Wine on Wednesday

These Vagabond Reviews

2012-01-30T23:54:00.001Z

On the 14^th December, WoW visited Vagabond in Fulham. I put a lot of praise on this place prior to the night and it didn’t fail to deliver.

The enomatic machines allowed wine to be purchased by the glass in 125ml and 175ml sizes, or as smaller sample size for between 50p and £2.50 by buying a card containing credit. Also available were charcuterie and cheese boards which went down a treat with the wine tastings.

I ended up tasting 16 different wines on the evening which let me try some new flavours, including a couple of German rieslings, Spanish bobal and finishing with the crowd favourite South African dessert wine, Klein Constantia. All in all, I tried 13 different grape varieties on the evening with some great ‘new’ finds. The added benefit of being able to buy the bottle in store, as well as take the card description for the wine was a nice additional touch.

I can highly recommend this venue to everyone, it’s exactly what a wine shop should be, I’m now wondering how to open one closer to home.

The next event is on 1^st February at Cork and Bottle in Leicester Square so if you want to come down for one or many you’re very welcome.

I look forward to seeing everyone again soon.

Cheers,

JG.

Fortnum & Mason 1707 Wine Bar

2011-12-19T23:25:00.003Z

The 7^th saw WoW visit Fortnum & Mason’s 1707 wine bar for a second time. I didn’t get the chance to attend the first time round and was therefore very keen to get there and check it out. It didn’t disappoint. It wasn’t a large group, with only 3 of us attending, but the venue, wines and company all combined to turn it into a fantastic evening.

I think a combination of the following week’s WoW, as well as the potential for F&M to be expensive right before Christmas were the reasons for the low attendance, but it turned out to be very reasonable, with our first bottle (F&M’s own label Malbec) only costing about £20 which turned out to be the group’s consensus as best-on-ground for the evening.

We also tried some of the ‘wine flights’ on offer (a set of 3 glasses of wine served on a hanging frame). This enabled each person to choose not only the variety of wine, but also the price bracket they wished. The Bordeaux flight was enjoyable, but it was agreed that the winter flight was the best of the ones tasted.

There were plenty of food options as well, and the group opted to try some cheeses from the cheese trolley which was a great accompaniment for the wines.

I can highly recommend 1707 for an intimate evening or for a group of friends to catch up, the setting was comfortably done and the wine selections nicely varied. Many thanks to Sammi and Kev for a great night out.

Cheers, JG.

Enter the Bunghole

2011-11-13T11:34:00.002Z

Our WoW in October saw us try out Bunghole, one of a number of wine bars operated by Davy's, a noted London wine merchants since the 1800's. From its stable, I decided on Bunghole as its location on High Holborn made it easily situated for anyone working in town (was also slightly curious withthe name).

I learnt that the establishment takes its name from the hole in the side of a wine barrell that is 'bunged' with a cork, Bunghole turned out to be a relatively large place (mostly situated on a basement level). I had optimistically booked for 10 and they had reserved a large meeting room style dining room for us to have 'high level wine discussions' - how little they knew of WoW. Once the more modest 4 of our attendees had arrived, we decided a small table within the main area was more suitable.

Davy's wine bars typically have a relatively extensive range of wines on offer ranging from their own labels up to top end French vintages.

Although small in number, our group had a great evening with some nice wines tasted and a good time had by all. Imbibed on the evening were an interesting Chilean pinot noir and culminating in a smooth and easy-drinking Bordeaux and Cristal champagne.

The surprise of the evening was the food menu, which included an extensive range of steaks and burgers.

Many thanks to Burnsy, Vera and Sammi for coming along and making it such an enjoyable evening, I particularly enjoy these more intimate occasions.

Bacchus - Greek god of wine and giver of ecstasy (14/9/11)

2011-09-28T17:47:00.005+01:00

Many thanks to all for coming along and making Wine on Wednesday a hugely enjoyable evening. It was great to see so many new faces.

Despite the negative comments regarding the venue's location in proximity to my office, Vivat Bacchus worked very well, offering a number of share platters (including a South African platter) as well as a full a la carte menu complimenting the substantial wine list. As our confirmed numbers grew throughout the preceding weeks, we ended up being seated in the downstairs dining room rather than the wine bar at ground level. I was initally concerned that this would dampen the mood and limit us to seated formality, however, it may have actually aided us to feel more comfortable in what seemed like our own private area and everyone seemed to have good time.

The size of the wine list, coupled with our group size worked well and allowed a great deal of tasting and experimentation to take place and it was gratifying to see everyone taking advantage of the opportunity.

All of the comments on the wines were positive, and there was a lot of mixing and socialising the key elements to any WoW. Personally, I stuck to the reds, starting with a standard Argentinian malbec, before trying a South African syrah and a couple of Italian varietals. I finished with a half bottle of dessert wine and a cheese plate. There was the option to go into the 'cheese room' to choose, although the standard french tasting plate was excellent.

I look forward to the next event and seeing all of you again. The sun's back, so enjoy and I'll keep you posted (photos to follow).

Riedel Tasting at Vinopolis

2011-04-03T20:03:00.011+01:00

Something a little different from the usual casual Wednesday tipple Wine on Wednesday is famous for, with Vinopolis hosting a Riedel wine and glass comparative tasting. Whether its marketing or scientific art, I don't care. I attended the Wine on Wednesday Riedel tasting at Wholefoods back in 2010 (see 23rd January 2010 post) and it was fantastic (however last time it only cost £10). This time the cost is £49 with the 'free' gift of £80 worth of glassware. I realise the cost for this event is prohibitive, but I highly recommend the experience. If you're interested in going, book online at http://www.vinopolis.co.uk/specialevents/riedel2011.php, although I'm not sure how many places there are, I've got my tickets already so you won't be alone. Vinopolis Website: "Join us for an enjoyable and life changing experience of discovering how a Riedel glass really can change our perception and increase our enjoyment of fine wines. Taste through 4 specially selected wines and be amazed at how the shape of the glass used, can transform their taste and flavours. Every person attending will take home £80 worth of Riedel Vinum glasses, free of charge." Date: Wednesday 13th April 2011 Time: 7.00pm - 8.30pm Price: £49 Warning! These events can turn into very expensive exercises, I mean, who can drink shiraz from a merlot glass???

