé Brut NV (silver)

Marks & Spencer L'or du Ciron 2018 Sauternes (gold)

Aldi Château Moulinet 2016 Pomerol (silver)

Weingut Karl Schaefer Dürkheimer Michelsberg Riesling Trocken 2015 (gold)

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. David reflects on the highlights of the sixth season, including England’s Irish winemaking star Dermot Sugrue, former Savoy head bartender Shannon Tebay, Chateau Galoupet’s sustainability pioneer Jessica Julmy, Petaluma’s new winemaker Teresa Heuzenroeder, Exton Park’s Corinne Sealy, The Wine Society’s Italy buyer, Sarah Knowles MW, and Olivier Ward, gin expert on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch.

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world.

The freshest form of Sherry, Manzanilla comes from Sanlucar de Barrameda, where the Atlantic influence gives it a unique character. Fresh from a visit to the Sherry Triangle, David is joined by Fermin Hidalgo, one of the eighth generation at family-run Hidalgo, famous for La Gitana. 

Drinks featured:

La Guita Manzanilla En Rama NV (silver)

Aldi Specially Selected Manzanilla NV (silver)

Bodegas Hidalgo La Gitana Vermut (bronze)

González Byass Del Duque VORS Amontillado NV (gold)

Kavalan Distillery Solist Manzanilla Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt 

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. Celebrating Prosecco Day, David talks to expert Neil Phillips and Villa Sandi’s export director, Flavio Geretto, to find out more about Prosecco, what’s made it such a storming global success story and how best to enjoy it.  

DOC Prosecco featured:

Villa Sandi Rose Brut Millesimato 2021 (silver)

Biasiotto Andrea Brut 2021 (silver)

Morrisons The Best Brut NV Prosecco (silver)

Asda Extra Special Brut Prosecco (silver)

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. David talks to The Wine Society’s Italian buyer, Sarah Knowles MW, covering the length and breath of Italy to find out about the history and also the latest innovations in Italian wine and where to look for the best bottles.

Wines featured:

Tenuta del Buonamico Cercatoja 2017 (gold and trophy)

Anna Spinato Brut NV Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Di Cartizze (gold and trophy)

Fattoria La Vialla, Barriccato Bianco Non Filtrato 2020 (gold)

Cantina Sanpaolo di Claudio Quarta Vignaiolo Riserva 2015 (gold)

Tesco Finest 2018 Amarone della Valpolicella (gold)

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. Her winemaking pedigree is distinctively French - her first job was at Château Lynch Bages - and Corinne Seely has made wine all over the world, yet she has chosen to make England her home. David hears why Exton Park is her calling.  

Drinks featured:

Lyme Bay Winery Pinot Noir 2020 (gold and trophy)

Coates and Seely La Perfide, Blanc De Noirs Brut 2014 (silver)

Château de Pellehaut Ugni Blanc 40 YO Armagnac (gold outstanding)

Laphroaig Distillery10 YO Sherry Oak Finish Single Malt Scotch Whisky (gold outstanding)

Gralyn Estate Artizan Rare Muscat NV (silver)

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. Is the gin renaissance still flourishing and where should we be looking for the latest innovation? Self-confessed ‘gin nerd’ Olivier Ward, editor of Spirits Beacon, a member of the IWSC spirits judging committee and the gin expert on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch, gives David the lowdown.

Gins featured: 

Opihr Aromatic Bitters Gin, Quintessential Brands (gold and trophy)

The Welsh Whisky Company Brecon Chocolate Orange Gin (gold)

Awildian Coromandel Spiced Gin, Coromandel Distilling Company (gold)

Dry As A Nun Gin, Distillers Republic (gold)

Stone Grange Elg Gin Likør (gold)

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. The former Commercial Director of Krug, Jessica Julmy, talks to David about her latest project, overseeing the renewal of Provence Grand Cru Classé estate Chateau Galoupet, purchased by LVMH in 2019, putting sustainability front and centre. 

