2 minute read
Welcome
As I write this, the clocks have just gone back The nights are drawing in My thoughts are turning to cosy nights in front of the fire and slow cooked stews The kind of cooking to pair with deep, flavoursome reds, especially those from the south of France.
As the winner of Best Specialist Retailer South and Regional France in this year's Decanter Retailer Awards, who better than the Wickhams team to guide you?
The judges praised our range, and policy of direct sourcing from producers wherever possible. In these straightened times, reducing the length of the supply chain gives you better value, and gives the winemakers a bigger share of the purchase price. A winning formula.
To celebrate we've packed this edition with information about Languedoc-Roussillon. I reveal my favourite appellations; Tom Surgey picks a crop of Pays d'Oc wines; and British couple Bob and Pat Middleton talk about their purchase of Domaine Les Caizergues in 2017.
We're also talking harvest. With the fruit picked, pressed and fermenting, I'm looking forward to tasting the 2023 vintage. The third Thursday in November is our first chance to try this year's wine. We've got first wines from Beaujolais and Devon. TV presenter Toby Buckland and I visited two Devon vineyards during harvest to learn more.
Finally, Christmas is coming. Rebecca Pitcairn, host of The English Wine Diaries, provides the ultimate guide to English wine pairings for your festive fare. Plus there's fantastic fizz, fine wines, and sweet treats.
Get ready to celebrate in style!