Bedales of Borough

2011-04-03T19:20:00.008+01:00

After numerous trips to Borough Markets over the years, traditionally ending with a wine or two at Wine Wharf, this week saw mine and Wine on Wednesday’s first visit to Bedales, a lovely little wine bar with plenty of food options that complimented the wines to perfection.

Although the wine list was relatively short (only 4 or 5 of both reds and whites, as well as other options such as 3 types of sparkling), an interesting thing to note is their well stocked cellar (a very large selection), from which any wine can be bought take-away, or drunk in-store for an additional £8 corkage. Unfortunately there is no list for the cellar and I only had a few minutes to look around, but worth keeping in mind should you decide to try it out.

We had a great evening, Burnsy made an appearance after recently returning from his trip back to Aus, a few first timers made a welcome addition and Imke made the long journey into town after work which was a great surprise.

None of us knew any of the listed wines but by the end we had tasted the complete list of reds and one of the whites, including an exciting Italian syrah and a Spanish mencia.

Overall we had a very enjoyable evening, so many thanks to everyone who came along, especially those experiencing their first WoW.

Until next time, remember;

”What though youth gave love and roses, age still leaves us friends and wine.”
[Thomas Moore 1779 – 1852]

Getting the ball rolling for 2011!

2011-03-16T18:29:00.003Z

Well, after a brief hiatus and change of control, Wine on Wednesday is back!

Following the busy festive break and hand-over, I have been given the privilege of continuing this fine tradition, so I'll endeavour to bring the same 'Veuve' to the WoW craze and keep the blog up-to-date and topical. Unfortunately we've missed some prime wine-drinking months so some effort will be required to catch up.

As most of you know, Charlie and Prue have headed off to explore the world prior to ending their London (and Indonesian) stint, I'm sure they're having a great time and I wish them all the best. I'll do my best to organise an evening (have to check with them if they're around for any more Wednesdays) to coincide with the next time they're in London.

For the next event, however, I have had a look at a number of options and have chosen the next venue to be Bedales in Borough Markets. I'm not sure if it's been done on WoW before but their philosophy sounds interesting:
"I aim to promote delicious, tasty, unmediated wines; diversity of style and indigenous grape varieties; the endeavours of small independent growers; and the importance of sustainable, organic viticulture ... reacquainting ourselves with 'real wines', seeking out and preserving the unusual, the distinctive and the avowedly individual..."

I hope as many of you as possible can make it as it's sure to be a great night.
30th March from 7PM
Bedales Borough Market
5 Bedales Street
SE1 9AL

Change of Venue - Wed 24 Nov

2010-11-21T14:58:00.000Z

To avoid a set menu and a minimum spend I’ve switched this week’s WoW to Vats Wine Bar and Restaurant at 51 Lambs Conduit Street, London WC1N 3NB (nearest tubes are Russell Square and Holborn).

For those who know Greeny, he may make an appearance at what will be his last WoW before returning to Oz . . . so it could be a good warm up to the festive season.

Look forward to seeing you there from 7pm (let me know if you think you can make it, I’ll try to give them an indication of numbers on Tue night).

Charlie

November . . . really?

2010-11-11T21:54:00.003Z

The challenge is to believe it is November and by the 24th Christmas will be a sneaky month away. Cold, wet and rainy weather to boot means there is no better cure than a warming glass of vin rouge. Join us for a glass or more at Vivat Bacchus on 47 Farringdon St EC4A 4LL (nearest tube Chancery Lane or Farringdon) from 7pm on Wednesday 24 November.

www.vivatbacchus.co.uk

Look forward to seeing you there.

Charlie

Fresh Legs

2010-11-11T21:40:00.003Z

It was a famous five both in person and wine. Refreshing as always to have a newcomer to WoW this was probably one that featured more chat about the wine itself than most. Honey, fruitcake and port were all mentioned on first sip of the Austrian wine Burgenlander Pittnauer Zweigelt. You would have thought we were drinking a dessert wine but it opened up as we drank it, the sweetness countered by tannin and taughtness without loosing that togetherness that was the sign of some clever oenology. I know nothing about Austrian wine but given the prowess surrounding such a country it is no surprise that the arbitrary things we know as borders don't define the limits of those who are extremely capable in the art of winemaking. With the other wines we travelled the world including Italy, Mendoza and France. Accompanied by some great laughs and several decisions to stay for "one more" it was a thoroughly enjoyable evening.

28-50 Wine Workshop and Kitchen

2010-10-24T21:53:00.001+01:00

Looking for a hat-trick of rainy Wine on Wednesdays we’re heading for 28-50 Wine Workshop and Kitchen. It’s a new restaurant/bar with a motive firmly embedded in the enjoyment of good wine. Join us for a couple from 7pm this Wednesday at 140 Fetter Lane EC4A 1BT (nearest tube Chancery Lane or Temple).

Why to 28 to 50? Let that be your homework for Wednesday.

http://www.2850.co.uk/

One glass at a time

2010-09-21T21:05:00.003+01:00

My chirp-up of the summer sunshine peaking around the crevasses of St Pauls Cathedral was left a little sodden after a couple of tropical style downpours. A few stalwarts braved the London lubrication and we sipped a cheeky red before disappearing home to dry off.

September takes us back to one of the first venues of Wine on Wed. Kensington Wine Rooms is one of a few venues that allows you to purchase tasting size portions of a selection of wines (as per the web address). You can go on an adventure around the wine world in one night or test your palate by trying to identify the subtle differences between the aromatic whites. At 127 - 129 Kensington Church Street W8 7LP it is just around the corner from Notting Hill Gate on the Central line and I’ve let them know we’ll be congregating from 7pm. Look forward to seeing you there.