Drinks featured:

Domaine la Chautarde 2021 Coteaux Varois (silver)

Famille Ravoire Manon 2021 Cotes de Provence (silver)

Mirabeau Etoile 2021 (silver)

Aldi ‘Specially Selected” Cotes de Provence rosé 2020 (silver)

Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage Extra Brut 2013 Champagne (silver)

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. David is joined by one of Australia’s most respected winemakers, Teresa Heuzenroeder, who moved from Yalumba to become the new senior winemaker at Petaluma last year, to talk about making wine in the Adelaide Hills, Coonawarra and the Clare Valley.

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. Drinks entrepreneur Tom Gamborg, the founder of Van Hunks, joins David to talk about creating a successful new brand with Cap Classique bubbles and also why he thinks sparkling mead could be the next big thing. Plus, Freddy Bulmer of the Wine Society is back for an insight into life as a wine buyer.

Featured drinks:

Bacardi 10 Year Old Gran Reserva Diez Rum (gold)

Black Cow Vodka (silver)

Fetzer Vineyards 1000 Stories Chardonnay 2020 (silver)

La Chablisienne 2019 Grand Cru Chablis (gold)

Kilchoman 100% Islay Scotch Whisky (gold)

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. He’s been described as ‘the best winemaker in England’, An Irishman, Dermot Sugrue has changed the face of English sparkling wine. First at Nyetimber, then Wiston Estate and now with his own Sugrue South Downs project. Sugrue interrupts his honeymoon to chat to David about what makes England’s bubbles so special. 

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. It is one of the world’s most heat-tolerant and versatile varieties and also South Africa’s signature white grape, despite its origins in the Loire. David celebrates Chenin Blanc day, with Richard Duckitt, winemaker at Bellingham, and also hears about South Africa’s groundbreaking Old Vine Project.  

Plus, news of the winners from the IWSC’s South African wine judging, including:

(all the following are gold medal winners)

Kanonkop Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

Vergelegen GVB Red 2015

Richard Kershaw GPS Series Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon 2020

Chenin - Quest Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2021

Piekenierskloof Heirloom Red 2020 

Delheim Wines Edelspatz Botrytis Riesling 2020

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. Until recently, head bartender of The American Bar at London’s Savoy Hotel, Shannon Tebay made her name at New York’s celebrated Death & Co and is now Beverage Director at Outernet London and head judge for the IWSC’s spirits and mixers category. She tells David how she went from the role of pastry chef to master of mixology, her role as a pioneering woman in what was often regarded as a man’s world and, of course, how to mix the perfect serve.  

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. Rosé is on a roll! David catches up with Master of Wine Dirceu Vianna Junior, an expert on rosé wines who oversees the category for the IWSC, to find out why we’re all sinking the pink, whether colour really matters and the wines we should all be watching out for, including the first IWSC wine winners from the 2022 awards.

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. David reflects on the fifth series of the Drinking Hour, to select his favourite moments, including a tribute to Steven Spurrier, veteran drinks writer Susy Atkins, Yalumba Chief Winemaker Louisa Rose talking Viognier, Alistair Cooper MW on Chile’s renaissance, Madeleine Stenwreth MW on altitude wines in Argentina and an intro to New York’s Finger Lakes from Kelby Russell at Red Newt.

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. David talks to entrepreneur Elwyn Gladstone, a great, great grandson of Queen Victoria’s Prime Minister, who has made a name for himself as an innovator in the drinks world, launching brands such as Malfy Gin, Hotel Starlino and his latest creation, Gladstone Axe Scotch Whisky.

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. David talks to Master of Wine Madeleine Stenwreth, international winemaking consultant, expert on Argentina and specialist on the impact of altitude on winemaking, to explore the country’s most exciting wines and styles, including her latest project, Bemberg.

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David talks Chile with Master of Wine Alistair Cooper, consultant and member of the senior judging committee at the IWSC, who believes innovation is now the driving force in the country with “things changing at a spectacular rate”. David finds out which are the wines, regions and producers you should try. In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. 

