Tim Atkin MW: first new Times column includes fake Pinot Noir scandal

In the first of his new columns for The Times, Tim covers various wine scandals – made topical by Pinot Noir scam. Although there is a long history of wine adulteration etc. Tim concludes that the majority of of producers are honest.

Among his wine recommendations is a 2008 Chenin Colombard Vin de Pays des Côtes de Lastours  from Domaine Ventenac, part of Vignobles Alain Maurel. Maurel was involved in the fake Pinot scam and was fined 30,000€ with a three month suspended jail sentence. He is currently appealing against the conviction. Of course, there has never been any claim that the grapes sold through Ducasse and Sieur d'Arques were poor quality just that they weren't Pinot Noir and were consequently cheaper.

PS Pleased to see that Tim has obviously taken advice on shirt selection from from Olly Smith.

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Jane MacQuitty: putting the record straight

Following my news item on decanter.com, Jane MacQuitty has posted the following comment:  

'Further to Jim Budd's article, the record needs to be set straight. Tim Atkin is filing a trial wine column for 5-6 weeks for a new supplement of The Times, entitled The Table.

As before, I continue as The Times Wine Correspondent and The Times Drink Correspondent. Jane MacQuitty.'

I'm very happy to confirm that the the best of my knowledge Jane continues as The Times wine correspondent and that her regular wine column will appear on Saturday.  Indeed Jane is described as the Times Wine Expert on their website. 

However, I believe she is mistaken over Tim's 'trial wine column'. My understanding is that Tim has a  a contract to write 46 pieces per year and that there is no trial period included in the contract. I should also make it clear that at no time has Tim suggested to me that he is The Times new wine correspondent.   

  

www.decanter.com/news/295407.html