If you can’t make it next Wednesday this venue is definitely worth a look when you get a chance: http://www.greatwinesbytheglass.com/

St Pauls Summer Sunset

2010-08-10T11:33:00.002+01:00

Some semblance of organisation threatens to overthrow the haphazard world of Wine on Wednesday post pesto. For the remainder of 2010 WoW will be on the last Wednesday of the month. I will throw in a few in between (with venues a little bit out of the way or lacking the universal appeal) and let you know as these come up. The purpose remains threefold; a regular catch up, an exploration of London’s best bars and a chance to learn more about wine. I will keep you in the loop with these emails and this blog.

Our next adventure falls on the 25th of August at Dion St Pauls, a place renowned for its Krug room. Be not afraid, one will not be expected to max the credit card on a Nebuchadnezzar of vintage bubbles but do join us for one glass or many of whichever wine you desire. Will kick off about 7pm to catch the last of the summer sunshine in the surrounds of London’s famous dome (Dion St Pauls, Paternoster House, 65 St Pauls Churchyard, London EC4M 8AB).

Wine from the Middle East . . . seriously?

2010-08-10T11:30:00.001+01:00

I was lucky enough to try some Lebanese wine recently (even luckier that I was doing so in Lebanon). The results were not of note with one exception, the Ksara Reserve du Covent. A deep red blend of Cabernet-Sauvignon, Syrah and Carignan that was reminiscent of a warming Cotes du Rhone. Not really suited for drinking in the steamy Mediterranean sun but nonetheless a wine I will keep my eye out for. To qualify this I should say that I did not manage to sample any Chateau Musar wines. Musar is the flagship of the Lebanese wine industry (outside of Lebanon at least) and another to put on the list.

The Find

2010-07-02T13:17:00.003+01:00

Bafana Bafana will be a distant memory so the merlots and marsannes can return to centre stage for the next Wine on Wednesday 14 July. If you're a chance make your way to La Trouvaille in Soho (12a Newburgh, Soho, London, W1F 7RR) from 7pm. It is just east of Carnaby Street for the shoppers amongst us. If the weather is fair we will probably congregate in the laneway outside otherwise will probably try to nab the church pew downstairs. Hopefully it will be a good little find . . .

ps: Despite strict drink driving laws and a general disdain of public transport Wine on Wed has made a successful debut in Brisbane . . . www.wineonwednesdaybrisbane.blogspot.com

Never Say Never

2010-06-16T20:02:00.006+01:00

It's true, this Wine on Wednesday is less about wine and more about a good Margeret River chardy or a ballsy Barossa red (or the football team where they're from). Most people have written Australia off but I am unwilling. As such I've booked the top bar at the Harcourt Arms in Marylebone. It is not a glamour pub but should be a great spot to catch Australia v Serbia amongst friends. On a day when London is likely to stop (for the England match at 3pm) don the Green and Gold and join us to see the Socceroos have a crack.

The top bar at the Harcourt Arms (32 Harcourt Street, London W1H 4HX - walkable from Baker St, Marylebone and Edgeware Road tube stations) from 7pm Wednesday 23 June.

Charlie

Il Baretto

2010-04-25T19:39:00.000+01:00

Staying central this week with a Italian tipple or two at Il Baretto on Blandford St in Marleybone from 7pm this Wednesday 28 April. Address is 43 Blandford Street London W1U 7HF and closest tube station is Bond Street. See you there.

To give you a little heads up we’re likely to head south to Green & Blue (Clapham North) on the 12 May and then east (Islington) on the 26 May for some tasting at “The Sampler” before we take a few bottle on to a local restaurant. More details to follow . . .

Two Halves at St John

2010-04-25T19:38:00.000+01:00

In the place known for bringing hearty British food back into fashion we hardly managed to get beyond the wine list . . .

St. John Bar & Restaurant

2010-04-11T21:30:00.001+01:00

Simple food, an architecturally inspired space and good wine . . . St. John Bar and Restaurant promises to deliver what we love best in a classy setting. If the weather is as good as last week it may be standing room only so I’ve booked a table. In an old smokehouse near Smithfield Meat Market this establishment takes its name from the street it resides on, actual address is 26 St. John Street, London EC1M 4AY (don’t get confused there is also one in Spitalfields). Look forward to seeing you there.

Belle Époque

2010-04-11T11:39:00.002+01:00

Stepping into what are a very big pair of shoes (or possible an even larger pair of red pants) we embarked on WoW without its founder and brainchild. Ant, I can safely say we have not sold out. A hitherto undiscovered wine bar, some good company and lively conversation. It is always good to have a couple of WoW freshers and they came with fear of having to talk about Tattinger and tannins all night. To their relief the chat remained as simple as our choice of wine (and the A20 and EC2 are just the names of wines on the Bedford & Strand wine list not some complex wine terminology). We started on the Cycles Gladiator Pinot Noir and stuck to it all night. It hails from the Napa in California (an area I know so little about) and takes it names from a bicycle inspired by the Belle Époque era that was “a celebration of the freedom and happiness that pervaded Europe in the late 19th century”. We didn’t come up with any such life-changing inventions but we did solve the problems of the world. The pinot was soft and plummy like an Aussie merlot but had complexity probably more expected of its Central Otago relatives. In short, good wine.

What's in a name?

2010-03-22T02:56:00.002Z

Wine on Wednesday is on this week, 24 March from 7pm. The venue is Bedford and Strand, a well-established wine bar near Covent Garden that apparently avoids the tourist crowd. Needless to say there are plenty of wines on offer including an A20, an EC2 and a "Middle of Everywhere" Shiraz but I think I'll be hard pressed not to try the Gladiator.

http://www.bedford-strand.com/

Look forward to seeing you there,

Charlie

Who What When Where Wine

2010-03-22T02:54:00.008Z

WoW! What a big, wonderful night.