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. To celebrate International Viognier Day, David is joined by Louisa Rose, chief winemaker at Australia’s oldest winery Yalumba, a pioneer who has worked with the variety for thirty years, earning the accolade ‘the Queen of Viognier’.

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. David is joined by Club Oenologique spirits columnist, author and IWSC spirits judging committee member, Joel Harrison, to talk about what makes Cognac so special, from its terroir, to barrel ageing, blending and beyond, into cocktails.

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. What difference does the shape, colour or size of the glass make to the experience of fine Champagne? And how does what we see, smell or taste impact what we think of it? David seeks to answer the question with Laurent Fresnet, chef de cave at GH Mumm. Plus, The Wine Society’s Freddy Bulmer is back to chat about life as a buyer.

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. David takes the Drinking Hour on the road, to upstate New York’s Finger Lakes to find out what makes this cool climate, emerging wine region one to watch.

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. David talks to Susy Atkins, wine editor of Delicious magazine, Sunday Telegraph wine critic and author about her thirty years at the heart of the drinks trade.

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. David is joined by Alex Virgili, co-founder, with his brothers of El Bandarra, a vermouth, or vermut as they say in Spain, with its roots in Barcelona’s buzzing bar culture.

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To mark the anniversary of the death of Steven Spurrier, David is joined by Adam Lechmere of Club Oenologique to pay tribute to the legendary and much-loved man behind the famous ‘Judgement of Paris’.

In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. 

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. David presents some of his highlights from the most recent series, including some of Australia’s biggest names - Peter Gago of Penfolds, Sarah Pidgeon from Wynns, Larry Cherubino and Katie MacAuley of Robert Oatley - plus, Rollo Gabb of Journey’s End and Rudger Van Wyk of Stark Condé, and also Majestic Wine CEO, John Colley. 

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David talks to the co-winemaker at Wynns Coonawarra, Sarah Pidgeon, one half of one of Australia’s most enduring wine double acts, with Sue Hodder, to talk about the celebrated ‘Terra Rossa’ soils that produce a distinctive Cabernet Sauvignon - plus Freddy Bulmer of The Wine Society is back to talk about his recent buying trip to Austria.  In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. 

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. Rollo Gabb of Journey’s End talks to David about South Africa and marks the start of ‘Fairtrade Fortnight’ by talking about what fair trade means for wine.

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. David talks to Chris Wilson of Gutter & Stars to find out more about the accolades his new urban winery in Cambridge is already winning and what he plans next.

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. David talks to the founder of the Cotswolds Distillery, Dan Szor, to find out more about his plans for England’s biggest whisky producer. 

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. Celebrating Australia Day, with Larry Cherubino, Director of Winemaking at Robert Oatley and Katie Macauley, Brand Ambassador.

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. David is joined by Green Wine Future founder, Pancho Campo, and programme director, David Furer, to talk about the ambitious and exciting schedule for this global wine sustainability event, plus Freddy Bulmer from the Wine Society returns for his monthly glimpse at life as a wine buyer.  

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. David is joined by Peter Gago, Chief Winemaker at Penfolds, custodian of The Grange, he has been described as a ‘wine rock star’. 

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. David is joined by drinks industry veteran Richard Siddle, Editor in Chief of The Buyer with his predications for 2022, including the impact of the poor harvests of 2021, the shipping crisis, Brexit and the pandemic, plus the latest trends and what they might mean for what goes into our glass. 

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. David is joined by regular contributors Freddy Bulmer of the Wine Society and Joel Harrison, spirits columnist at Club Oenologique for a Drinking Hour festive edition, to review an eventful year - including their highlights from the IWSC 2021 judging - and look ahead to 2022.

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. David talks to the boss of Majestic Wine, John Colley, about pandemic challenges, the ill-fated pairing with Naked Wines, Christmas trading, new wine ranges and why Majestic staff members are what makes it special.

