Chris Mercer

Chris Mercer

Chris joined Decanter as news editor in 2013 and became editor of Decanter.com in 2015.

After a Masters in journalism in 2004, he moved to Languedoc-Roussillon in France. The first winemakers he met were too busy fighting riot police to discuss terroir. But he soon got a taste for wine, in particular after visiting Aimé Guibert at Mas de Daumas Gassac.

Chris has since written for publications including The Guardian, Telegraph, Time.com, and many trade magazines, as well as being interviewed as an expert by BBC, NPR (US) and CNBC.

He has been lucky enough to enjoy many outstanding wines, from top Bordeaux to lesser known creations, such as the Gentle Folk's 'Field Blend' from Adelaide Hills. Chris also holds an MSc in food policy.

Chris Mercer's articles

What’s the difference between Syrah and Shiraz? - Ask Decanter

What’s the difference between Syrah and Shiraz? - Ask Decanter

Syrah and Shiraz wines come from the same grape variety but the use of both names has its historical roots in two powerhouses of production - France’s Rhône Valley and Australia.

How to spot a corked wine - Ask Decanter

How to spot a corked wine - Ask Decanter

Does your wine smell like wet dog? The signs of cork taint to look out for, and a brief guide to its origins.

What are the best wines for spicy food? - Ask Decanter

What are the best wines for spicy food? - Ask Decanter

Too much alcohol and chilli can set your palate on fire, but there are plenty of wines that match well with all sorts of spicy foods if you know where to look.

Why is Touriga Nacional a rising star? - Ask Decanter

Why is Touriga Nacional a rising star? - Ask Decanter

Portugal’s most prized red wine grape, Touriga Nacional, has enjoyed a recent publicity boost and has long been touted by those-in-the-know as a potential rockstar beyond Port.

Bordeaux red blends around the world - Ask Decanter

Bordeaux red blends around the world - Ask Decanter

What do winemakers mean when they use the term 'Bordeaux blend'? Here are some of the finest wines from around the world, made outside Bordeaux, that would be a fitting centrepiece to any dinner party.

New French rich list shows strong links to top châteaux

New French rich list shows strong links to top châteaux

Here are the top French wine estates with links to France's richest people.

Recioto della Valpolicella vs Amarone: What’s the difference?

Recioto della Valpolicella vs Amarone: What’s the difference?

These two titans of Valpolicella are forged by leaving grapes to dry out after harvest, but they won’t taste the same in your glass.

How long can you keep wine in the fridge? - Ask Decanter

How long can you keep wine in the fridge? - Ask Decanter

Here are the things to consider when weighing up how long your bottle of wine will last if it's in the kitchen fridge.

What might prime minister Boris Johnson mean for the wine trade?

What might prime minister Boris Johnson mean for the wine trade?

The new UK prime minister may be a self-confessed ‘wine man’, but there’s no escaping the ‘B’ word amid concern that a 'worst-case scenario' could be realised.

Meet the ‘new’ Bordeaux wine grapes - Ask Decanter

Meet the ‘new’ Bordeaux wine grapes - Ask Decanter

Do you know your Marselan from your Petit Manseng? Here is a brief guide to the seven grape varieties awaiting final approval for use in Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur appellation wines.