First, the venue - Wine Wharf, what can only be described as bustling, with an extensive wine list worth checking out. No surprise it's attached to Vinopolis and in Borough Market territory.

Next, the wine - we certainly went around the world in this department. In this respect, on a personal note, it felt more than fitting as my farewell to London wine nights as we hit a great variety of vinos. Some highlights included:

* "Little Beauty" Pinot Noir from Marlborough in New Zealand, courtesy of Ralphy and in honour of Mike Perry's love of this grape variety and the kiwis in attendance.
* A Serbian red, courtesy of Allana (though she wasn't happy with this particular drop, it was great to explore a less frequented wine spot on the globe).
* The 2006 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, the smooth Italian red headlining the formal tasting at the start of the night.

The other wine which stuck in my head from the night was when proceedings had moved on to The Hide Bar in Bermondsey Street - a 2006 Francis Ford Coppola Director's Cut Zinfandel from California. Lovely, smooth and one to keep an eye out for and try. Zinfandel is America's answer to Italy's Primitivo red grape and this one is a beauty.

Last but not least, the people - like the wines a great mix and made the night. Thanks to all for coming.

Keep enjoying your wine, each other and the times and places you do it.

Cheers

Anto

WWF

2010-03-03T22:03:00.006Z

Wine Wharf Finale. Next Wednesday's WoW (so 10 March 2010), we're heading London Bridge way to the wonderful Wine Wharf - attached to Vinopolis, it's the wine bar you enter from Borough Market side.

http://www.winewharf.com/

I've organised a formal tasting to kick-off of the night at 6:30pm, so please let me know if you're interested in that (further details below) or just come along as usual around 7:30pm for a mid-week vino.

I hope to see as many of you at some stage on the night as possible and share a wine with you as next Wednesday is the final WoW for me before heading back to Australia later in the month. So, though WoW will remain (under the careful guide of my brother, Charlie), I will be bidding farewell to London.

The tasting, for those keen, is run by the Wharf's own sommelier who covers six wines over the course of an hour and costs £25 per person. Again, please just confirm with me if you intend on coming to this so I can advise them of the numbers.

Cheers

Ant

Try Manouche

2010-03-03T22:02:00.001Z

It was good.

per CP

Sapori in Armonia

2010-02-25T16:17:00.002Z

Heard I missed a good little get together last night for WoW (post from Chuck to come shortly). Conveniently for me, the language school I’m attending here in Siena had organised a wine and cheese tasting evening last night – "Flavours in Harmony" - so I managed a wine on Wednesday also. It included a degustazione (sampling) of different pecorino cheeses with various flavours of honey and marmalades, and of course vino rosso of the region, Chianti. Not much more to say really - was fantastico and very interesting to get a little more insight in to the wine, cheese and condiments. (For instance, I had wondered why the Tuscan's have so many varieties of honey, so I asked the question last night. Rooted in Roman times, it's viewed as having various health benefits, being somwewhat medicinal, nutritional, and the like. It also keeps very well - more important back in the day. Add to this the fact that beekeeping has been around in the area for almost an eternity and is commonly a hobby for many of the locals who turn to it in retirement, and you can start to understand why they have the blueberry to green apple to capsicum infused honeys available. Tutti benissimo.)

Anto

Bring on Brunello

2010-02-23T21:08:00.002Z

I'm lucky enough to be in Tuscany at the moment and so am taking the opportunity, as much as possible, to sample some of the vino locale. It's sometimes difficult to know exactly what you're drinking as the trattorias (small, local, often family-run restaurants) give it to you in a carafe. Fortunately, in this area, more often than not it is Chianti and typically very good tasting and value for money. However, I have come across one particular wine, more in the Enotecas, which is a magnificent vino rosso and that is Brunello. Brunello is the local name which the town of Montalcino has given to Sangiovese (Tuscany’s grape of choice). In so doing, Montalcino has made Brunello famous. It is widely and highly regarded in the wine world - known as a great red and one which improves with age. So, if you see it on a menu, and it’s in your price range (it can tend be a little expensive), have a go.

Manouche is the Word

2010-02-22T20:43:00.002Z

The carrier pigeon finally arrived in Italy with the message to say that WoW is on at Manouche this week, Wednesday, 24 March. As I am away, my brother, Charlie will be "hosting" the evening.

This is a small French wine bar in the basesment at number 61, whose name literally translated means "gypsy" in French. Perhaps it'll be a little bohemian..... they also talk about it being a perfect place for "tête-à-tête" - a head-to-head or face-to-face - so I'm sure it'll be a great spot for wines and I look forward to hearing what it's like.

7pm onwards. It's on Goodge Street in the heart of Fitzrovia, so Goodge Street or Tottenham Court Road tube stations will be your best bet.

http://www.manouche-winebar.co.uk/

Cheers

Ant (and Charlie)

Cool night

2010-02-14T09:04:00.007Z

It was chilly. There was snow. Perfect for trying some wine last Wednesday. And, Ebury, in my opinion, put on a good show as a venue - convenient enough, sufficiently classy and professional without being pretentious and a wine list that matched that actually. The food also was above average.

To start, a couple of us tried the Sicilian white, Grecanico - an indigenous variety apparently which was lovely and refreshing to begin the evening. I've been getting more in to Sicily's reds lately, but hadn't tried any of their vino bianco. Now having done so, I feel Sicilian wine will be, where possible, more of a regular come wine ordering time. I did also branch out and try a Chilean Viognier. This grape variety had been a bit of an unknown quantity for me. Looking in to it - although it's traditionally from Northern Rhone in France, the New World, including Chile, does have its versions. There wasn't much memorable that struck me about it - I'd call it polite... and so it will remain a wine enigma for me for the time being. I'll have to try it with a Thai or other equally spiced South East Asian dish which it apparently goes well with.

