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Slideshow
The week in pictures
db attended a tasting of Ornellaia’s recently released Bianco 2013 on Wednesday – the producer’s first serious white wine. A blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier, its release marks a departure by the Super Tuscan producer based in Bolgheri from the region’s predominately red wines.
Barrel fermented in oak barriques and aged on its lees for 12 months, it offers the promise of a future white Super Tuscan. Guests to the tasting at Tartufo in Chelsea were also treated to a selection of the producer’s reds, including its second wine La Serre Nuove 2013, paired with beef carpaccio, Parmesan cream and winter salad topped with truffle.
At the New Zealand International Wine Show awards held in Auckland, the Sir George Fistonich medal (Legend of New Zealand Wine) was presented to Clive Weston, managing director of Nautilus Estate of Marlborough, “In recognition of services to New Zealand wine.”
In accepting the Sir George Fistonich medal, Clive thanked Sir George, founder of Villa Maria, Kingsley Wood, convenor of the NZ International Wine Show and acknowledged the whole of the Nautilus Estate and Negociants team for their work and support over many years.
Foster’s’ upcoming television series Helluva Tour is already capturing the public’s imagination, as a golden van soared over the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct – the first ever van to fly across Britain’s skies.
To raise awareness for the new series, British residents were treated to a glimpse of the type of adventures on the horizon for viewers as the replica van sailed 2,000 feet over Britain’s most breath-taking stretch of waterway.
Perrier-Jouët’s chef de caves Hervé Deschamps is “cautiously optimistic” about the 2015 harvest now that all the musts have been received at the winery in Epernay. “I’m pleased with the potential of this year’s harvest so far. The grapes are very healthy with good maturity levels and potential alcohol in excess of 10.5° across the entire Perrier-Jouët vineyard, regardless of variety or cru,” he said.
Swedish cider brand Rekorderlig is to bring its Jam Sessions event to London on 1 December following a successful launch in Glasgow earlier this year. The event aims to unite bartenders with the aim of creating exciting new cider-based cocktails such as this veggie-focused conception above.
Wine and cocktail bar 68 and Boston in Soho celebrated the release of the latest James Bond film, Spectre, this week with three nights of Martinis priced at just £0.07p in a nod to Bond’s secret agent number. Sadly, the Martinis, which were shaken not stirred, were limited to one per person.
We loved this tweet from I Heart Wines in celebration of National Cat Day on 29 October
Tanqueray’s brand ambassador, Tim Homewood, presented the brand’s new expression; Tanqueray Bloomsbury, at the Bloomsbury hotel in London this week.
To celebrate the launch, a signature serve, The Bloomsbury Gibson, was created by The Bloomsbury hotel’s head bartender Joel Miguel.
One of the more colourful wines tried at the Tesco autumn tasting at The Hospital Club in Covent Garden this week.
We were also rather taken with this Salted Caramel Liqueur enjoyed at the Tesco tasting, which reminded us of butterscotch Angel Delight.
Bibendum PLB’s beer and spirit company, Instil Drinks (part of Bibendum PLB) showcased its flagship beer brand Estrella Galicia at an event in London’s Ugly Duck on Tanner Street this week.
On- and off-trade guests enjoyed beer and food matching courtesy of Tapas Revolution’s Omar Allibhoy, and beer cocktails from Bibendum PLB trade marketing manager Michele Tuveri. Estrella Galicia’s Brewery Owner and Master Brewer was also over from Spain to talk about the range and the Hijos de Rivera Brewery Company.
db’s secret weapon, Rupert Millar, was sadly unable to make this year’s Côte du Rhône Halloween quiz, which had a “Game of Rhônes” theme, but he was there in spirit in a eerily lifelike poster on display by the bar. db’s Chloé Beral and Clementine Beach made sure his glass was always at least half full.
Sadly, without access to Rupert’s overflowing font of knowledge, we didn’t manage to take home the trophy this year, much to the dismay of our trusty team.
Never one to turn down the chance to stuff ourselves silly, db was delighted to be invited to the new Dirty Bones opening in foodie mecca Kingly Court off Carnaby Street. We loved the clash of cosy and industrial via lazy hanging lampshades.
Amy Hopkins of our sister title The Spirits Business braved signature dish The Dirty Dog rammed with pulled pork, bacon and spring onions. Also highly recommended is the spicy chicken burger, the salt and pepper squid and the superb Mac Daddy burger oozing with mac ‘n’ cheese.
The cocktails at Dirty Bones were top notch, proving just how far restaurants have upped their game on the cocktail front of late. Among the highlights was the Mutt’s Nuts, featuring Woodford Reserve Bourbon, cinnamon and vanilla-infused maple syrup and apple and lemon juice, which slipped down easily.
We ended the night on a high with a butter-washed Bourbon Old Fashioned, which was every bit as decadent and delicious as it sounds.
And finally… soul singer John Legend announced the launch of his own wine brand, LVE, to his fans via Instagram this week.