Esoterica
POSTED ON 21/06/2014A return to Olympia from Docklands this June turned out to be an inspired move for the London Wine Fair, one of Europe’s most important wine trade fairs. One of the biggest successes was a new section called Esoterica, with boutique companies specialising in native and rare grape varieties from countries as diverse as Croatia, Greece, Canada, China, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Brazil, Switzerland, Austria, and Portugal.
King of Wines, Wine of Kings
POSTED ON 14/06/2014There are some who call barolo Italy’s red burgundy and while comparisons are odious, it’s true that both these grandest of reds rely on the marginal climate of their northerly location for their exquisite scents and subtly elusive flavours. There are reasons why the ‘wine of kings and king of wines’ isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, or glass of wine at least. First it’s pricey, secondly its taste can take acquiring, thirdly demand for the best exceeds supply.
Doing it by Halves
POSTED ON 07/06/2014I ‘m puzzled as to why a more extensive selection of half bottles isn’t available on retail shelves and in restaurants and bars. If I’m driving through Champagne , I like to detour via the Aube region to pick up a 24 half-bottle case of Drappier’s delicious rosé Champagne. Having halves on hand is just the ticket for theatre intervals, for an apéritif for one or two and for gifts when I can’t think of anything else. If I lived alone, I’m sure I’d be grateful for more half-bottles, but for some reason, there never seem to be enough.
Portugal – Before Our Eyes
POSTED ON 01/06/2014The Hotel Mundial in Lisbon is famous for a number of features, most notably the breathtaking scene from the terrace of its traditional restaurant, Varanda de Lisboa. From here, you have a unique view of the magnificent St. George’s Castle which commands the top of the capital’s highest hill. Ahead of you, over the colourful, grand buildings of Rossio Square, the panoramic sweep of the distant Tejo River carries your eye in the direction of its outward flow towards the ocean.
