The Full Bottle
From the vineyard to bottle: How location - or terroir - affects the taste of wine
Influencing factors include sunshine, temperature, rainfall, humidity, latitude and altitude, aspect, slope and soil fertility.
- Huon Hooke
Why some winemakers think filtering removes the ‘goodness’ of the wine
Unfiltered white wines may appear cloudy, but it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s worse than a clear wine.
- Huon Hooke
Buyer beware: Should you trust the opinion of retail-staff wine reviews?
Some boutique wine shops may publish a trustworthy critique, but most liquor retailer reviews should be taken with a grain of salt.
- Huon Hooke
What’s the shelf life of wine in soft packs?
Not to be confused with cask wine, there appears to be a trend to package higher-quality wines in pouches.
- Huon Hooke
Sour grapes: Why don’t my dining companions praise my top-shelf wine?
These people are probably not real friends of the vine. Those who truly appreciate wine know when it’s good and they let their enthusiasm show.
- Huon Hooke
How is low- and no-alcohol beer made?
Dilution, distilling under a vacuum and reverse osmosis are common de-alcoholisation methods.
- Huon Hooke
Playing favourites: Wine critic Huon Hooke reveals his top six bottles of the moment
Wine writers shouldn’t really have favourites, but okay, I’ll lay my cards on the table.
- Huon Hooke
From pop to fizzle: How to get a corked Champagne bottle replaced
Don’t tip it out – or drink it holding your nose. Saving the wine shows you’re sincere and didn’t just drink it regardless.
- Huon Hooke