Chris Mercer's articles
Which wines go well with lobster? - Ask Decanter
We ask expert sommeliers in the UK and US for suggestions on what to drink with different styles of this seafood with a rags-to-riches history.
Fresh China tariffs a worry for US wine producers
China plans to again raise tariffs on US wine imports as part of retaliatory levies on $60bn of US goods, in a move that has heightened concerns among American wineries over their access to the developing market.
How do red wine tannins affect taste? - Ask Decanter
New research explores how red wine tannins cause a ‘dry’ sensation in your mouth, and why this effect is different in Cabernet Sauvignon versus Pinot Noir.
What it’s like to ride the Napa Valley wine train
Many locals look slightly perplexed when the Napa Valley wine train is mentioned, as if the 155-year-old railroad running through their area’s major wineries only exists in a distant part of their consciousness.
Does too much wine cause gout? - Ask Decanter
There has been talk of a resurgence for this ‘disease of kings’ in the UK, but how accurate is the popular idea that drinking wine causes gout?
What does Petit Verdot add to a wine? - Ask Decanter
Petit Verdot is a supporting actor in many top Bordeaux red blends on the Left Bank and, even in small quantities, can make a big difference to the finished wine, according to its proponents.
How to match wine with truffle recipes
Looking for a wine to go with truffle risotto or another truffle-based dish this winter? We bring you the expert advice on what to look for and what to avoid, from master sommelier Piotr Pietras, head sommelier at London's Launceston Place and recently named Amorim Taster of the Year at the Court of Master Sommelier Awards.
Sir Winston Churchill on wine
Sir Winston Churchill drank so much Pol Roger Champagne that there is a cuvee named in his honour. Here are some of the wartime leader's top quotes on wine, as the UK marks 50 years since his death.
Italian police remove Crimean wines from Vinitaly show
The Vinitaly trade show found itself unintentionally and briefly in the eye of a political storm this week after Italian police removed wines from the Crimea region due to be exhibited by Russian companies.
Last Supper wine: Researchers piece together clues about popular styles
Wine features in the Bible and has strong symbolism in Christianity today, but what styles might people have enjoyed at the time of Jesus? Decanter.com speaks to the 'Indiana Jones of ancient wine' and also a lead archaeologist in Israel about current research.