Jenny Mackenzie enjoys the chance to enjoy Provence rosé Chateau de Berne-style at London’s new go to wine bar Les 110 de Taillevent.
Overall rosé sales might be on the slide but good old Provence rosé is still seen as the ultimate lifestyle wine style, according to Thomas de Lagarde, wine manager of Chateau de Berne wine estate. So where better than to bring it to life in London but at a wine bar that has become an icon even amongst the competitive Parisien wine bar scene and is now setting new standards in the UK – Les 110 de Taillevent.
Les 110 de Taillevent
Les 110 de Taillevent is owned by the Gardinier family of Chateau Phelan Segur in Bordeaux. With branches in Paris, London and soon New York, Taillevent’s concept is simple enough. One hundred and ten wines by the glass, but with a total wine list covering 330 bins.
But it is the quality, the diversity and the never ending list of surprises that you find on its list that makes that simple concept stand out against its competitive set. It also offers serves in 12.5 cl and 7cl sizes with each wine specifically chosen to match up to 30 or so different dishes on the menu.
Interestingly the wine list is not divided by country or grape variety but by price point. Which might seem unusual for a premium outlet. Diners can choose a different selection of wine priced between £8, £14 and £20 per glass with individual 12.5cl and 7cl prices within those price areas.
Chateau de Berne
Tourism is key at Chateau de Berne Chateau de Berne is a 1,500 acre estate (with 292 under vine), owned by Mark Dixon, founder of Regus, the specialist office hire business. Comprising four vineyard properties (Berne, Bertrands,Beausejour and now Roux), it is not just about making wine, but also branches out in to all areas of tourism, encompassing a restaurant, hotel and spa, cooking school, wedding venue plus a calendar of events throughout the year including jazz picnics, classic car shows and brocante fairs. Buyer wine picks and best sellers
The very distinctive style of bottles from Chateau Berne
Chateau de Berne rosés cover a wide price range from ‘party wines’ to premium lines in distinctive bottles which could be a real point of interest – and difference for on-trade buyers. But crucially it makes rosé styles designed to be enjoyed with different types of cuisine.
Having a Provence rosé on a list is pretty standard for most discerning bars and restaurants, but there could be an opportunity to expand and offer customers different styles and grape blends.
Chateau de Berne is also a classic example of the quality red and white wines now also being made in Provence which could be seen as regional ‘brand extensions’for the area. For example, Chateau de Berne Blanc, a 50% Rolle (Vermentino) and Semillon blend, made in ‘Burgundian style’ (ie oak influence) is a versatile food white, perfect with seafood pasta dishes.
Influence of food
Being so involved in serving and producing its own food means Chateau de Berne is very much on trend to knowing how its wines pair and work with different styles of food. The Chateau de Roux property, for example,has some 60 goats producing cheese, which is an excellent match for Provence rosé wines.
Seasonal cooking matched to wine is at the heart of the offer at Les 110 de Taillevent
Les 110 de Taillevent clearly shares the same principles, matching its 110 wines by the glass to a changing seasonal menu. Having the flexibility to change, mix up and adapt its list to complement the fast paced, competitive London restaurant scene, as well as seasonal changes in produce makes it ideally placed to change its wine range with dishes to match.
It is clearly working as Les 100 de Taillevent has become popular not only with the smart business set getting down to work over its very well priced lunch menus (£20 for a two course and £25 for a three course menu), it is also popular with shoppers and tourists being so close to Oxford Street. Les 100 de Taillevent has a elegant, buzzy vibe yet is comfortable, friendly and, most of all, feels very French.
Contact Websites: Chateau de Berne / Les 100 de Taillevent Addresses: Les 110 de Taillevent, 16 Cavendish Square, London W1G 9DD Social Media: @Chateau_Berne Facebook / @110london / Facebook * Jenny Mackenzie writes other articles under her own blog, Early Bird Wine News.