Enough on white - it was an evening after all begging for winter warmers, so red naturally dominated. I know Kel had a go of a Spainish Garnacha (Grenache) which she hadn't done so before, at least knowingly. Its one of Spain's regulars, alongside Tempranillo. However, it was the Charamba from the Douro Valley in Portugal (the area traditionally famous for it's sweet red wine, Port, but is now producing some great drinking reds), which had the run of it on Wednesday night. There were others, one particular later in the night which I unfortunately can't recall. Perhaps that is testament to the evening, which following on from the Douro Valley lead, finished with a LBV (Late Bottled Vintage) Port. Lovely.

I will say on the food front, a few of us had the wild mushroom risotto with toasted pine nuts and parmesan. This was delicious and particularly enjoyable with the Chianti Classico we were drinking at the time. Cheers to Tuscany.

Thanks to all for coming along. Kel Murdoch, your last WoW before heading home to Aust? Thanks for being a regular supporter.

Keep an eye out for the next WoW - I will not be there, but my brother Charlie is looking to organise something for 24 February. Watch this space.

Ant

Green & Blue and Azerbaijan

2010-02-10T09:44:00.005Z

In the lead up to tonight's "something new" theme, I thought I'd share a couple of wine related firsts I've had recently.

I'm currently staying at East Dulwich in London's south-east. Down here is the lovely Lordship Lane, which I can encourage a visit to. There's not only some great pubs and cafes, but there's a fantastic wine shop, deli and bar called Green & Blue. These guys specialise in smaller producers with most of the wines being organic or biodynamic and the shop was voted Best Indepedent Wine Retailer in the UK, so you can be assured it's reasonably good. They also run regular wine events, with the tastings typically happening on Wednesday evenings (prices ranging from £16 to £35). So, if you're looking to try something new, head to Lordship Lane to find Green & Blue sometime.

The second story involves a night out at a friend's place. This particular friend regularly visits Azerbaijan on work trips and he thought we should sample a bottle of the local Azer wine. I loved the idea of branching out, but unfortunately we didn't like the wine so much. Not to worry. I've now gone from knowing nothing about Azer winemaking, to getting a small insight. And, while I certainly wouldn't profess to at this stage be a fan of or more to the point know much at all about the winemaking in Azerbaijan, I have since learnt that the country has quite a rich wine history - apparently before the arrival of the Arabs in the 7th century, the Tovuz region was known as the oldest land of quality wine-growing. Further, Azerbaijan and its western Gyandja-Tovuz region is traditionally a wine-growing territory home to famous Russian, German and Azeri historical figures, scientists, proprietors and millionaires. Interesting. For more, including how the French are now there trying to aid a renaissance of sorts, I can lead you to the website below.

http://www.vine.az/

Something new. See you tonight.

Something New at Ebury

2010-02-05T17:54:00.005Z

Next Wednesday, 10 February, we're going to head down to the Ebury Wine Bar, on Ebury Street, SW1W 9QU, in between Victoria and Sloane Square tube stations.

http://www.eburywinebar.co.uk/contactus.php

In the name of going for a theme - I'd like, as much as possible, to encourage all to go for something new - try a wine that you haven't tasted before. We'll see how that goes. Have a look at the wine list on their website in the meantime.

I'll be there from 6pm onwards, so please join whenever you can.

Also, with my impending trip to Tuscany I'll look to put on a bottle of Chianti Classico at some stage and even finish the evening with a final winter Port.

Hope to see you there.

Ant

Primary, Secondary and Tertiary

2010-01-23T15:26:00.000Z

Wholefoods and Reidel put on a brilliant tasting last Wednesday night. Very informative, worthwhile and value for money. Get along to one and keep an eye out for the glassware - Reidel know what they're doing. Fascinating to sample the wines out of the different glasses and compare the taste of a certain wine in the different styles of stemware. Who would have thought the nuances of glassware had such a role or affect on the taste of wine. In any case we've now got a better idea as to which wines work better in which styles of glasses and conveniently Reidel tend to name their glasses after the particular wines they suit.

Cheers

Aus Clarke and Grape Expectations

2010-01-19T23:11:00.003Z

I thought before the wine tasting tomorrow night I'd share what Australia's expert on wine, Oz Clarke, has to say about the matter, including his tips.

"Wine's about pleasure. If it doesn't give you a buzz, there's no point to it.... The thrill about wine is that every bottle tastes different. That's why you like some wines, and don't like others. It's taste. Some people like broccoli. Some don't. It's the same with wine. Follow the flavour, and you'll soon be making sense of why different wines taste like they do: grape varieties, regions of the world, they're all different. Tasting wine means understanding what you are drinking - and enjoying it more..... to help you find the stuff you like and the stuff you don't. Now, how to taste wine?

1. Read the label
2. Look at the wine
3. Smell the wine
4. Take a sip
5. Spit or swallow?
6. Jot down your impressions."

Looking forward to it. See you tomorrow.

Tutored Tasting

2010-01-07T23:10:00.004Z

What better place to start for the first WoW of 2010 than a Beginner's Guide to Wine. I got a tip off that Wholefoods run wine nights every other Wednesday evening. So, on 20 January I thought WoW could head to Wholefoods on High Street Kensington for a wine or two and learn a thing or two at the same time. It's only £10 and will take us on a tour comparing 5 wines. The night is taking a special look at a particular brand of glassware. I would guess it's the most widely used and well-regarded wine glassware and one that I'm sure you would have previously seen/heard of - the Austrian company, Reidel. It's always struck me as impressive... and reading in to it, given it's been 11 generations under the ownership of the same family, it's no wonder "Reidel Glass has stood for the high art of glassmaking".

So, if you're keen, please let me know as at this stage, I've only reserved 6 places and I'd hate for anyone to miss out.

Summertown - Winter Wines in Oxford

2010-01-04T22:02:00.003Z

Happy new year to all. I wish everyone the best in 2010 and hope it includes some tasty wines at some point. I hope everyone had a lovely and restful Christmas break. It seemed much needed after 2009... at least I thought so.

