HOUSE NOTES
Notes from 105 Piccadilly, Mayfair.
Our editorial wing and candle-lit corner of conversation. This is where the cork comes out and the stories begin to breathe: dispatches from dinner tables, conversations on travel, taste, art, and the odd beautiful mistake along the way. Think of it as the after-hours lounge of House of Decant — and everyone is welcome.
226 articles
- Advice
Old World or New World Pinot Noir?
The same grape, two completely different wines. Burgundy's quiet restraint against the New World's sunshine, and how to choose the right Pinot Noir for an autumn evening.
- Insights
Montevertine: The Cult of Radda
A full guide to Montevertine, the cult Radda in Chianti estate behind Le Pergole Torte, its pure-Sangiovese philosophy, and the range we stock at House of Decant.
- Advice
Prosecco or Franciacorta? Italy's Two Sparkling Wines
They share a country, a supermarket aisle and a reputation for bubbles. In every other way, Prosecco and Franciacorta could not be more different. How to tell them apart, with a bottle of each.
- Insights
Clase Azul: Mexico's Most Beautiful Bottle
A full guide to Clase Azul, the artisanal Jalisco tequila famed for its hand-painted decanters: the icon Reposado, the Anejo, and how to drink it, with in-stock bottles.
- Insights
Is Rum the New Whisky?
The nights are drawing in and the whisky is calling. But aged rum has quietly become the thinking drinker's autumn pour. Here is the case for it.
- Insights
Casa Dragones: The Art of Sipping Tequila
A full guide to Casa Dragones, the modern luxury tequila house from Jalisco: the hand-finished Joven, the Mizunara Reposado, and how to sip them, with in-stock bottles.
- How to Guides
Sherried Whisky: The Dram That Tastes of Autumn
Dried figs, orange peel, the top note of a Christmas cake: sherried whisky is autumn poured into a glass. What it actually is, how oloroso, amontillado and PX casks change a dram, and the bottles to start with.
- Insights
Rémy Martin: The Cognac of Two Crus
A full guide to Remy Martin, the Fine Champagne Cognac house drawing only on Grande and Petite Champagne, from VSOP to XO, with the range we stock at House of Decant.
- Advice
Armagnac vs Cognac: France's Other Great Brandy
Cognac and Armagnac are both French brandy, yet they could not be more different. How to tell them apart, and why Armagnac might be the one for the season, with a bottle of each.
- Insights
Oremus: Tokaji, the Wine of Emperors
A full guide to Oremus, the great Tokaji estate owned by the Vega Sicilia family, from dry Furmint to the legendary Aszu and Eszencia, with in-stock bottles.
- Insights
Ridge Vineyards: California's Old-Vine Icon
A full guide to Ridge Vineyards, the California icon behind Monte Bello and its legendary old-vine Zinfandels Geyserville and Lytton Springs, with in-stock bottles.
- Advice
Whisky and Cheese: The Pairing That Outdoes Wine
Everyone reaches for the wine when the cheeseboard lands. Here is why whisky is the better bet, and exactly which drams to pour with which cheese this autumn.