Introducing our newest mixed case: The Sommelier Selection! For just £154 (plus free UK delivery) this case of three red and three white wines has been chosen by six of the UK's top Sommeliers; bringing innovative, expertly selected bottles to the comfort of your own home.
These incredibly talented Sommeliers are writing some of the most exciting wine lists around. With numerous Michelin stars, industry accolades and years of experience between them, they've pooled their vast knowledge to create a case that is brimming with exciting bottles and dynamic producers. Each wine is perfect to drink now: ready to open, pour and enjoy! The ultimate selection for your dinner table and wine rack.
This is a limited edition case. Once they're gone, they're gone!
Meet the Sommeliers
Charles Beaini // Kerridges Bar & Grill
Suertes del Marques, 'Trenzado', Tenerife 2020
Before opening Kerridge's Bar & Grill, at The Corinthia Hotel in London, Charles spent seven years at Tom Kerridge's two-Michelin starred pub The Hand & Flowers. He is now the Hotels Wine Director and continues to work closely with the Kerridge group. Charles has a knack for balancing classic British cuisine with innovative, boundary-pushing wines.
Why this wine:
"This one, I owe to Ellen at The Sourcing Table! It seems I have a penchant for native varietals, especially with a bit of oak on it. Purity with a smoky edge all dancing around some powerful lime and grapefruits. And such well-integrated lees, just the perfect ratio of weight to texture. It feels so alive!"
Pairing:
"I would happily have some juicy Ortiz anchovies with this. Oily fish getting zapped by this mineral white, I cannot see myself stopping eating one, taking a sip and then taking another and sip…"
Matt Varona // KOL
Heinrich, 'Leithaberg' Chardonnay, Austria 2020
Matt is the brains behind the ground-breaking wine list and mezcal offering at Mexican fine dining restaurant KOL in Marylebone, which just received its first Michelin star. He is also Beverage Manager for the MJMK group, which includes Nuno Mendes' newest venture 'Lisboeta'. His enthusiasm for natural, sustainable wine is infectious and inspiring.
Why this wine:
"In short, this wine represents tremendous value for money from a conscientious winemaker in a wine region that I feel is becoming more and more widely recognised for tremendous quality – especially by our guests at KOL. Lovely texture to this wine with fleshy fruit and a delicious smokey streak that for me makes it hard to put the glass down."
Pairing:
"I know it’s a classic pairing but recently in Barcelona, I went to a restaurant, where a friend used to work (Fismuler), and I saw a gentleman order a veal schnitzel the size of a satellite dish - a good 45cm in diameter. The waiter then cracked an egg and shmooshed the yolk over it. There were pickles too, lots. Perfect!"
Shane McHugh // Goodman
Little Frances, Semillon, California 2016
Shane cut his teeth with some of the UK's most acclaimed chefs, including Gordon Ramsay, Jason Atherton and Adam Handling, before taking on the list for iconic steak restaurant group Goodman. His passion for wine is far-reaching, but centres on a deep love for Californian wine. You'd be hard pushed to find someone with better Californian wine knowledge!
Why this wine:
"My whole goal/mission for Goodman, is to show just how much quality and diversity there is in California today, that it's not just about allocation, big producers with big chewy wines. That people can plant a vine, achieve a dream and reach a goal. I have a weak spot for Semillon, and this wine so waxy, nutty and moreish, it hits every spot."
Pairing:
"What I love most about this wine, is that it is the ULTIMATE pairing for one of our signature starters, tempura prawns, cajun mayo and avocado!"
Emma Denney // The Clove Club
Fedellos do Couto, 'As Xaras', Spain 2020
Emma is the Assistant Head Sommelier at two-Michelin starred The Clove Club, which currently ranks at 27 on 'The World's 50 Best' restaurant list. She is one of the best wine communicators we know and started her own Youtube channel 'Wine Chat' in 2020. She is also a current finalist for the prestigious Taittinger UK Sommelier of the Year award - particularly impressive given she's ranking amongst Master Sommeliers.
Why this wine:
"The 'As Xaras' from Fedellos do Couto is so pure and juicy, I don't see how anyone couldn't love it. It starts off with a fresh elegance with lots of pretty red fruit, but then always surprises me with its spicy complexity on the finish. Mencia is a grape that definitely doesn't get the attention it deserves, and I think it's incredibly delicious!"
Pairing:
"This example is great on its own, especially if you chill it down a little bit or to be paired with a really large range of food: anything from a charcuterie board to pizza and pasta or a summer BBQ. But I really think it's at its best paired with great friends in a park on a summer's day."
Sara Rossi // Trinity
Pheasant’s Tears, Saperavi, Georgia 2020
Sara has been Head Sommelier at Michelin starred Trinity, in Clapham, since 2018. She has immense knowledge of fine wine, alongside a serious passion for small producers and natural wines (heavily influenced by her time working at Simon Rogan's 'Fera' in Claridge's hotel). Her passion and talent lead her to win GQ Sommelier of the Year in 2020!
Why this wine:
"The wine comes from the eastern part of Georgian, in Bakurtsikhe, Kakheti region. it is made with 100% Saperavi variety, which is a rare grape from Georgian. It's fascinating because it's fermented and aged in the traditional qvevry amphora. Completely buried under the ground where the temperature stays constant throughout the year, allowing the wines to ferment in the natural coolness of the earth. I have chosen this wine, because of its unique history and taste, with deep structure and fine tannins!"
Pairing:
Though a substantial red, this is incredibly versatile. Try with grilled chicken, fresh herb and seasoned with extra virgin olive oil. Provencal tomatoes and new jersey potatoes cooked with butter.
Luke Harbor // The Pig Hotels
Candialle, Chianti Classico, Italy 2014
Luke is currently the Head Sommelier for The Pig's latest hotel opening in the South Downs, where he not only oversees the wine offering but their new vineyard project as well. He has also recently started his Master of Wine studies, which he juggles alongside an ongoing winemaking collaboration in Devon. There isn't an area of the wine world that Luke hasn't got covered!
Why this wine:
"A wine of passion, emotion, and rusticity. Elegance whilst remaining humble, akin to Tuscany’s unmistakable persona. A wine able to transport us to the winding backstreets of San Gimignano, it’s archetypal for Sangiovese, rich, generous with a signature herbal note carrying through on the finish. Gravelly, robust tannins give the wine an unplugged truth, resembling the poignant yet beautifully amicable gothic history of the region.
One of Chianti’s finest offerings, and a true credit to the seismic gastronomic culture surrounding the foothills of the Apennines."
Pairing:
"Keep it classic - Wild boar ragù and pappardelle!"
