One to Remember...

There were plenty of Kodak moments to be had in the fun of last Wednesday night, downstairs at Fino’s wine cellar in Mayfair. It’s etched in everyone’s memory… I’m sure… I hope…

… see I’d like to share the wonderful photos I/we took, but the camera they were taken on is missing in action. The pictures telling 1000 words may well turn up, but for now, I give you my version:

From an early stage, the girls were sipping Proseco (Italy’s version of sparkling wine which is from Veneto in the North near the border with Slovenia). This I’m sure was meant as an aperitif, but, if I recall correctly, proved a stayer and carried on as their drink of choice through most of the night. In any case, it ensured proceedings kicked off well and laid a solid foundation for the rest of the evening.

The boys on the other hand relied on Italy later in the night, finishing with a wine from Vicchiomaggio – well rounded and tasty – Ripa Delle Mandorle , from 2005, which may explain the tastiness and smoothness. See it turns out Vicchiomaggio was Italian Winemaker of the Year that year. Let me digress further, Vicchiomaggio is located in the heart of the Chianti Classico area. This is the biggest of seven sub-areas in the Chianti region in Tuscany. Interestingly, for a wine to retain the name of Chianti, it must be produced with at least 80% Sangiovese grapes. However, the one we drank on Wednesday night only had 75%, the remaining 25% being Cabernet Sauvignon. Delightful, Toscana delightful, albeit not a Classico.

Back to where I was, the boys chose a Spanish flavour in the beginning, a lovely 2004 Rioja. Before I try and pretend to know too much about it and impart as much on you I’ll have to study up on it… so, for another day.

As for Fino’s (which lays claim to being the original London wine bar), it’s certainly a cosy bar with a friendly atmosphere, if last Wednesday night it was devoid of patrons outside of the WoW crowd. It was fun to explore “the warren of passageways leading to secret alcoves and private dining rooms”. The old school barmen in their uniforms were a pleasure - polite, hospitable and attentive – I thought. Great snacks too.

Wato, great to have you over from Aus. Likewise, Burnsy in from Oxford for the night, and Prue, your regular presence noted, glad you made the effort after hockey training.

As ever, thanks to everyone for making it a particularly memorable Wine on Wednesday, especially those whose first WoW it was.

Cheers

Anto