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

Come for a Red

Venue for next Wednesday is Fino’s Wine Cellar in Mayfair.

http://www.finos.co.uk/finos_winecellar/index.htm

123 Mount Street, W1K 3NP, is in between Bond Street (Central line) and Green Park (Jubilee line) tube stations.

Please come for a vino. The order of the night is red, but if it happens to be sunny, we can enjoy a white or even a (summer?) Rosé in the lovely little laneway out the front.

Look forward to seeing to you there around 7:30pm/8pm.

Cheers

Anto

Good Hair Vibe 9/9/9

Hi all, this is a bit of a save the date - next Wine on Wednesday is going to be on the 9th of the 9th '09 (not this week, but Wednesday the week after). It's going to be good. I'd really like to get a number of people along to this one, so please spread the word. I am already expecting some fresh faces on the night and have a special guest in one C P Watson also due to attend. For the auspicious occasion, keep an eye on the blog - I will post the details of the venue soon.

Enjoy your weekend.

Anto

Kensal Rising

I recommend having a wine with Miro on Chamberlayne. Not only has Chamberlayne just been dubbed the hippest street in Europe, but Miro's is a great little spot for a wine, a snack and a chat. Sitting outside alfresco style in London given the gorgeous evening it was on Wednesday just gone, we enjoyed an obligatory Rose... or at least I did, as ever. However, it was red which carried us through the evening. In particular, we drank a Tempranillo to accompany our food - "Around the World" tapas (a new offering at this bar which has traditionally just served wine). I'm pretty certain we sampled at least one of every dish (lamb, salmon, prawns, white bait, chick peas and the rest) which were all very tasty and fresh, making it difficult to pick a clear stand-out. Back on the wine, there was a clear stand-out... we finished with a cracking bottle of red - a 2007 Domaine Combier Crozes-Hermitage. An extremely smooth Syrah/Shiraz from the Rhone region in France. Solid pick Dave.

Thanks boys (and Rach) for a great wine night.

See you all soon.

Ant

Open House, All Rise

We're heading North West for Wine on Wednesday next week (19 August) for two reasons:

1. There's a great wine bar on Chamberlayne Road in Kensal Rise NW10 3ND - Miro's Bar & Kitchen.

http://www.samsonmiro.com/

2. Scott Mac and I are opening up our place on Purves Road, Kensal Green for a warm-up WoW wine. We've put the final touches on the house and we'd love you to come and have a sticky beak.

We'll be at the house from 6:30pm for about 2 hours, then will head up the road to Miro's for a fine wine or two more, so please come up to NW10 and see it all for yourself.

Look forward to it.

Ant

All Things Wine - Late Mail

Hi all, next "official" Wine on Wednesday is 19 August - it's looking like we'll go North West for it. More to come on that, but in the meantime, if you're looking for a wine this Wednesday, there's a wine tasting @ Clifton Nurseries in W9 being hosted by The Winery, a veteran Maida Vale wine merchant. Both are quality places, so I'm sure it'll be good. £25.

http://www.thewineryuk.com/

Ant

Great Wines by the Glass

Kensington Wine Rooms is just that. It's equipped with those specialised Enomatic wine dispensing machines which means we were able to try all manner of old and new world wines - white, red and rose - last Wednesday night. It's possible to have a taste, a small glass or a large glass depending on your thirst, curiousity and budget. We did. It's a corker. Go.

Ol, Mil, Chris, thanks for venturing up from south of the river. Great to have you along with everyone else who made it for another relaxed Wine on Wednesday.

Anto