I was fortunate enough to spend a few relaxing days in Oxford just after Christmas, which included a visit to the Summertown Wine Cafe. This place in the North Oxford suburb is brilliant. Resident Oxfordian ‘Dr Burns’ first introduced me to it earlier in the year, but cheers to Nick and Georgie for taking Rach and I back there for wine tasting.

For a modest £8 you can sample 12 wines. The staff are excellent and spent an hour at least running us through 6 whites and 6 reds from around the world, including a Spanish Cava to start and a LBV (Late Bottled Vintage) Port to end. Some v tasty and interesting wines indeed and at very good prices too. It’s certainly worth a stop if you find yourself up that way.

http://www.summertownwinecafe.co.uk/

Please note the first WoW is now on 20 January 2010. Keep an eye on the other dates for your diary. Look forward to seeing you this year. More on what's in store for WoW in 2010 soon, so until then, cheers.

F&M! WoW for the year

2009-12-23T23:45:00.008Z

Photos courtesy Sophie Kidman

Minus the surly waitress, F&M's 1707 Wine Bar is a top spot. It may be better suited for a date or a smaller party as they didn't seem to handle our larger group.... at least when we were standing up at the bar. We had to be seated at all times. Perhaps it was for the wine flights, which I thought were brilliant - tasty, great way to sample, not too big, well-priced... give them a try - the Spanish, Italian and Bordeaux flights were most popular last week with us.

They cut Spanish Jamon off the bone for those of us who were hungry. The late menu actually has a number of tasty treats (e.g., wasabi salmon). Cheese too.

Thanks to all those who came last week. Special mention must go to the boys from LBS for joining us. AJW and Anthony Davis, thanks for getting along. Hope to see you back again soon.

Season's Greetings all. A big thank you to everyone for your wonderful support of Wine on Wednesday in 2009. I trust it's been fun. Look forward to being back next year, bringing more with it. In the meantime, happy holidays and enjoy your wines.

Anto

Festive Fortnum Flights

2009-12-13T10:52:00.003Z

Just a reminder that this week's Wine on Wednesday (16 Dec 09) is at Fortnum & Mason's 1707 Wine Bar. It's on Picadilly (no. 181), between Green Park and Picadilly Circus tube stations.

If you enter F&M through the doors from Picadilly, straight ahead (you may not be able to see it for all the Christmas shoppers, but I assure it's there) is a spiral staircase which will take you down to the lower ground floor where 1707 is nestled.

They offer wine flights (3 smaller glasses of wine) so you can choose an assortment of wines to sample for between £10 and £20, which I think will be a fun way to explore some grape varieties, wine regions and styles.

Besides F&M alone being worth the visit, there's every reason to come this week as it's the Christmas and last official WoW for 2009. As well, Anthony Watson will be making a guest appearance - all the way from Ireland. So, do come along from 7pm (until 10:30pm when they close). I look forward to seeing you.

Compliments of the season

Anto

Perry Bros. at Berry Bros.

2009-12-12T18:45:00.002Z

Just headed in to Berry Bros. & Rudd on St James Street near Pall Mall with my brother Charlie to stock up on wine supplies for Christmas. These guys are old school - they were established in XVII Century, so it's more than reasonable that they call themselves Fine Wine & Spirit Merchants. They know their stuff, and the range is fun to navigate. Can recommend a visit to this English institution who supplies the Royal Family.

http://www.bbr.com/GB/about/who-we-are

Seasons greetings

A Wine at the Barrel with Maddog

2009-12-11T23:16:00.003Z

Grapeshots is a great little establishment. The laneways and passageways around it add to its charm. I wouldn't go overboard about the wine list. Nice enough. I learnt that it's one of Davy's numerous winebars. Davy's are "purveyors of fine wine" founded in 1870 by Francis Edwin Davy. So, there's a bit of history there, but it seems more commercial, the wine feels more mass produced, nowadays.

The wine on Wednesday was Spain - Tempranillo and Rioja - Davy's label. Red. Nice enough.

Enjoyable Wine on Wednesday. Cheers to Kel.

No Cigar... change to this week's venue

2009-12-08T22:55:00.006Z

Enoteca Da Luca is not ready for us this week. I saw the owner today, happily hanging some legs of prosciutto in the bar (like I said putting the finishing touches on the fit-out), but unfortunately he won't have it ready until Friday evening at the earliest when he is now hoping to open the doors properly..... one for the new year.

So, for tomorrow night (9 Dec 09), WoW will instead be at the nearby Grapeshots. This quaint old English wine bar is tucked away in Artillery Passage, near Liverpool Street tube station. Postcode is E1 7LJ. If you find it a little tricky to locate, please call, it's worth the adventure through the little laneways to the wine barrel in the bar where we'll meet and enjoy some December wines as the year comes to a close. Yes, it's the penultimate WoW for the year. With the busy-ness of silly season in swing and people going away on holidays, make sure you come along tomorrow night or on 16 December for a last WoW of 2009.

A space is reserved from 7:15pm. Look forward to it.

Slight Gamble

2009-12-02T22:42:00.003Z

There's a new wine bar opening up just near Liverpool Street Station. It's called Enoteca Da Luca. It's in Devonshire Square. The final touches are being put on the fit out. Looks a cracker. I saw the owner the other day and he said the bar will be ready next week. It's not possible to make a booking yet though, so we'll be taking a slight punt. However, if we turn up and hit any worries (i.e., find that there's been a delay in opening), we'll head to one of two other wine bars I know near there. Give me or Charlie Perry a call in this case. Will be fun. Come along from 7-7:30pm.

Look forward to it.

Benissimo

2009-11-27T23:26:00.003Z

Excellently, famously, fine, finely, very well. That is Negozio Classica. This unassuming wine bar was a great stumble across. Lovely and cosy on Wednesday night. Italian... including Ricardo, our waiter and wine aid, from La Spezia (near the Cinque Terre for those who've been there). The wine we drank was benissimo. I can't recall whether it was a Barolo or Barbera, but it was a smooth red, from near the town of Alba in Piedmont. Nebbiolo and Barbaresco are two other very renowned varietals from that region... for next time though. The rest on Wednesday night - the Parmigiano Reggiano, the chocolate fondant we had late - benissimo. Grazie.

