Grand Vin Wine Merchants UK | Blog

Saint Emilion 2012 – why classify? Saint Emilion, in spirit at least, is far removed from the flat expanses and grand Châteaux of the Médoc. This hilly, sacred town is stirringly picturesque, with an ancient tradition of vines and winemaking. Today, both the town and its vineyards are a UNESCO world heritage site. There is a sense of a back story as you walk around Saint Emilion, which you don't need to be a wine nerd to feel. Religious significance, concentrated architectural interest and the eyrie views of vineyards combine to make this bit of Bordeaux more romantic than its left bank cousins. Today, Saint Emilion is famed as a source of the Right Bank's greatest wines, as renowned as the best of the Left Bank Médoc. Not so long ago, however, it was a bit of a vinous back-water. It is further from the major ports than the Médoc, and also from the tempering influence of the sea. Summer is warmer, but more abrupt. Merlot and Cabernet Franc dominate. Soils are very significa...

Behind the scenes I love putting on wine dinners, but of all wine experiences they take the most work. The search for the perfect and available venue is infinite. We were delighted to get in at Glaziers Hall, a relative youth of the London Livery Halls, which has lovely spaces, a central location and a super efficient events team. The wines may be the star attraction, but if the food disappoints, the evening will fail. So we blew the budget and chose award-winning caterers Inn or Out, whose director, Lena Bjorck - a knockout 6 foot Swedish blonde – inspires unfailingly high standards. Menu – by Inn or Out Selection of warm canapés: Lobster Bisque with a Parmesan and Fennel Straw ‘Old Spot’ Pork Belly with Apple and Honeyed Crackling Line Caught Halibut Wrapped in Pancetta with Gremolata Autumn Mushroom Beignet with a Béarnaise Dip Butternut Squash and Sage Risotto Served on a Spoon Jersey Royal with Melted Aged Cheddar and Sour Cream Ficelle and Crisp ...