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Wine - Styles & regions made simple

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Insider’s guide to… Marlborough

Best known for its distinctive Sauvignon Blancs, this cool-climate region also produces rich Pinots and some excellent fizz, says Chris Losh.

What's the Alternative

Want to reduce your spending on wine but not your enjoyment? Natasha Hughes suggests some everyday substitutes for a range of classic wine styles that deliver on both taste and price

It’s all too easy to stick to what you know. But when it comes to wine, that can mean missing out on a plethora of less common but undoubtedly interesting grape varieties. Sarah Jane Evans MW suggests some unusual grapes to watch out for

A Wine Less Ordinary

Bored of Sauvignon Blanc? Tired of Pinot Grigio? Then it’s time to try a white wine that’s rather more exotic. Margaret Rand introduces Viognier, a grape that offers up a seductive array of flavours and aromas

What to Drink Now: Autumn 2011

As the leaves fall and the nights draw in, Simon Woods turns his attention to warming reds and fortified wines, as well as a few bottles to toast the festive seaso

What to Drink Now: Summer 2011

Warm weather calls for light, refreshing wine to match the flavours of the season. Simon Woods recommends some favourites

A Wine for All Seasons

Whether you’re entertaining friends, celebrating a special occasion, or just unwinding after a busy day, here are Square Meal’s top picks for your wine rack – whatever the weather

What to drink in 2012

New year, new wine… Allow Simon Woods to guide you through a range of styles that deserve a wider audience and make 2012 the year you expand your wine repertoire beyond the familiar

An introduction to Chilean wine

Chile is one of the most exciting wine regions, having made huge progress in a short space of time. But if you don't know your Cabernet from your Carmenere, read on.

What to drink in 2011: Part 3

For those of us who make New Year’s resolutions, perhaps one of them should be to celebrate wine’s diversity and try some new styles. Simon Woods offers his recommendations for 2011 in three parts

What to drink in 2011: Part 2

What to drink in 2011: Part 1

Spain's Great Whites

Spain may be best known for its reds but, with their modern mix of flavour and charm, there’s plenty to talk about with its whites too. Sarah Jane Evans MW gives us her top tips

Chardonnay’s New Clothes

As Chardonnay producers world-wide eschew the big, buttery, overly-oaked excesses of yesteryear for leaner, more elegant styles, it’s time to reassess the Queen of Whites, says Andrew Catchpole

Portuguese Style

With a huge number of indigenous grapes to choose from and a varied climate, it’s no surprise that there’s a Portuguese wine to match every style of cuisine, says Tom Cannavan

Insider’s guide to...Tempranillo

While Rioja is known the world over, the main grape variety used in its production is less of a household name. Chris Losh shares the secrets of this most Spanish of grapes

What to Drink Now: Wines for Autumn

As the days shorten and the weather turns cooler, Simon Woods recommends some richer wines to savour and makes an early start on a festive tipple

Sweet Delight

Handmade in an array of styles and great on their own or with a surprising range of foods, Sarah Jane Evans MW urges us to befriend sweet wines

What to drink now: Wines for Summer

With the lazy days of summer now here, Simon Woods recommends some warm weather thirst quenchers

Insider's Guide to Shiraz/Syrah

From its homeland in southern France to Australia’s McLaren Vale, Chris Losh gets to know Syrah… or should we say Shiraz?