See you soon.

Negozio Classica

2009-11-22T21:28:00.003Z

This is a wine bar "bringing the best of Montepulciano to Notting Hill - great wines and Italian foods." It's concept - to source products of an extremely high standard from Europe, Italy in particular. I like what it's about, so I've made a booking for 7:30pm for vinos this Wednesday, 25 November.

http://www.negozioclassica.co.uk/eng-bar-1.htm

It's on the corner of Portobello Road and Westbourne Grove (W11 2QA). Closest tube is Notting Hill Gate.

Look forward to a cosy winter red.

Anto

Standby

2009-11-16T23:26:00.003Z

We can't do WoW at 1707 Wine Bar on 25 November unfortunately due to a special event they have on that night. So, we'll do that on 16 December instead for the Christmas WoW. For next week, please watch this space.

1707

2009-11-15T20:50:00.003Z

Is the year Fortnum & Mason was established by William Fortnum and Hugh Mason. Yes, the famous London department store supplying high quality goods to Britain and the Royal family. Nestled in the building's basement is 1707 Wine Bar which is where we're going to head to for the next Wine on Wednesday on 25 November 2009. They offer reasonably priced wine flights which will be a good way to sample some of their wines.

http://www.fortnumandmason.com/1707-wine-bar.aspx

It's at 181 Piccadilly (so closest tube - Piccadilly Circus). 7pm to 10pm.

See you there.

Cheers

Anto

Autumn Vin

2009-11-10T22:26:00.004Z

Le Beaujolais was cosy, French and fantastic if you're after a bustling bar for a wine. We went with the namesake and drank the Beaujolais-Villages on offer, which was lovely, as always. It is the lightest, fruitiest style of Beaujolais (and red wine?). If Rosé was WoW's wine of the Summer, I think Beaujolais is the flavour of Autumn. I've been beating the Beaujolais drum a bit, so Is it time a move on with winter fast approaching.... not yet, you see, I learnt about "Beaujolais Nouveau Day". It's the third Thursday of November. The grapes (any Beaujolais or Beaujolais-Villages AOC vineyard can produce Beaujolais Nouveau) are harvested between late August and early September. It's fermented for just a few days (the wine is meant to be drunk as young as possible, when they are at their freshest and fruitiest), then released to the public on the third Thursday of November - a celebration of another successful harvest.

So, come 19 November 2009, cheers to Beaujolais... once again.

Great to see the newly weds Pete and Allana last Wednesday night - congratualtions on the occasion - and of course, to the other WoW regulars, great to share some vinos.

See you next time.

Anto

Flavour of the Month

2009-11-01T21:44:00.004Z

East Room isn't happening this week. Wine on Wednesday, however, still is. As we couldn't get in to the New World Wine Room, we're going instead to head to a wine bar in Covent Garden. It's Le Beaujolais, 25 Litchfield Street, WC2H 9NJ. It's in between Leicester Square, Covent Garden and Tottenham Court Road tube stations.

See you there.

Coles?

2009-10-30T08:06:00.002Z

Going to head to the New World Wine Room at a place called The East Room in Shoreditch this Wednesday, 4 November. It's just off City Road, between Old Street and Moorgate tubes (Liverpool St is also nearby).

http://www.thstrm.com/home/index.html

From 7-7:30pm. Hope to see you there.

Anto

Plot of Land

2009-10-22T23:17:00.005+01:00

Terroirs, by it's literal translation means "soils" or "plot of land", which I came to learn from a Hungarian wine buff at a Vinopolis wine tasting session. From Wikipedia - it is a French term in wine, coffee, and tea used to denote the special characteristics that geography bestowed upon particular varieties. Better yet - at its core is the assumption that the land from which the grapes are grown imparts a unique quality that is specific to that region.

And so we went. The wine bar's concept "derives from the Parisian natural wine bars with their emphasis on superb, rarely-seen wines, informal yet informed service, and excellent, hearty food." It certainly was, including a little French arrogance thrown in for good measure. They say the intention of their wine list is "to introduce customers to natural, hand made wines that they feel like drinking." The wines were lovely. Jim embraced the old world, including some Merlot and Beaujolais... at least for a night.

Tasty snacks too, particularly if you like anchovies. We finished these promptly... we had to be out by 9pm. Keeping the WoW dream alive we headed down the road to Gordon's Wine Bar for a few (bottles) more.

The prize on the night seemed to be our old friend Rioja - we finished strongly with some Viña Pomal Rioja Reserva 2003. Relating this particular wine back to the facts on Rioja - it is 100% Tempranillo [one of the grape varieties produced in the region]. Viña Pomal [the estate] is produced by the historic Bodegas Bilbaínas, the largest vineyard in Rioja Alta [one of the three principal regions within Rioja]. And as a Reserva - it's been aged for 3 years (in French oak for 1 year and in the bottle for 2 years). Rich and smooth. Lovely. Needless to say, there were some sore heads today.

Cheers

Slow Wine?

2009-10-15T23:00:00.002+01:00

It would seem like the next place we're going to for wines is very much keen on a topic dear to me - Slow Food. Their philosophy is:

"Great food and great wine sourced with an eager eye for provenance.

It is about the purity of the product, either raised, or grown, with sensitivity and compassion. It is about food and wine which is natural and free of additives and about artisan products that taste simply of their origin. It is about serving food and wine in a fun, friendly and stimulating environment and it is about the people who return to Terroirs and bring with them that sense of enjoyment and pleasure."

The place is Terroirs. It's on William IV Street in between Trafalgar Square and Charing Cross tube station, near Covent Garden. Next Wednesday, 21 October. I've booked a table at 7pm. Jimmy McDonald and his lovely wife Emma are coming along after their adventures around Europe, so please join us.

