We have heard that the 2017 European growing season has reduced the grape wine crop this year to unprecedented levels. In seeking alternatives, we spent some time with Jo Wehring Head of Wines of South Africa (WOSA) – a not-for-profit export council body, which promotes South African wine in countries around the world. It has over 500 producer members. South Africa’s largest … [Read more...]
Ian Mitchell’s summer wine reflections from the Languedoc Roussillon
My summer of exploring around the Languedoc Roussillon is sadly over, but some great wines were enjoyed. I was delighted that some of my picks have appeared in the national press recently, particularly Cremant de Limoux, which I served throughout the summer to our guests, and was hugely well received. Also, Matthew Jukes in The Mail wrote about Picpoul de Pinet 2016 … [Read more...]
Europe’s 2017 wine harvest woes
2017 will go down as the most seriously weather affected harvest in Europe for over 20 years with many regions struggling to achieve average yield quantities. Late frosts early in the growing season affected flowering, followed by seeringly and unrelenting hot dry weather. The closing out of the harvest reduced crops by up to 40%. Although vines don’t look like they flower, … [Read more...]
UK produces the 2017 International Young Sommelier of the Year
The UK’s Piotr Pietras of Launceston Place took to the world stage as he was crowned the Chaine des Rotisseur’ International Young Sommelier of the Year following two days of intensive competition in Budapest. In the 11th year of the contest, Pietras successfully fought off stiff competition from 13 other countries. He was placed ahead of Australia’s Mikael Grou of Sails … [Read more...]
Champagne Lanson & Afternoon Tea with Philip Dunne – Head Sommelier Ashford Castle
‘Think Downton Abbey’ sirens one of the reviews for Ashford Castle voted Britain and Ireland’s no.2 Best Resort Hotel according to Travel and Leisure ‘World’s Best Awards 2017’. This historic and multi awarded destination in the west of Ireland is the most idyllic and romantic venue of the Red Carnation Group. It also sports Ireland’s Best Wine Experience according to the … [Read more...]
Diwali, Indian Spices and The Drinks to choose?
Who better to ask than 15 year proprietor/chef of Chelsea’s The Painted Heron Indian restaurant, Yogesh Datta. The Painted Heron was opened in 2002 when Fine Indian dining was but a twinkle in the eye of the tiger. Yogesh Datta talks about the history of Indian food and drinks in the UK from a Chelsea and Indian perspective and his latest Diwali offer. Wine is not a … [Read more...]
Wetherspoons continues to weather well with knife and fork!
Wetherspoons intimate journalist conference for its preliminary results held on Friday in the historic city pub The Cross Keys shed interesting light on the much discussed woes of the casual dining sector. Greene King, Fulham Shore, Tasty, Restaurant Group, Comptoir, Richoux have all declared slowing sales with Marstons and Mitchells and Butlers also suggesting a weakening 2017 … [Read more...]
At the Races with Jonathan Parker – Director of Food and Beverage Ascot Racecourse
Director of Food and Beverage Jonathan Parker, is responsible for much more than the standard nosebag at Ascot Racecourse the place with the hats – a fantastic day out with much fun and enjoyment to be had. There’s the King George, Shergar Cup not to mention Ladies Day at the peak of the Ascot season. An integral part of the day out for the visitors is the food and drink offer … [Read more...]
Wine Tasting is the Best Client Marketing Activity
According to a new survey of 362 businesses in the Thames Valley region 100% of respondents say that developing a relationship with clients is the main purpose for marketing events. A further 61% say that marketing events are ‘important’ or ‘very important’ for their organisations according to wine business specialist Brill Ideas ltd. But practically how do … [Read more...]
The Wine Inspector meets… Muriel Chatel – M.D. Borough Wines
The Borough Market attacks in June earlier this year shook not just the local community but the whole UK to the core. Borough Wines has been a part of that community for 15 years, through thick and thin and Founder and M.D. Muriel Chatel reminds us that whilst the incident was tragic, Borough Market is a community. Muriel gave me some time from her busy schedule to discuss her … [Read more...]
10 Wine Minutes with Hector Ross COO Bel and The Dragon group
The Bel and The Dragon group is now 7 and has been quietly growing in the last few years with a quirky country casual fine dining take on the British Inn. Hector Ross, Chief Operations Officer at B&TD gives us a few minutes from his intense schedule of running these individual outlets. Tell us little more about what B&TD is about? Longshot bought B&TD when it … [Read more...]
Ian Mitchell’s latest Beaujolais region wine update and recommendations
As promised in my last blog, I was visiting the Beaujolais region which lies between Burgundy and the Northern Rhone. I think the Beaujolais would prefer to be on their own, but we'll see. Great drive from the Gard through the through the Vallee du Rhone, on through the lovely Ardeche and into Northern Rhone. Couldn't resist stopping off at Michel Chapoutier's Crozes … [Read more...]
Burgers, Bank Holidays and Beverages
Have we all gone Burger mad in the UK? Thursday 24th August has been National Burger Day and it seems that many hospitality establishments have been getting ahead of any hopeful Bank Holiday sunshine with offers and extensive lists of burgers. Burgers, it seems, can be made of anything from beans to venison (they are very deer!), halloumi cheese to wagyu. In 2016 burgers … [Read more...]
Rioja Labels Villages, Regions and Vineyards – Does it make a Difference?
This week the governing body that rules on Rioja wines - made a big step in regards to naming of its wines and the specificity that it allows. The new categories of ‘Vinos de Pueblo’ or Village Wines and ‘de Zona’ (regional) will sit alongside the June approval category of Single Vineyard wines. Campaigners including opinion formers, winemakers vineyard owners and producers … [Read more...]
Is there a role for sommeliers in Casual Dining?
According to recent research 56% of people admit to being confused by the Sommelier role in a restaurant. Wine tasting is still as confusing now as it was 20 years ago with many terms perplexing ordinary consumers, when all they are trying to do is enjoy their occasion. Asda has just announced that it has appointed a ‘Sommeasier’ in a bid to secure the trust of the average … [Read more...]