Spring Loaded: Californian Recipes & Wines for Spring

With a new season upon us, our jaded appetites are ready for fresh flavours. Natasha Hughes suggests three dishes to cook at home and recommends the best Californian wines to drink with them

Finding Fault: How to Spot Dodgy Wine

Advances in winemaking and storage methods have reduced the number of faulty wines reaching restaurant tables, but it still pays to know how to spot a dodgy bottle. Patricia Langton highlights the danger signs to watch out for

Insider’s guide to...Pinot Grigio

To most people, the name Pinot Grigio conjures up a crisp, dry, neutral wine from Italy. But, says Chris Losh, the best examples are the rich and unctuous Pinot Gris wines from Alsace

What to Drink Now: Wines for Spring

With the dark days of winter behind us, what wines should we be drinking to welcome in the spring? Simon Woods shares his top tips for seasonal drinki

Harvest Festival - Best Vintages to Buy in 2010

Grape-growers around the world had a mixed year in 2009. But with great vintages in France, South Africa and New Zealand, there’s plenty for wine lovers to celebrate in the year ahead. Simon Woods gives a round-up and recommends the best vintages to buy in 2010

Wines to Watch - Recommendations for 2010

What should you be drinking in 2010? Square Meal talks to some of the country’s leading wine writers to find out their recommendations

Burgundy for Beginners

The huge diversity of Burgundy’s wines may be baffling, but therein lies their unique fascination. Vive la différence, says Richard Woodard

The Cape Escape - South African Wines

As World Cup fever strikes in 2010 there’s never been a better time to explore South Africa – and its wines. Andrew Catchpole reports

Cool in Chile - Discover More About Chilean Wines

There have been vineyards in Chile since the 16th century, but as new regions are being planted and cool-climate styles are emerging, Chris Losh argues that now is the perfect time to discover more about the country’s wines

Spanish Variety - Spain's Most Exciting Wine Styles

Indigenous grapes, both well known and rediscovered, underpin Spain’s most exciting wine styles – and they’re great with food. Patricia Langton reports

Passport to Portugal - Wine Highlights

With a wealth of exciting regions and native grapes to explore, Portugal offers plenty for oenophiles to enjoy. Sarah Ahmed shares her highlights.

Eat Asian, Drink Alsace

The wines of Alsace in France are enjoying an increase in popularity, not least because of the boom in Asian cuisine. Next time you’re cooking a stir-fry or curry at home, or sitting in an Asian restaurant, why not try a bottle of white wine from Alsace? You won’t be disappointed.

Wines for Autumn: Riesling

There are plenty of rewarding tastes to try as the nights draw in. Expert taster Simon Woods offers his seasonal picks

Insider’s guide to...Cabernet Sauvignon

With its blackcurrant fruit and punchy tannins, Cabernet Sauvignon has established itself as the world’s favourite quality red grape.

Wines for Summer 2009

It’s time for bargain Burgundies, native Italians and tantalising rosés – not to mention a seriously surprising Lambrusco. Top taster Simon Woods shares his recommendations for warm-weather drinking

Insider’s guide to riesling

Fancy an electrifying experience? Chris Losh suggests a date with Riesling, one of the wine world’s most sophisticated grapes. Demanding – yes; thrilling – certainly; it’s also perfect with Asian food

Coming of age

Equally good in summer or winter, as an aperitif or a digestif, with a rich pud or the cheese course, it’s time the UK took more notice of aged tawny port says Joanna Simon

Insiders guide to... Sauvignon Blanc

As Chardonnay’s star has dimmed, Sauvignon Blanc has stepped into the spotlight. Chris Losh identifies the key regions for a grape that delivers fresh, aromatic flavours in a range of styles that work well with food

Wines for Spring 2009

As we emerge from the cold, dark days of winter, is it time to give your wine cellar a boost? Simon Woods suggests some reds, whites and rosés from lesser-known grapes and regions that will spice up your spring drinking

Wine - Spanish Style

Although Spain is a country steeped in vinous history, its modern producers are making sure that it’s still one of the world’s most exciting wine regions. Chris Losh reports

Cape Of Good Wine

The past 15 years have witnessed a revolution in South African winemaking. Sarah Jane Evans MW explores this dynamic country and the wines it is producing

Exploring Portugal Wines

With its wealth of native grapes and long-standing traditional values, Portugal can be a difficult country to understand when it comes to wine. Now, as a new generation of winemakers start to modernise the industry, Charles Metcalfe guides you through the regions