Greater Manchester’s Boutinot Wines has come up with a winning formula, argues Sarah McCleery fresh from the importer’s London annual tasting. The range includes an above average number of keenly priced wines, with a clear knack for identifying people and places that delivery quality and interest at sensible prices, plus the team itself were really clued up with with a passion for their products.
Anyone walking into ProWein is left in no doubt they are about to venture into the world’s biggest international wine fair – with huge billboards and posters repeating the message at every entrance into Messe Dusseldorf – a claim the show has been proudly, and rightly, been able to live up to for at least the last 10 years. Whether it will still be able to say the same in five, never mind 10 years, time is up for serious debate following the new competition that Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris now offers. But what was also crystal clear from this year’s event is that ProWein is not going away anytime soon and for many buyers and producers, particularly those in the southern hemisphere, the fair is still the biggest show in their worlds. For others the jury is now firmly out on which event they should be focusing their efforts on. Richard Siddle was there to once again walk the 17 trading halls of Dusseldorf and report back on a show that needs to regroup, recalibrate, reset and listen to all those who now question what it can offer, whilst embracing the strong, loyal buyer and producer base who see their futures very much aligned to what ProWein can offer. Here’s part one of The Buyer’s two part analysis of the show.
It is still possible to find true value for money and quality when buying wine in the UK, despite the upward pressure on wine prices. To help people through this maze, and to demonstrate the sheer breadth of wines available in the UK, the Association of Wine Educators (AWE) has just published its 10th list of 100 AWEsome wines – based upon what 100 qualified wine educators have unearthed during the past year. AWE’s Heather Dougherty reveals how the list is created, points out some of the trends of the past decade and provides a link so you can discover some gems for yourself.
“We believe in supporting all those who choose this profession, regardless of their culture, gender, ethnicity or religion.” That was very much the spirit in which William Wouters, president of the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI), wanted to hold the organisation’s general assembly and a chance for the great and good of the sommelier world to come together to discuss a wide range of issues. David Kermode travelled to Monaco to report on what happened.
Ugandan rum, AI-generated wine, Coppola’s debut, ‘SuperRomans’ and terroir-obsessed wines from Spain, Lebanon, Greece and New Zealand, Enotria&Coe’s Annual Tasting 2024 seemed to have it all – alongside all its major brands, of course. Peter Dean tasted round the 146 producers, focussing on 12 producers that are new, had exciting new products or were so on-trend they had to have a mention.
Senior hospitality chiefs were in a fighting mood at this week’s Northern Restaurant and Bar show in Manchester on the back of last week’s much maligned Budget that might have seen a freeze in alcohol duty, but none of the much needed measures the sector was demanding in order to provide the urgent help so many operators are asking for. Despite the setbacks industry chiefs said the sector needs to stay strong and united so that it can take the fight into this year’s general election, reports Jonathan Caswell.
The Real Wine Fair in a nutshell. A two-day artisan wine and drinks grower event that celebrates the wines of small producers who farm organically, biodynamically and regeneratively and make low intervention and natural wines. This year around 185 producers from 20 countries will be coming to London’s Tobacco Dock to take part on April 28-29 with over 900 wines to taste and explore. Here founder and chief organiser, Doug Wregg of Les Cave de Pyrene, sets out what to expect from this year’s fair and where he sees the world of “Real Wine” going.
Picking your 10 favourite wines is always a tough call, but when it is from the many hundreds of jewels that sit in the crown of Armit Wine’s 2024 portfolio it is an almost impossible brief. But this was the task we set Justin Keay – to find his favourite wines for working in premium on-trade. Of course, Sassicaia 2021 made the final cut but what of the others? And how many of them were going to come from Armit’s considerable Italian range?
As Alliance Wine celebrates its 40th year, its 2024 portfolio tastings were a perfect opportunity for its producers and clients alike to mark the journey so far. We sent The Buyer’s Mike Turner along to the London tasting to discover the good and the great of the wines on show, and report back on which wines deserve a place on your wine list.
A positive reception was given to Koshu of Japan (KOJ) as it held its 15th annual trade tasting at 67 Pall Mall in London last month, with ten Japanese producers showcasing their Koshu wines. Leona De Pasquale caught up with producers, UK importers, and Isa Bal MS to discuss the opportunities and challenges for Koshu wines in the UK and why the on-trade should be enthusiastic about Japan’s signature wine grape variety.