Wine

Here you can find posts relating to the world of wine. Enjoy!

Into Wine is the latest book from best-selling French author Olivier Magny (who is also a sommelier, TV host and Parisian wine bar owner). It is a great gateway to the world of wine for those just beginning to develop a taste for it and also so-called ‘experts’. It’s written in a direct, enthusiastic and fun style. Definitely worth a read.

TONG magazine is a provocative publication about the world of wine – tackling one issue at a time. I talk with its editor & publisher, Filip Verheyden, whose views on some subjects such as ‘natural’ wine and ‘minerality’ may be seen as controversial by some though self-evident for others.

Cube Communications organized a lunch at Roussillon, Alexis Gauthier’s 1 Michelin starred restaurant in London’s Pimlico in order to see how one of Australia’s leading winemakers’ top-end wines could stand up to the chef’s refined French food. It made for an interesting, enjoyable and successful meal overall, and I was very glad to have been able to participate.

We spent a long and enjoyable Saturday at Vinopolis, first enjoying a wine tasting with noted wine expert Oz Clarke, then a self-guided tour of Vinopolis, then popping out for some satisfying tapas at Tapas Brindisa in nearby Borough Market, and finally a front-row seat at a Chef vs. Critics quiz show which included some of the UK’s best known food personalities.

A musically themed wine tasting extravaganza. I was able to visit the Rock Stage, Alternative Stage and Main Stage, as well as a brief visit to the Media Tent. Some cracking wines and some at very good prices for the quality.

During a meal at London’s 2-starred Michelin restaurant, The Square, I gathered up the courage (and the cash) to purchase my first-ever glass of this amazing golden nectar. Read about it in the section within the post called Yquemical Bonding.

A wonderful evening of wine tasting from 4 top Australian producers, plus some gastronomic treats from down under to go with the wines. Great event all in all, with some new & promising wines discovered, plus one of the best wagyu beefs I’ve had in a long while.

Mrs. LF prepared dinner for 5 at home, and I acted as ameteur sommelier. There are some (admittedly minimal) comments and pictures relating to the wines we drank, so have a peek if you wish.

We had a wonderful simple meal at home: roasted quail and ‘proper’ french beans. It was accompanied by Monty’s Dry French White wine, which was an excellent match – a simple meal with a great table wine. We had a wonderful time of it.

Monty Waldin’s 2008 red and white wines have recently been released in the UK – you can buy them online from Adnams. I didn’t get to try the inaugural 2007 vintage, so am looking forward to tasting the 2008! Hopefully this year will be a good one for Monty.

We visited the recently-opened The Kensington Wine Rooms for a Sunday Lunch and were very impressed. A wide array of top-quality wines available by tasting portion, small or large glass from a number of Enomatic wine dispensers; great food; nice vibe; and friendly service. If it maintains quality standards and can be consistent over the long-term, I can see them having a small chain of these in London organized around the same concept. Well done!

Amazing article about Hiro Kusuda, a testament to having a passion and vision and following it through no matter what.

Laissez Fare