Grogger

Grogger is an online degustation of wine and design. We report on instances of good, bad or indifferent design in the wine world.

We also hold tastings and review wines that have fascinated us through the design – beautiful or ugly – of the packaging, label or advertising, and then we rate the wine accordingly.

11/01/2026

Big birthday weekend, sharing some delicious things from England and France. The Nyetimber Single Vineyard 2014 is one of the most delicious sparkling wines I’ve ever enjoyed!

09/12/2023

A ludicrously piggy Christmas lunch featuring a whole pig, the most delicious wines, including some from the reserves, and my first ever taste of Yquem. Legendary celebration for the award-winning team.

24/09/2023

It’s the end of and I’m not gonna lie, the combination of Australian botanicals in the vermouth, and Scottish botanicals in the gin, made for a very cough-lozenge-y Negroni. Also, no oranges in the house. Will try a less funky version next time.

22/08/2023

Cahors with herby sausages, natch.

But what was really special was the Vintage Fortified Shiraz Chambourcin, still heady and ripe after 18 years in bottle.

It was given to me to look after by an old friend, flatmate and OddBins colleague when they moved to Europe. Luckily we had the chance to drink it together last month, a real treat.

22/08/2023

Yeah, just a massive Romanian wine barrel in the garden of someone in the village…

(…who we know. They work for the local brewer, and this was left over after some experimental brews. Gonna be a summer house!)

22/08/2023

Yes, the Côte Rôtie was beautiful and delicious! But Asda had the Vidal-Fleury on offer at £9, and I think I’d take six bottles over one bottle of the Rôtie. 😬

With the Pecorino only £6 on offer, I can’t think of a better way to spend £15 on two tasty bottles.

06/07/2023

Just some of the amazing wines tried and enjoyed last night

Despite my young, hip credentials, the Burgundy and Bourgogne Aligote were my favourites over the funky sulphury stuff.

But the 85yo Crimean wine was an experience!