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. David talks to winemaker Rudger van Wyk at Stark-Condé about Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon and New World Whisky with Charlie Steel at Distill Ventures 

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. David presents the best bits of series 3, featuring the Daily Telegraph’s wine editor Victoria Moore, President of the DO Cava Javier Pages, chef José Pizarro, author Amanda Barnes, Greg Sherwood MW, Cocchi MD and President of the Consorzio Vermouth di Torino Roberto Bava and vermouth expert Jon Lister.

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. David talks to Rupert Millar about the new Liv-ex Power 100, tracking the most powerful performers in the fine wine market, to see who’s up and who’s down, and he chats to Rob Mathias, French buyer at Bibendum about the creation of a brand new wine range, Fête de Flaveurs. You can read the full Liv-ex Power 100 report free of charge here https://www.liv-ex.com/2021/11/2021-liv-ex-power-100-rebalancing-act/

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. David talks to Spanish chef José Pizarro, who’s often described as ‘the Godfather of Spanish cuisine’ at the Copa Jerez 2021 sherry and fine dining competition and he catches up again with The Wine Society buyer, Freddy Bulmer.

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - David delves into the exciting world of Asian spirits, with a special focus on Shochu and Baijiu with special guests Antony Moss DipWSET MW, Qualifications Director at the WSET, Hannah Lanfear, spirits educator and founder of The Mixing Class and Shuro Kawano, PR Section Manager at Hamada Syuzou Distillery. In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net – using the best in the world to judge the best in the world.

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. David talks to Club Oenologique’s Adam Lechmere about the march of the Super-Tuscans including Bolgheri’s awe-inspiring ‘anteprima’ and he talks to writer and presenter Aleesha Hansel about how we should rid the world of unsustainable heavy wine bottles.

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net -

David talks to Club Oenologique spirits columnist Joel Harrison about what makes the perfect Martini and hears from Alistair Cooper MW about this year’s trophy winners at the IWSC. As a one off, we mention all of the wine trophy winners - 31 wines in total - see IWSC list. In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net – using the best in the world to judge the best in the world.

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world.

• David talks to Victoria Moore, wine editor of the Daily Telegraph about her new book, ‘Fried Eggs and Rioja’ and he’s also joined by Freddy Bulmer of the Wine Society for a glimpse into life as a wine buyer.

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - David explores the world of Cava, the Med’s distinctive Traditional Method sparkling wine, to hear about its history, how it is made, what makes it special and its gastronomic pairing potential. He is joined by the President of the DO Cava, Javier Pagés and Dirceu Vianna Junior MW, a leading member of the IWSC’s prestigious judging committee. In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net – using the best in the world to judge the best in the world.

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world. A Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG special. David explores Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG, to find out more about its character and altitude charm, with Elvira Maria Bortolomiol, President of the Consorzio di Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Giulia Pussini, international marketing manager for the consorzio, consultant and expert, Sarah Abbott MW and top sommelier, Matteo Montone MS. In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net – using the best in the world to judge the best in the world.

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - David talks to Amanda Barnes about her new book dedicated to the wines of South America and, to mark Sober October, he chats to Mocktails founder Bill Gamelli about creating enticing drinks without alcohol. In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net – using the best in the world to judge the best in the world.

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - David is joined by Greg Sherwood MW to talk about the wonderful wines of South Africa and Freddy Bulmer of the Wine Society chats about Austria and also the challenges of the shipping crisis. In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net – using the best in the world to judge the best in the world.

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - A celebration of Vermouth - an aromatised wine that’s the mixologist’s hero - with Roberto Bava, MD of Cocchi and President of the Consorzio Vermouth di Torino, Luca Marchiaro export manager of Antica Distelleria Quaglia and Jon Lister, of Speciality Brands. In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net – using the best in the world to judge the best in the world.

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - The final instalment of our second series - and we’re celebrating our best bits.

