The week in pictures

This week in the world of drinks: Bottega opens a new Prosecco bar at London Stansted airport, Sarah Jessica Parker and Invivo blend the new vintage of their Sauvignon Blanc, and ‘Spiritfilled’ co-founders Ross Archer and Russell Spratley present expressions from their Mythical Beasts collection of single malts to writers, collectors and trade.

Bottega has opened a brand new Prosecco bar at London Stansted airport, offering the passengers the opportunity to taste Bottega’s carefully selected still and sparkling wines. Each
wine can be paired with traditional Venetian and Italian food specialities, which will include a range of sharing platters.

Founders of indie bottler and cask broker, ‘Spiritfilled’, Ross Archer and Russell Spratley presented expressions from their Mythical Beasts collection of single malts to writers, collectors and trade at the ornate Victorian Bathhouse in the City. Charlie Turnbull, founding director of the Academy of Cheese, selected artisan cheeses to accompany these, including butterscotch like in flavour 48 month matured shaved Dutch Gouda with sumptuous Bruichladdich 30, an Islay whisky described by Ian Wisniewski as ‘an event in itself’, and week-old Rosary cheese from Salisbury with Glenrothes 15. With the latter, Turnbull had soaked apricots in the whisky prior which, he said, subsequently ‘drew out the creaminess of the goat’s cheese making a perfect low intensity but complex bridge to the Speyside whisky.’ It also informed the ganache of a bespoke milk and dark truffles created by the Birmingham based Kneals chocolatier. Finally, smoke met smoke in the match between smoked Westcombe Cheddar from Somerset raised by ‘the bold and experimental’ Tom Calver and peated Kilchoman 15 from Islay. Additional entertainment came from a solo played on a guitar made from the cask end of a particularly special Fettercairn 32 from the Highlands, of which fewer than 100 bottles exist. To learn more about Spiritfilled and Mythical Beasts, whose collection ranges from £68 to £425 per bottle, visit: https://www.spiritfilled.co.uk

And actress Sarah Jessica Parker and New Zealand producer Invivo have shared images from the 2022 blending session of their latest Sauvignon Blanc expression.

“I feel fortunate that I was able to meet my Invivo X, SJP partners Tim and Rob in person after two years apart and together blend our fourth vintage of Sauvignon Blanc,” said Sarah Jessica Parker, Cofounder of Invivo X, SJP.  “We were looking to build on the quality of our previous vintages and are thrilled with the result. Each of the base wines had great personalities so combining them to create something special took some work at the blending table. Our final 2022 Sauvignon Blanc blend is tropical and has wonderful fresh citrus aromatics with a full and round mouthfeel and long finish. We are eager for our customers around the world to try it.”

The Drinks Business awarded Invivo X, SJP “Best Launch” in 2020.

Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie DOC took over the incredible event space of the brand new Brighton Beach House by Soho House for an evening of Cicchetti and Pinot Grigio DOC.

70 plus journalists, influencers and buyers joined the consortium in the beautiful space, with a stunning terrace overlooking the iconic Palace Pier.

Guests were offered the chance to try 110 different Pinot Grigio DOC wines and learn more about the consortium, their mission and values.

The incredible Sussex singer Chelsey Chantelle kept the guests entertained with her wonderful vocals whilst guests dined on typical Italian cicchetti including Prosciutto di San Daniele, bruschetta and Grana Padano.

Have you been out and about this week? Got somewhere you think we should visit? Let us know!