Uncorked: Artur Aronov

Originally from Estonia, Artur has just joined the Aberdeen Street Social team as head sommelier, fresh from working at Atherton’s London hotspots of Social Wine and Tapas and Social Eating House. Artur began his restaurant career in 2009 at the two-Michelin starred Restaurant Sat Bains, then moved to the two-Michelin starred Ledbury as head waiter before joining the Atherton empire in 2012 as sommelier at Pollen Street Social. He speaks to dbHK about always remaining humble and how an accidental purchase of German Riesling started his passion for wine.

What vintage are you?

1986. Good for Bordeaux – not so good for Burgundy. Le Mission Haut-Brion 1986 is a personal favourite!

What bottle sparked your love of wine?

A German Riesling which was a happy accident. I had just turned 18 and it was my first foray into buying wine. I went to the supermarket without knowing anything about wine – I didn’t even realise it was white! But I liked it so I started doing research, buying wine books etc and was hooked. I was studying at Tallinn Academy of Arts at the time but quit, went travelling and started working in restaurants. I’ve never looked back!

Where are you happiest?

I would say at a dinner table with my parents, my friends, food and wine. So simple!

Best advice you ever received?

My photography teacher at university said to me to always be humble. No matter how far you get there is always much to learn. You get so much more about of life with this attitude.

Most overused word?

It’s actually what a lot of other people say but it’s when a wine is described as ‘interesting’ and then no other following description. What’s so interesting about a wine which means the person can’t articulate why it is so interesting? Also people in the trade who use the terms biodynamic or organic as a selling point rather than as a philosophy.

Your cellar’s underwater, which bottle would you dive in and save?

My 1998 Cornas by Pierre Gaillard.

What’s the best and the worst thing about the wine business?

The best parts can be the worst parts.  We are so spoilt in this industry with a luxury of choice that we become so used to having the best all the time.

What’s on your wine bucket list?

DRC Le Montrachet. Always wanted to try but never had the chance yet!

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

All my mates, especially Laure Patry – the executive head sommelier of Social Wine & Tapas – and some of my favourite winemakers. We would have 2011 Cote-Rotie and finish my magnum of 2011 d’Yquem.

Personal satisfaction (Parker points – out of 100)

I never look at them!

Which wine would you like served at your funeral?

Champagne to cheer everyone up! Probably Agrapart & Fils.