We’ve been fortunate to welcome some big names, with plenty to talk about, so sit back and enjoy the highlights - in the next hour, we’ll hear from Oz Clarke OBE, an early evangelist for English wine, Fiona Beckett, the Guardian’s much respected wine critic who’s a food pairing specialist, Stephen and Jeany Cronk who gave up their London lives to launch a wine brand in Provence, Domaine Mirabeau, and the legendary Sacha Lichine who gave up his Bordeaux First Growth to launch a wine brand in Provence, Whispering Angel from Chateau D’Esclans, then there’s Dr Jamie Goode, talking wine science and how to make sense of it and the brilliant Deano Moncrieffe, a Tequila and Mezcal specialist, who’s on mission to make the drinks world better reflect those it serves. In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net – using the best in the world to judge the best in the world.

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net -

David talks to Sacha Lichine, the head of Chateau D’Esclans and creator of Whispering Angel, the world’s most famous rosé and also Roger Jones, for years a Michelin-starred chef and a celebrated wine connoisseur.

Drinks featured:

Château Tamagne Collection Madeira de Kuban Reserve 1991, Russia (gold)

Monteoro 2019, Sella & Mosca, Vermentino Di Gallura DOCG (gold)

Nicolas Feuillatte Réserve Exclusive Brut NV (silver)

Château Paul Mas Clos Des Mûres 2019 (silver)

Black Stallion Estate 2019 Pinot Noir, Los Carneros (silver) @4089Silverado

Le Naturel 2020 Aroa Bodegas Garnacha Blanca (silver)

In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net – using the best in the world to judge the best in the world.

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - David talks to Dr Jamie Goode about the latest edition of his book, Wine Science, and finds out which wines give him a thrill, plus Freddy Bulmer’s back for his monthly insight into life as a buyer.

Drinks featured:

Cuvee Monsignori 2018, Estate Argyros (gold)

Limne 2020, Tenuta Roveglia, Lugana (silver)

Cuvée Vieilles Vignes 2019, Domaine de la Motte, Chablis (silver)

Ledaig 10 YO Single Malt Whisky, Tobermory (gold)

Angostura 7 Year Old Rum (silver)

Frapin Cognac VSOP (silver)

In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net – using the best in the world to judge the best in the world.

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Spirits expert Joel Harrison on the wonders of artisanal Armagnac and David talks to Guy Woodward, editor of Club Oenologique about a life in wine writing and what he loves to drink.

Drinks featured:

Waitrose & Partners No.1 Armagnac VSOP (Gold)

Bas Armagnac 1991 Château de Lacquy (Gold)

Blend XO Armagnac, Armagnac Janneau (Gold)

La Rioja Alta, Viña Ardanza, Rioja Reserva 2015 (gold)

District 7 Chardonnay 2019, Scheid Family Wines, Monterey (silver)

Lustau Brandy De Jerez Solera Reserva, Emilio Lustau (gold)

In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net – using the best in the world to judge the best in the world.

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - Bordeaux, the Hot 50, the wines to search out and how to find real value in the world’s most famous wine region with Richard Bampfield MW. Plus, Anthony Maxwell of Liv-ex tells David about the latest trends in the fine wine market.

Winning drinks featured:

Tesco Finest Margaux 2015 Chateau Boyd Cantenac (silver)

Waitrose No 1, Château Suduiraut, 2013 Sauternes (silver)

Crème De Cassis De Dijon, Gabriel Boudier (gold).

In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net – using the best in the world to judge the best in the world.

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - David hears about the incredible success of Vins de Provence rosé, exploring the nuanced styles that come from the 3 appellations and their sub-regions and rosé’s amazing food pairing potential.

Guests:

Brice Eymard, Managing Director of the CIVP

Keith Murray, Château Routas, Routas 2020, Coteaux Varois en Provence

Emeline Codeluppi, Château Saint Maur, Clos de Capelune, Côtes de Provence

Eric Kurver, Maison Saint-Aix, AIX, Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence.

In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net – using the best in the world to judge the best in the world.

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - David talks to Deano Moncrieffe, creator of the cocktail of the year, about the magic

of Mezcal and the importance of diversity in the drinks trade, plus Freddy Bulmer of

the Wine Society reflects on a buyer’s life.