Ant

Rioja - that Spanish wine

2009-10-15T22:06:00.003+01:00

It seemed the wine of choice last week at Pix. It so often is. I thought I'd look in to further, so here's some background:

Rioja is a wine named after La Rioja in Spain - in the north, south-west of Bilbao, San Sebastian, Pamplona. Rioja is made from grapes grown mainly in the Autonomous Community of La Rioja. The grapes produced are Tempranillo, Granacha (or Grenache), Granciano and Mazuelo (or Garignan).

The three principal regions of La Rioja are Rioja Alavesa, Rioja Alta and Rioja Baja with each area producing its own unique expression of Rioja wine.

A distinct characteristic of Rioja wine is the effect of oak aging. It’s also something that affects it’s classification. Rioja red wines are classified into four categories.

1. Simply labeled "Rioja," is the youngest, spending less than a year in an oak aging barrel.
2. A "crianza" is wine aged for at least two years, at least one of which was in oak.
3. "Rioja Reserva" is aged for at least three years, of which at least one year is in oak.
4. "Rioja Gran Reserva" wines have been aged at least two years in oak and three years in bottle.

Is it the quintessential Spainish wine?

Pix

2009-10-15T21:49:00.003+01:00

Pintxo

2009-09-30T20:01:00.003+01:00

Spain is the name of the game next week. We're heading to a brand new pintxo bar on Westbourne Grove for Wine on Wednesday, 7 October 2009. So if you're keen for el vino and some Spanish tapas toothpick included, come along.

If you need more of a reason, I believe it'll be Liz Moynihan's final WoW in London before she jets off home soon. Also, show and tell on the evening will be provided by Vincent van Chaz. In keeping with the theme he is going to present biographical stories and 29+ sketches from his recent weeks travelling through Spain. Though this may only be partly true, Charles (the name he also goes by) will be there as he fleets through London, like Liz, homeward bound.

The bar is called Pix and is at 175 Westbourne Grove, W11 2SB. Closest tube is Notting Hill Gate on the Central Line.

I've booked a space for 7:30pm.

See you then.

Cheers

Anto

Cheese Cracker

2009-09-29T23:58:00.004+01:00

Not too long after I arrived in London I noticed a little unassuming place on Moxon Street called La Fromagerie. It looked marvellous - a cheese room, walls of wine, artisan breads, fresh produce, leaf teas, a lovely sit down area..... I wondered how best does one do this place? Breakfast hopefully (I tried to once or twice), Sunday lunch (maybe), dinner..... well tonight I finally worked it out. Cheese and wine tasting. I've just come from there where it was an evening on Piedmont. Conveniently, the region where I was last weekend for the Slow Food Cheese Festival, so a wonderful follow up, and in it's own right exquisite. Patricia Michelson who opened the first shop in Highbury in the early 90's took us through a wonderful array of wine, cheese and food from the region in Northern Italy. It began with Prosecco and Grana Padana crisps, and ended with pears and quince poached with vanilla mascarpone, and in between included risotto, Ubriaco, Branzi, Taleggio, truffle cheeses, Barbera and Nebbiolo wines. No doubt you've heard of all of them. I certainly hadn't, many of them aren't publicly available apparently. It was a cracker.

http://www.lafromagerie.co.uk/

Thanks Tess.

See you for Wine on Wednesday next week.

Antonioni

An Italian, a Frenchman and a Kiwi?

2009-09-27T21:56:00.002+01:00

I went to the town of Bra in Italy last weekend for the Slow Food Cheese Festival. This event was brilliant. In any case, the reason I bring it up is because Bra is based in Piedmont in the North Western corner of Italy (just south of Turin) and is home to some of Italy’s best wines including Barolo and Barbaresco. Still buoyed by the trip on Wednesday night, I thought it’d be good to start with one of these wines...... alas, the Pavillion’s wine list wasn’t to be obliging. Not to worry, we stuck with Italy and tried a bottle from the Puglia region (the heel to Italy’s boot). Lovely, smooth and a little spicy – a bold-ish start. We also had our theme for the night… where have you been and what’s the wine like.

Next, Marty, who’d recently ventured to France for some canal boating along with a few wines, tempered things a little with a Beaujolais. The name derives from this historical province and wine-producing region in France located north of Lyon. It is a red wine made of the purple-coloured Gamay grape. The one we drank on the night was from producer Dominique Morel (Domaine de Gry-Sablon) from Fleurie. (There are ten specific Beujolais ‘Crus’, and Fleurie is one of them. My reading tells me that “Cru is a term which in Beaujolais can be loosely translated as ‘not crap’!”). Chilled slightly, light, nicely bodied, fresh, fruity and delightful – great choice.

To finish, Karl, one of our resident Kiwis on the night, took us to the New World. As we’re on the reds, it wasn’t going to be one of New Zealand’s cliché albeit outstanding Marlborough Sauv Blancs. Instead, it was a lovely Pinot Noir from that area by Kim Crawford. Beautiful. A good note to end the evening on.

As for it being the last of summer on Wednesday night, it certainly was the first day of autumn. A lovely night beside the bowling green nonetheless.

See you in a couple of weeks.

Autumnal Equinox

2009-09-17T23:57:00.002+01:00

I'm trying to squeeze the most out of this summer. For the next Wine on Wednesday I've chosen a delightful little venue situated by a bowling green, yet right in the middle of town. I'm hoping it'll be a lovely summer's afternoon for us to enjoy a few quiet wines after work. I say summer, but in actual fact it will be the first day of Autumn, you see this year the Autumnal Equinox falls on the night before - Tuesday evening, 22 Sept. This is when night and day are nearly the same length as the Sun crosses the celestial equator.

So, on Wednesday, 23 September 2009, whether technically it's the last day of summer or the first day of autumn, come and join me for a relaxed wine or two at Finsbury Circus around 7/7:30pm. The place is called The Pavillion. Here's the website:

http://www.pavilionlondon.co.uk/

It's right in between Moorgate and Liverpool Street tubes.

Ant