Uncorked: Neil Grant

Neil Grant is the former Chairman of the South African Sommeliers Association and has also participated on the judging panels for the Bollinger Exceptional Wine Service Awards, Wine of South Africa Sommelier World Cup and the Chaine d’Rositssier World Junior Sommelier Cup. Grant spent seven years in San Francisco and returned to South Africa in 2006 after earning his sommelier certificate in 2005. He then co-founded Burrata in Cape Town in 2012 along with Barry Engelbrecht and opened a new venture, Bocca in 2014. He speaks to dbHK about an unforgettable bottle of Château Haut-Brion 1951 and wanting to serve Pol Roger Winston Churchill to Winston Churchill.

Neil Grant, former chairman of the South African Sommelier Association

What vintage are you? 

1975. It wasn’t particularly great for Burgundy or Bordeaux – it was better for Port I think, still not the best!

What bottle sparked your love of wine?

Without a doubt, Château Haut-Brion 1951. I was working in a wine bar at the time and a customer opened it for us. His father had passed away and he had brought it up from the cellar. For me, it was such a a “wow” moment, but then I thought to myself that I should probably drink my own good wine before I pass away so that no else one drinks it!

What would you be as a wine?

Probably a Champagne. It’s more versatile than wine, goes with lots of different foods and makes everyone feel good. It has good ageing potential and there have been some truly amazing vintages.

Where are you happiest?

My life revolves around food and wine. I love interacting with guests and there’s nothing better than giving someone the most amazing wine experience. This is why I do what I do.

Best advice you’ve ever had?

Do what you love and the rest will follow. I really believe in this.

Most overused word?

For other people it’s the word, “nice”. I hear people saying, “this wine is nice,” but what does that mean? My shirt’s nice, everything is nice.

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

My Krug collection 1981. Let’s say if I don’t make it, I may as well enjoy myself.

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

Know-it-alls. That drives me crazy. You can never know it all in this industry. On the whole, the majority of people in the wine business are awesome. They know how  to relax and enjoy themselves which is most important.

What’s on your wine bucket list?

Cheval Blan 1947.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Winston Churchill, François Pinault, Ferran Adrià. I’ve served Adrià but never sat with him at a table. He has some amazing ideas ahead of his time. It would also be fun to serve Pol Roger’s Winston Churchill – especially to Churchill.

Personal satisfaction (Parker points – out of 100)?

92-93. There is always room for improvement.

Which wine would you like served at your funeral?

A good, strong, stiff whisky. A single malt such as Highland Park, for example. I spent a few years in Scotland when I was younger and my family have Scottish ties so I feel a real connection. Plus you can’t have a real wake without proper whisky.