In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net – using the best in the world to judge the best in the world.

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - David talks wine pairing with The Guardian’s critic, Fiona Beckett and finds out about Sollasa, a brand new drink to match Indian cuisine, was designed.

In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net – using the best in the world to judge the best in the world.

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A Rum Show Special: Dawn Davies MW and Mitch Wilson of Black Tot Rum discuss how rum is made, its history and look ahead to the Rum Show.

In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net – using the best in the world to judge the best in the world.

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net – David talks to Stephen and Jeany Cronk, who gave up the rat race to start a winery in Provence and spirits buyer Dave Roberts.

In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net – using the best in the world to judge the best in the world.

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net – David talks to Christine Parkinson about the revolution in low and no alcohol drinks, Freddy Bulmer from the Wine Society on dealing with a shortage of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and buying beer, with Alex Davies of Virgin Wines. 

In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net – using the best in the world to judge the best in the world.

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net – David talks to the legendary Oz Clarke OBE about a lifetime in wine and his passion for English and Welsh wine and William Lowe MW, Master Distiller at Cambridge Distillery on what makes the perfect gin. 

In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net – using the best in the world to judge the best in the world.

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net – David presents a highlights selection, including Jancis Robinson OBE MW, David Gleave MW, Sarah Abbott MW, Dawn Davies MW, Mick O’Connell MW, Kelly Stevenson and Freddy Bulmer.

In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net – using the best in the world to judge the best in the world.

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net – David heads to Eastern Europe with Freddy Bulmer of the Wine Society, talks Portugal with Dirceu Vianna Junior MW and looks at how own-brand wine is chosen with Rebecca Palmer of Corney & Barrow.

In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net – using the best in the world to judge the best in the world.

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net – David celebrates Champagne with Essi Avellan MW, enthuses about Sherry with Martin Skelton of Gonzalez Byass and finds out why Cider is Wine!

In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net – using the best in the world to judge the best in the world.

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net – Sarah Abbott MW talks to David about a project to protect endangered old vines and Joel Harrison has the lowdown on single malt versus blended whisky, plus medal winners from the IWSC.

In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net – using the best in the world to judge the best in the world.

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net – David talks to Victoria Burt MW about what makes the perfect glass, Rebecca Gibb MW has the story of New Zealand wine and Cognac connoisseur David Brown on hunting down the finest examples.

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David talks to Yangarra’s winemaker Peter Fraser about being biodynamic, plus Alistair Cooper MW in Chile and the Double Dutch duo, Raissa and Joyce on making the perfect mixer.

In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net – using the best in the world to judge the best in the world.

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net – David talks to Jancis Robinson OBE MW about a life in wine, plus David Gleave MW extols the virtues of Nebbiolo.

In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net – using the best in the world to judge the best in the world.

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net – David talks to Jacob Leadley of IWSC gold medal winner Black Chalk, Mick O’Connell MW on his love of Chardonnay and Dawn Davies MW has the lowdown on Tequila and Mezcal. In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world.

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net – Talking ‘natural wine’ with Freddy Bulmer, hearing why Burgundy would be Giles Burke-Gaffney’s Desert Island Drink and Isa Bal MS on the wines of Turkey. 

In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net – using the best in the world to judge the best in the world.

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net – Setting up an urban winery, the wonders of noble Riesling and the king of potatoes in a new vodka. In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net - using the best in the world to judge the best in the world.

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net – What makes a true Master Distiller, is Pinot Noir the perfect desert island grape and getting to know the wonderful wines of Georgia, plus IWSC medal winning recommendations.

In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net – using the best in the world to judge the best in the world.

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In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net – How to buy for the sky, how airlines choose our drinks, what makes a wine sustainable and what makes grüner veltliner a groovy grape, plus IWSC medal winning wines and spirits.

In partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net – using the best in the world to judge the best in the world.

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David talks festive drinks with Freddie Bulmer, The Wine Society, in partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition www.iwsc.net – using the best in the world to judge the best in the world.

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