How To Build Your Wine Case
Our Online Food & Beverage Manager, Thomas Ottey, talks perfect pairings and more
Balfour Hush Heath Estate
Victoria Ash Blanc de Blancs 2012/2013
1“Think about wines that remind you of holidays or special moments. I first visited Kent’s Hush Heath a decade ago and was shown around by the then Assistant Winemaker Victoria Ash. She’s now one of the country’s top sparkling wine producers, as this incredible bottle demonstrates. It will appeal to both Champagne connoisseurs and the Pét-Nat generation.”
SHOP BALFOUR HUSH HEATH
JJ Prüm
Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett 2017
2“Picture the food you’re going to be eating, but don’t get too hung up on it. If you pair wines you love with your favourite food, you can't go too far wrong. That said, if like me you enjoy powerful spicy food it can dull fruitiness and overwhelm many wines. Choose something with a touch of sweetness and lots of refreshing acidity, just like this Riesling masterpiece. ”
SHOP JJ Prüm
Chateau la Mascaronne
Quat'Saisons Rosé 2019
3“Learning more about a subject can elevate your enjoyment, so it's always good to dig a little deeper. For example, everyone loves Brangelina’s iconic Château Miraval; no summer would be complete without it. However, those looking for something a little different might like to consider Château La Mascaronne – a more boutique property run by the man who built up Miraval before selling on to its celebrity owners.”
SHOP CHATEAU LA MASCARONNE
Bodegas Maestro Tejero
The Thing Moscatel 2018 Half Bottle 375ml
4“Don’t forget dessert. Natural, no-added-sulphur, sweet Moscatel that's grown on the edge of the red wine region that gave the world Pingus and Vega Sicilia, it tastes like an unholy mash-up of Tokaji, Oloroso Sherry, Moscatel de Setubal and natural wine. Cloudy as the British weather and sweet as honey; it’s just the thing. If you’re not into cooking, then simply drizzle over ice cream.”
SHOP Bodegas Maestro Tejero
Viniterra
Single Vineyard Malbec 2015
5“Embrace new customs. When it comes to Argentine Malbec, the mind instantly flits to steak night. But, if you want the true Argentinian experience, then indulge in Dia de Ñoquis (Day of Gnocchi), a tradition that happens on the 29th of every month. It’s the perfect occasion to put the Viniterra Single Vineyard Malbec 2015 through its paces. Especially when it was crowned Best Malbec in the World by the International Wine & Spirit Competition in 2017!”
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Torres
Black Truffle Crisps 125g
6“Probably best to throw in a couple of bags of the world’s most decadent snack, to line the stomach. One of Harvey Nichols’ bestsellers, these are proving a lockdown love affair, especially at my house. I've had truffles at Michelin-starred restaurants that don’t taste as truffly as these crisps. If you haven’t tried them, get in there fast before I eat them all.”
SHOP TORRES
Maker's Mark
Harvey Nichols Private Select Bourbon Whisky 2020
7“One of the best things about buying wine through Harvey Nichols, apart from all those lovely Reward points, is that you’re not limited to just wine. There are a plethora of spirits to choose from too, but my pick would be this unique Bourbon. A limited-edition collaboration between our buyers and Maker’s Mark, it oozes Armagnac-soaked dried figs, walnut baklava, crème brûlée, maple syrup drizzled on pancakes, pecan and apple pie and Cognac barrel goodness.”
SHOP Maker’s Mark
Harvey Nichols
Wine Buyers' Picks #3 - Case of Six
8“If the thought of curating you own wine case feels a bit too daunting, we’ve got your back. Our Wine Buyers have let slip what they're filling their home wine racks with and we’ve turned their tips into mixed cases. The first two iterations sold out in a matter of weeks, so here’s number three – it has summer written all over it.”
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