Matthew's World of Wine and Drink

The first episode of a new series on the world of spirits, beginning by looking at exactly how they are made - from the raw material to fermentation to distillation to ageing and finishing.

Jura is the smallest of France's wine regions, but one that is very fashionable due to its unique styles of wine. It also provides a great alternative to nearby Burgundy, another reason people are so attracted to it.

Chardonnay is one of the most famous grape varieties across the world. Made in a wide range of styles, it can provoke strong opinions. This episode explores the grape, the styles of wine it makes, and the regions in which it's grown.

Portugal is best known for port, but it is producing an increasing amount of high quality white and red wines from indigenous varieties little planted elsewhere.

From the vast, hot plateau of La Mancha to the wet, cool Atlantic Coast - Spain has extreme climates which can be challenging but rewarding for winemakers.

The production of sparkling wine across the Americas is only fifty years old, but producers have been seeking out cooler sites to make quality wine using the traditional method. This episode focuses on California, Argentina, and Chile, as well as less famous regions.

Exploring the regions of Mediterranean Spain, along the coast from innovative Catalunya to the big reds of Valencia and Murcia.

Looking at three countries in the southern hemisphere, all of which produce sparkling at different levels of quality. South Africa is the only non-European country with a specific designation for sparkling wine (Méthode Cap Classique); Australia has its distinctive Sparkling Shiraz; and New Zealand has perhaps the most naturally ideal conditions for sparkling wine production.

The north of Spain is home to one of the country's historic regions, Rioja. This episode explores its history and its wines, as well as those of nearby regions Navarra, Somontano, Catalayud, and Cariñena.

Second episode on Italian sparkling wine, focusing on Franciacorta, Italy's only DOCG for wine made using the traditional method, and Lambrusco, the unusual and very varied style of red sparkling wine.

First of two episodes on Italian sparkling wine, focusing on the two big-volume regions, Prosecco and Asti.

Cava covers a broad area of Spain, producing wines that are too often simple and disappointing. There is momentum to raise the quality - find out what's happening in cava in this episode.

French sparkling wine isn't just Champagne: it's made all around the country. This episode explores the frustratingly inconsistent Crémants of France, as well as some of the more unusual, historic styles of sparkling wine.

Discussing the relationship between growers and producers in Champagne and exploring the styles of the big producers.

Southern Italy is an historically poor part of Italy, making inferior wines. The last 20 years have seen more investment and quality has risen - not least because there are some superb local grape varieties such as Aglianico, Fiano, Greco, and Falanghina.

This episode looks at plantings in Champagne, the Cru structure, and the five main regions.

Central Italy is home to some of Italy's most historic wine regions, but quality varies - not least in Chianti. This episode explores the reasons for the inconsistency in quality, ranging from inexpensive to the super-premium Brunello di Montalcino.

An introduction to the great wines of Champagne: where they're made, how they're made, the rules governing the region, and the different styles of wine.

North-East Italy encompasses a diverse range of regions, including Alto Adige, Trentino, Veneto, and Fruili-Venezia-Giulia. Some of these have a strongly Germanic and Slavic influence, producing unique wines different from elsewhere in Italy.

Some of the world's greatest wines are made in Piemonte in north-west Italy, particularly from Nebbiolo in the famous Barolo and Barbaresco regions. Find out what makes these wines so special, and about the other areas in Piemonte.

An introductory overview of sparkling wine, looking at the different production methods, regions, and styles. In this episode, I credit the English for accidentally creating champagne and completely forget to mention the current trend in amazing English sparkling wine...

Hungary has a long history of winemaking, particularly with the great sweet wines of Tokaj. It had a difficult twentieth century, however, from which it is re-emerging as one of the most exciting countries in Europe. Learn about the dry and sweet whites, and the under-the-radar reds.

Learn all about Austria, its wine regions, and its unique grapes: Grüner Veltliner, Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch, and St-Laurent. For a relatively small country, there's a diversity of wines being produced.

Germany's cool climate means that the best wines come from steep slopes on the banks of its great rivers, espeically the Rhine and the Mosel. Learn about the different styles produced in Germany's regions.

Germany is one of the great wine-producing countries, but its labels can be daunting. This episode helps you decipher them by understanding the German classification system, the styles of wine, and the grape varieties.